What do you do if you want to evaluate your progress in your Geographic Information Systems (GIS) career?

1 Skillset Audit

To begin evaluating your GIS career progress, conduct a skillset audit. Take stock of the technical skills you've acquired, such as proficiency in GIS software like ArcGIS or QGIS, and consider your understanding of spatial analysis, cartography, and data management. Compare your current abilities to job descriptions of roles you aspire to or industry standards. This exercise can highlight the skills you need to develop further and might reveal unexpected areas of expertise that could open new doors in your career.

2 Project Review

Reflect on the GIS projects you've completed or contributed to. Consider the complexity, scale, and impact of these projects. Were they successful, and what was your role in that success? Analyzing past work can provide insights into your strengths and weaknesses. It can also help you understand the types of projects that align with your career aspirations and identify any gaps in your project management or technical execution.

4 Goal Alignment

Your personal career goals should guide your progress evaluation. Are the projects you're working on and the skills you're developing aligned with where you want to be? Perhaps you aim to specialize in remote sensing or want to lead a team of GIS professionals. Assessing how your current trajectory matches your ambitions will help you make necessary adjustments to your career plan.

5 Learning Initiatives

Continual learning is essential in the ever-evolving field of GIS. Have you taken any courses, attended workshops, or obtained certifications recently? These learning initiatives are indicators of your commitment to professional growth. They can also make you more competitive in the job market and equip you with the latest methodologies and technologies in GIS.

6 Future Trends

Lastly, stay informed about future trends in GIS. The field is influenced by advancements in technology, such as drone mapping, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI). Understanding these trends and preparing for their impact on the industry can position you ahead of the curve and open up new opportunities for career advancement.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?