Profile

I use GIS mapping software to help businesses make more strategic marketing decisions. GIS stands for geographic information systems. GIS is a descriptive term that identifies a general field and specific types of mapping software. Many colleges have GIS degree programs, often in the Natural Sciences department.

GIS mapping software is a sophisticated computer program. I like to think about GIS as food, like a 7 layer chip dip. You can add many different layers to the dip and develop a complex concoction. For example, one layer of the dip might be data about roads. Another layer might be census data. Another layer might be store locations, weather patterns or consumer addresses. I can add almost any type of geographic data to develop a sophisticated map that allows the data to be seen in a spatial way. A picture gives clients more insights about what is happening in the real world.

Most clients want to know about who and where: who are potential and existing customers and where are they located. GIS can answer questions like where is the best place to put a new store or add sales reps.

I spend approximately 30% of my time giving presentations and talking to clients about their marketing questions and the best way to use GIS to answer them. I do a lot of client education about GIS.

I spend approximately 70% of my time using GIS mapping software to analyze geographic data and create maps.

1. Communication. Because GIS is a specialized, little known field, communication skills are critical. I have to be able to clearly describe GIS and its benefits and give persuasive presentations to clients.
2. Creativity. The ability to think creatively is also essential. I have to figure out the best way to use GIS and find the right data to answer the client’s specific questions.
3. Technical Ability. My job requires excellent computer skills, including software programming.
4. Analytical Thinking. My job involves analyzing and summarizing layers of data. You need to love data and research to do this job. A good understanding of statistics is also important.
5. Spatial Ability. The ability to think in pictures and see things in a spatial dimension is important.
6. Motivation. A lot of self-training is required to master the complexity of using GIS.
7. Organization. GIS is complicated and organization skills are very important.

I usually work 40-50 hours per week. I have a lot of flexibility. It’s one of the reasons I chose this field. I work at home 3 days a week and in the office 2 days a week. I can work early in the morning or late at night.

1. I love seeing light bulbs go off in a clients’ heads when they understand how GIS can help them improve their business.
2. I love people. This job gives me the opportunity to meet new people, give presentations, and sell my product.
3. I also love basic cartography, which involves creating and analyzing beautiful maps.

1. It’s tough when clients don’t have adequate budgets to purchase the data to do the best work possible.
2. It’s difficult when a client doesn’t “get it.” Some people can’t see data spatially.
3. I don’t like unrealistic timelines because they can compromise the end result.

During my college graduation, exit-interview, a professor told me that he could see me selling make-up at Kmart. I was outraged but this advice made me more determined to make a go of my career. That professor was the first person I called when I got my GIS job.

If you can’t pay for school, seek every scholarship opportunity you can. You don’t have to be the smartest or the most athletic person to get a scholarship. There are lots of opportunities.

Trying to determine what degree to get is a matter of eliminating what you don't want to do, focusing on a passion, and determining the logic of the income and flexibility.

I would have gotten a master’s degree. Although I had money left from my scholarship, I didn’t go to graduate school. I was sick of school and anxious to start my career.

I’ve always been interested in geology and geography, both physical and human. A professor talked to me about GIS and I was hooked. He emphasized the flexibility of a career in GIS. It can be done from a computer in a home office. This was very intriguing to me because I planned to have children and wanted flexibility.

When I was born, I had a cleft palate – no roof to my mouth. I had a big hole up past my nose and my lips were split apart. Initially, my family was concerned that this was a tragedy and that it would be a handicap.

I’ve had over 12 surgeries to try to repair my mouth and make me look more normal. I’ve had multiple metal plates, screws, and bone from my hip put in my face.

Growing up, I couldn’t speak properly. Because of the deformity of my mouth, I couldn’t make all of the normal sounds. My parents were very loving and supportive. They got me the help I needed. I had speech therapy for years and ongoing surgery as I grew.

Children at school, however, were cruel. They teased and tormented me. I would put my hand over my mouth and run away. I used to hide, even at home, because I felt so bad about their comments on how I looked. I was glad when it was winter and I could wear a ski mask over my entire face.

My dad used to tell me that a person needs to do one thing a day that they don’t like because it builds character. My challenges have definitely built my character. They have made me stronger, more tolerant, more driven and compassionate. I’m proud of my scars and what I’ve been able to accomplish.