Why Pursuing a GIS Graduation Program is a Smart Career Move

With graduation upon us, many are browsing the internet to find the right career solutions. The three things you should be marking when picking your graduation subject are interest, career opportunities, and salary.

GIS, or Geographic information system, is one such graduation program that marks all the checklists. They are an up-and-coming program that is paving the way for many career options for geography and technology enthusiasts.

If this is your first time hearing about this graduation program, and the geography enthusiast in you is already excited, then keep reading.

What Is The GIS Graduation Program

GIS stands for Geographic Information System and is the amalgamation of geographical mapping and technology. The GIS program teaches you the nitty gritty programming of high-end geospatial technology applications.

Since the commencement and popularity of satellite direction, Geospatial technology has paved the way for understanding physical disturbances through technology. This is helping understand traffic on roads and highways, provides better directional assistance, finds unauthorized refugee citations to help them, and many more.

However, in order to streamline it all, one requires a map. This is what a GIS technician will focus on after graduation.

Reasons To Opt For GIS Graduation Program

Here are the trendiest reasons why many opt for the GIS graduation program after graduating high school; from high salaries to career opportunities, they have it all covered.

1. It Is A Growing Market

According to the latest statistics, the GIS industry is predicted to surpass $134.23 billion by 2030, according to the Directors Magazine emergence report. Geospatial technology has also been made easier to adapt through the speedy adoption of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning in every industry.

Plus, the government is keen on funding the GIS industry due to telecommunications now converting to 5G and every piece of information being in the palm of the hands (cell phone with 5G internet connection). Industries like internet broadband and autonomous vehicles will benefit heavily from these geospatial technologies.

Plus, in simple terms, urban planning is much easier with the help of satellite maps on your phone.

2. There Is A Goal For Your Passion

The difficulty that most college students face is the funneling down of career options. However, with the GIS program, you can find a suitable career opportunity that suits your goal and passion. Probably because the industry is not limited to one option.

You will be so much more than a GIS technician. To give you an idea of the career demands generated every day from the GIS field:

• Transportation and navigation
• Academia
• Government (federal, state, and local)
• Surveying, engineering, and construction
• Health and epidemiology
• Mining and oil
• Archaeology and history

Your interest can lie in any of the above-mentioned sectors, and a GIS graduation certificate should be able to secure a place for you here.

3. A Competitive Salary Package

Every job site will have a high demand for GIS graduates, and because the number graduating is not that high, it is not surprising that the salary packages are high.

From technical to analyst to GIS AI expert, the starting package for every GIS executive is essentially more than the average starting package in other industries.

Someone who has graduated and has a skill in the GIS technology sector can start their salary at $63,900. The average salary can increase up to 10% more if the person has a master’s degree in a GIS post-graduation program.

For the GIS information technology field, where an individual who has a good idea about working with AI and machine learning can have a salary package of up to $92,700.

If one has worked in the geospatial industry for more than half a decade and they have honed geospatial intelligence through their experience, their salary is $110,500. However, in order to get such a high salary package, one has to go through a difficult interview and screening process to show the credibility of their skill.

Some of the other salary packages for specific GIS niches will include the following.

• Hydrologist – $84,032
• GIS Software Engineer – $120,744
• Land Surveyor – $61,610
• GIS Supervisor – $95,264
• GIS Program Manager – $159,016
• CAD Drafter – $60,341
• GIS Technician – $46,904
• Geographer – $85,218
• GIS Specialist – $95,264

4. You Are Contributing To The Society

Finding your place in a better society through your career is a priority for many. Therefore, they start looking for career options that don’t just allow them to earn but also contribute to their society.

With a GIS program graduation, you can get into jobs that are not just exploring new geospatial technologies but also solving societal issues. There is demand for technological mapping and geographical data collection, which can assist urban planning better for a streamlined future. This is why government funding for the GIS industry is skyrocketing.

Therefore, you will be a part of one such industry which will fulfill not only your basic needs but also your self-esteem needs. Most importantly, you are closer to self-actualization, giving your full potential for an industry where you are contributing to society.

GIS Career Opportunities You Should Consider

If you are looking through some of the common GIS opportunities which can give you the maximum opportunity and salary benefits, then consider the following ones.

1. Conservationist

If you are a travel enthusiast and find yourself delving into the historical and natural wonders of the world, then you can do so with your GIS degree. Put your skills to use while traveling and collecting data all around the world.

Then put that data into use with the help of your GIS technology skills and find work world natural and historical locations in requirement of preservation and conservation. This will include forgotten historical monuments or wildlife with highly endangered species.

2. Health Geographer

Imagine if one can predict the location where an epidemic might break next and warn the people beforehand. A GIS engineer with knowledge of information technology can put their skills forward to build such an application. GPS technology of such kind can help prevent diseases.

3. Crisis GPS Developer

You can put your skills to use for protecting people from natural and manmade disasters. For example, a GPS alerts firefighters and crisis workers during natural disasters about the location beforehand for them to maximize damage control.

4. Climate Scientist

Accurate climatic and weather prediction can save many in the nautical industry and boost outcomes for industries like agriculture. You can create the largest data archive for climate dating back for years and, through GIS technology, provide the closest to accurate climatic analysis. It is a rewarding job, and one with a good salary package.

How To Get A Good Job After Completing Your GIS Graduation Program

If you have graduated or are about to graduate from your GIS graduation program, then this is how you are going to look for the right job for your future.

1. Pick A Niche

The GIS industry has been branching out in many directions depending on the sector, which will require geospatial mapping. So, you have to pick and choose a niche to your preference. As a GIS specialist, you can move to the following sectors:

• History.
• Health.
• Natural Conservation.
• Climate.
• Automobile.
• Government sectors.

2. Explore A Few Opportunities

If you have picked your niche, do not stick to it too rigidly. Try to explore other sectors as well. This you can do with courses, training, and internships before getting into a final job. You can even explore in terms of job descriptions.

GIS has many opportunities for those who wish to work in an office space, travel, or work from home. At the end of the day, it is where you can rise to your full potential. When you select opportunities, also analyze the salary structure and growth statistics.

3. Go For Post-Graduate Program

If you have some time in hand and you also want to join a sector with better knowledge and a higher salary package, then go for a GIS postgraduate program.

For this, first, you will require to choose through a GIS niche, whether it is technician, engineering, or AI. Rather than going for a generic Post Graduate program, we would advise you to go for an industry niche-oriented one.

4. Pay Attention To Your Resume

A generic resume will get you disqualified from the screening process itself. When you are applying for fields like geographical climate analysis, mapping, cartographer positions, or application development, your CV has to be specific.

Plus, it should accompany a customized cover letter to explain why you find yourself better suited for the position they are offering.

5. Be Honest With Your Salary Expectation

Yes, GIS is one such career opportunity that provides high salary expectations. However, as a fresher, you are more prone to accepting the first offer.

Research all the medium and high salary packages and evaluate that with the skills you will be offering. Overall, do not go for a salary less than your expected amount.

GIS Graduation Program

Needless to say, this highly technical graduation program won’t be a piece of cake. A four-year program will require you to work hard and hone your skills.

This will include assignments, essays, and a thesis which will evaluate your learning and determine your marks. If you are good at GIS but not great with words, then you can take help from our custom essay writing service to help better your assignments.

Other than that, the GIS program will play a big role in your learning curve and in finding your interest in academics and knowledge.