Seeking GIS-related opportunities

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03-03-2015 02:59 PM
JeremyManor
New Contributor

I am a college graduate searching for employment opportunities in GIS. I have been on several job boards, GIS job boards, and career websites, and it has been difficult to look for a position that best fits my qualifications. Almost all of these job postings list requirements that state the employer is looking for candidates with several years of experience in GIS. I recently posted a discussion about enrolling in specific GIS-review courses, but I wanted to know more about any internships or entry-level positions in the field. I am specifically looking for work in either Long Island or New York City. If anyone knows of any opportunities, please feel free to message me.

Respectfully,

Jeremy

Tags (2)
8 Replies
DarrenWiens2
MVP Honored Contributor

"Must have 3+ years of experience" = "Entry level." Just go for it.

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ChrisDonohue__GISP
MVP Alum

What Darren says is so true in the Private Sector.  Business's will ask for much more than they need (or are willing to pay for).

If they want 3 years or less, you can apply to these to try to land a first GIS job.  Don't be put off by the wording.

Chris Donohue, GISP

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PaulMorrison2
New Contributor II

I totally agree with Darren and Chris.   Move forward with applying for the job.   So many variables go into trying to find and hire the right individual and I think it is the rare exception where any candidates meets the full criteria list.

Good luck with your job search.   Be persistent and treat it like a job.

Paul

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MelitaKennedy
Esri Notable Contributor

You might check with your university's career center if they have any knowledge of companies that have accepted interns in the past. They may be more likely to have entry level jobs as well.

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LisaTurner
Occasional Contributor II

Hey Jeremy,

Another option out there was listed on another thread. Re: What was your very first GIS related job/internship? It appears to be volunteer based, but it would allow you to gain some experience.

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ChrisDonohue__GISP
MVP Alum

Be aware that job requirements and willingness to hire someone who does not have all of them are treated differently between the Public and Private Sector.

In the Public Sector (government), the listed requirements are usually treated as the absolute minimum.  Governments tend to require much more in the way of documented experience and education that the Private Sector for an equivalent job, to the point some would say of over-requiring abilities for a job.

In the Private Sector (business), the requirements are more of a "wish-list".  Unless they state that the applicant absolutely must have a skill, they are usually open to hiring someone who has only some of them.

Specifically, be aware that in the Private Sector they will take candidates who have only some of the skills they list in GIS,if the candidate also has education and/or skills specific to the business they are in.  For example, if you studied Economics and know GIS, that can be a way to get in to do GIS with firms that do Economic analysis.  So for Private firms, in your cover letter, application, and interview, be sure to bring up the relevant non-GIS areas where you can be of help to the business.

Chris Donohue, GISP

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StevenGraf1
Occasional Contributor III

Take it upon yourself to learn some of the other skills that you may not have learned in school such as SQL Server (free download from Microsoft and training via their Virtual Academy), JavaScript/HTML/Python (free to learn on many sites), sign up for a free ArcGIS Online account, and read up on the Esri blogs to stay informed on what's changing.

Once you land a job you will see how SQL Server, programming and other components all work with GIS.

Once you know the basics, put them on your resume because these skills will make you a more desirable employee.

Steven

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TimWitt2
MVP Alum

Also go to USAjob.gov sometimes they advertise jobs that are strictly for recent graduates.

They way I got my job was by doing volunteer GIS work for the county I was living in. This will not only give you contacts but it will also introduce you to real life GIS work.

Tim

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