Careers
The demand for geospatial scientists across a wide range of disciplines and employment sectors continues to increase the options for Geospatial Information Science (GIS) careers. According to the US Department of Labor, the geospatial industry will be one of the technology areas creating the most jobs in the coming decade. In North Carolina alone, the NC Department of Commerce projects an average of 360 openings per year through the year 2020.
To help our students meet that demand and link students to potential employers, we have created this page to serve as a ‘dashboard,’ providing students with a centralized place to find job links, gain insight into professional organizations, and learn about other geospatial professional development opportunities to further GIS careers.
Typical Employers
Our graduates typically work with one of the following:
- Government Agencies and Departments
- Research/Consulting Organizations
- Industry
- Non-profits
- Non-governmental Organizations (NGO)
- Military
Professional Development and Job Resources
Use the following resources to network, explore internship and job opportunities and to learn more about education and professional development related to this field. In addition to our links below, you will also find numerous professional development resources through Degree Prospects’ Data Science portal. Students are also encouraged to join our LinkedIN Networking Group where you can discuss the geospatial profession and network with alumni and other current students.
- Job & Internship Postings
In addition to individual job and internship announcements posted via the MGIST and Certificate listservs, there are numerous job search engines specific to the geospatial industry to help your GIST careers search. In addition to those listed below, students also have access to ePACK, the job and internship repository for NC State students. A few of the more prominent job blogs are highlighted below.
The GIS Jobs Map: Interactive map cataloging GIS positions in the US and several countries.
The GIS Jobs Clearinghouse: Summary of numerous other job sites
Opportunities with Esri: Student Jobs and Internships with sEri
MyGISJobs.com: National Job Blog
geojobs.biz: Geospatial Career Portal
GIS Jobs: Job blog with resume posting capabilities
URISA Jobs: Job blog hosted by URISA
- Organizations for Geospatial Professionals
There are several professional organizations that students may consider for membership to enhance their GIST careers. Membership benefits and fees can vary, but generally provide exclusive access to job postings, professional conferences, and other professional development activities and materials. If you are interested in becoming a member of any of these organizations, contact Dr. Eric Money, the Associate Director of Professional Education, for the possibility of reduced or free membership as a student.
Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA): An independent, not-for-profit 501c(3) organization established in 1966 striving to provide exceptional educational experiences, a vibrant and connected community, and the essential resources you need to be successful in your career. URISA is a multidisciplinary association where professionals from all parts of the spatial data community come together to share concerns and ideas.
- Geospatial Information & Technology Association (GITA): GITA’s mission is the delivery of high quality, ongoing education and engagement opportunities for geospatial professionals in the utility and infrastructure sectors.
- North Carolina ArcGIS Users Group: Regional user group for ArcGIS whose mission is to support its members by increasing technical expertise, building contracts within the GIS community and keeping members up to date with the latest developments in GIS. Other parts of the country also host regional groups. You can find some of those here: Other Regional GIS User Groups
- Association for Computing Machinery (ACM): The world’s largest educational and scientific computing society, delivers resources that advance computing as a science and a profession.
- United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation (USGIF): Dedicated to bringing together the many disciplines involved in the geospatial intelligence sector to exchange ideas, share best practices and promote the education and importance of a national geospatial intelligence agenda.
- Cartography and Geographic Information Society (CaGIS): An organization focused on furthering new developments and theories in cartography and GIS.
- National Professional Science Masters Association: For students in the MGIST program interested in professional development and wanting to learn more about PSM degrees.
- Additional Organizations
- Professional Certifications
GISP: The GISP (Certified GIS Professional) is a certification credential that many geospatial professionals seek as part of their career development and aspirations. While a GISP certification is not a necessity for many employers, students are encouraged to examine the criteria for obtaining the GISP. It is multi-year process, and many of our students have used the MGIST and Certificate programs to meet some of the GISP requirements. The GISP process is administered by the GIS Certification Institute. Students should consult their website for more information.
GEOINT: The United States Geospatial Intelligence Foundation has also recently announced a new pilot program for GEOINT credentialing.
ASPRS: The Imaging and Geospatial Information Society (formerly American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing) maintains a certification program for professionals.
- Professional Conferences
There are a number of conferences, both general and specialized, that occur each year and are a great opportunity to present your work, network with other geospatial professionals and potential employers, and learn about trends and innovations in the geospatial sciences. Students are encouraged to explore opportunities to attend these conferences and submit abstracts for posters and presentations. For students presenting at a conference, some funds may be available to support travel and registration. Students should consult with the program director for more information. A few of the more popular conferences are listed below.
American Geophysical Union Annual Conference (AGU)
American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS)
Association of American Geographers Annual Meeting (AAG)
Association for Computing Machinery – International Conference on Advances in GIS (ACM SIGSPATIAL)
Cartography and Geographic Information Society (CaGIS)
Esri Southeastern Users Conference
GEOINT Symposium (USGIF)
International Conference on Geographic Information Science (GIScience)
North Carolina Arc Users Group Annual Conference (NCAUG)
North Carolina GIS Conference (NCGIS)
Open Source Geospatial Foundation Annual Meeting (FOSS4G: North American and International)
International Conference on Geographic Information Science (GIScience)
University Consortium for Geographic Information Science Annual Symposium (UCGIS)
URISA GIS-Pro Annual Conference
Job Titles
Research or develop geospatial technologies. Analyse data, advise clients and impact processes. Our graduates find rewarding careers working in the following positions:
- Data Manager
- GIS Analyst
- Physical / Geoscience Technician
- Surveying / Mapping Technician
- Security / Defense Intelligence Analyst
- Physical Scientist
- Energy Analyst / Auditor
- Data Analyst
- Data Scientist
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