MapPros! Careers in Geospatial Technologies

John Ekroth

"Look into what areas of geography interest you most and find out which schools offer the best courses in those areas. Talk to people who work in the field."

GIS Intern - Jon Ekroth

Field: GIS
Job Title: GIS Intern    
P
lace of Employment: Rockingham Planning Commission, Exeter, New Hampshire

What is your current job and what does it entail?

Assist GIS Specialist and Transportation Analyst with ongoing projects that involve state and local agencies.

In your day-to-day activities, who are the people that you interact with regularly?

GIS Manager, Transportation Analyst

For your position, what skills do you need in geospatial technologies?

GIS software knowledge, ability to understand how maps are produced.

For your position, what skills outside of geospatial technologies are required?

Computer skills, word processing, attention to detail.

What was the key factor in your career decision?

Discovering what my real interests and skills were and finding a job that uses them.

What do you like most about your career?

Being able to work with data and computers to make maps. Ability to work independently.

What do you like least about your career?

Some work can be monotonous.

What do you do to relax?

Listen to music, watch movies.

Who are your heroes/heroines?

People who sacrifice their lives for the benefit of others.

What advice would you give a high school student who expressed an interest in pursuing a career in your field?

Look into what areas of geography interest you most and find out which schools offer the best courses in those areas. Talk to people who work in the field.

Are career opportunities in your field increasing or decreasing and why?

Opportunities should be improving. This is because of decreasing expenses to start a GIS and the openings that are created. The power of GIS is also being used in more and more industries.

Salary Range: <$10,000 (part time)

 

Degree Major Institution

Certificate

GIS

Penn State World Campus

B.A.

History

Eastern Connecticut State University