Geography Alumni

Major
Mathematics

After Richmond
Virginia Commonwealth University

Currently
Works at Resource Environmental Systems

Advice
Learn some coding.

Majors
Geography and International Studies

After Richmond
Masters in Applied Urban Science and Informatics from NYU’s Center for Urban Science and Progress

Currently
Works at the New York City Department of City Planning

Advice
Don’t look for a career "in GIS." Spatial isn’t special and with emerging tools the traditional role of a GIS Analyst is becoming obsolete. Therefore, look for roles in industries that interest you and in companies whose values you admire, regardless if they use Esri or not. Then, once in the position, develop ways to apply your advanced skillset.

Majors
Environmental Studies and Geography

After Richmond
Masters in Urban Placemaking/Design from Pratt Institute

Currently
Works as an Information Designer at the Citizens Housing & Planning Council of New York

Advice
Leverage the hard skills that GIS offers alongside your passions and interests. The world of GIS and location intelligence is expanding rapidly, so I don’t think it hurts to test and push the boundaries of what GIS can and should be used for. Design and technology can solve problems.

Majors
Environmental Studies and PPEL

Currently
Works at Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan

Advice
Keep at it! And use the resources available to you at UR!

Majors
Geography and Leadership Studies

After Richmond
Getting Masters in City Planning at the University of Pennsylvania School of Design

Currently
Interns at Southeast Pennsylvania Transportation Authority

Advice
Take as many GIS-related courses as you can, but also try to incorporate GIS into course projects that might not necessarily require it. Learn how to make your maps attractive - there are many people who have some experience with GIS now, so taking it to the next level will make you stand out, especially if you plan on making a portfolio!

Majors
Environmental Studies and Geography

Currently
Works at Greater Richmond Partnership

Advice
Take all classes at UR, get involved in the SAL, intern during the summer and semesters, network with local professionals, and use free online resources to learn more skills.

Majors
Environmental Studies and Geography

After Richmond
Master of Environmental Management from Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment

Currently
Works for Duke University’s Initiative for Science & Society

Advice
Many employers are not aware of everything you can do with spatial analysis, and many are just looking for people to make really simple maps. So, if you plan to look for a job using GIS, make sure to really investigate what sort of spatial analysis the employer will want you to do.

Majors
Environmental Studies and Geography

After Richmond
Masters in Urban and Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia

Currently
Works at Cacapon and Lost Rivers Land Trust in Wardensville, WV

Advice
GIS is used in so many different fields now. Be sure to research how your GIS skills can apply to the career field you are looking to enter, and market yourself appropriately!

Majors
Environmental Studies and Geography

After Richmond
Attended the University of Florida and University of Central Arkansas

Currently
Works as a GIS System Administrator in the city of Charlotte, an adjunct professor at Queen’s University of Charlotte, and a Senior Software Development Product Manager at Cloosiv

Advice
Embrace the hard stuff; the quicker you learn Python, SQL, JS, server-side GIS, Web GIS and all the new developments in GIS, the more agile and powerful you can be as a person ’doing GIS.’

Major
Environmental Studies

After Richmond
Attended Pennsylvania State University

Currently
Works at HDR

Advice
Stay current with technology, participate in GIS organizations/user groups, and reach out to GIS Alumni and professionals; GIS users love to have “GIS talk” whenever they can.