How do you evaluate and join GIS professional associations and organizations?

Hello! (Uncle) Hi! (Me) Oh Son you are Saeed's Son? (Uncle) Yes (Me) What are you doing ?(Uncle) I have done GIS(Me) Whatttttttttt? Whats is GIS (Uncle) Nothing :( (Me) What GIS means? Its a very common thing that we GISers face everyday, We were sitting at a restaurant last week and this Uncle came rest you know. If you want to become rich, sit, meet and follow rich people, if you want to make your career in GIS a successful thumbs up. Meet GISers as much as possible and this happens at GIS organizations, seminars and conferences. We see different people coming from different background seeing GIS as their part of life makes us feel immense sense of satisfaction that yeah.....! People are out there who love gis like me.

GIS is an exciting, rapidly changing, and cool technology that merges nicely with many other technologies you may be interested in, such as video, web development, and phone apps. maps have been fascinating and powerful sources of information. GIS combines the best of visualization and technology. Today's maps are not just reference sources, they are dynamic, and you can change them to suit whatever need you have or problem you are trying to solve. you must assess the mission, vision, values, and goals of the association or organization to determine if they align with your own interests, values, and aspirations

Some of the benefits i find in Joining GIS professional associations and organizations are: 1. Networking: By joining these associations, you get the opportunity to connect with other professionals in the GIS industry. This can expand your professional network, allowing you to learn from others, collaborate on projects, and stay updated on the latest trends and developments. 2. Professional Development: Associations often offer educational resources, workshops, conferences, and training programs. These can help you enhance your skills, stay updated with new technologies, and gain valuable knowledge in GIS-related areas. 3. Career Opportunities 4. Advocacy and Support: Professional organizations often advocate for the GIS industry.

Being a part of a professional body has immense benefits, in terms of wealth of experience one gains as a young professional. One gets the opportunity to interface on a one on one basis with industry leaders. A good example is participants getting to meet thought leaders like Jack Dangermond at ESRI UC. It is also a melting pot/meeting point of experts with vast knowlegde. That being said. It is important one starts from verified local associations closest to one. Example like Association of Nigerian Geographers (ANG), Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS). They have direct links, and affilations to verified international professional bodies like American Association of Geographers (AAG) , and International Federation of Surveyors (FIG).

Googling is a skill and a useful tool, i google about a lot of GIS organizations, which in turn made me come to know about GISCorps back the, which i later volunteered with during the Covid 19 Pandemic, and contributed to mapping exercise. you can always start by googling what you are looking for and read on details on how to become a part of the community.