Geography and GIS Career Map

Awareness

First Year

• Understand that geography is not just memorizing countries and capitals, but a science that integrates natural and social sciences.
• Recognize that geographers focus on two fundamental research questions: "Where are things located?" and "Why are they located there?".
• Learn that there is high demand in business, industry, and government for individuals trained in physical, human, and geographic information science (GIS).
• Develop an awareness of how geography helps in the rational use of natural resources to prevent environmental deterioration.

Second Year

• Identify the difference between Physical Geographers, who study weather, climate, and coastal processes, and Human Geographers, who study the spatial distribution of human activities.
• Become aware of the technical power of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a tool for spatial analysis and problem-solving.
• Recognize that the term "geographer" is rarely used in job titles, yet the skills are applicable across a remarkable range of occupations.

Last Years

• Acknowledge the professional versatility of the degree in both the public and private sectors.
• Understand the importance of applying geographic research to solve real-world problems for planning agencies and private businesses.
• Stay informed about graduation requirements and the synthesis of physical and human geography knowledge.

Exploration

First Year

• Explore the foundational areas of the discipline: physical geography, human geography, and geographic information science.
• Visit the Department of Earth Sciences to learn about the specialized tools geographers use to map the world.
• Investigate introductory courses that challenge common misconceptions about the field.

Second Year

• Explore specialized topics such as weather and climate, water resources, or coastal processes.
• Investigate how human geography explains the location of cities, industries, and cultural traits.
• Participate in departmental news or events to see how GIS is being used in modern research.

Last Years

• Research diverse career paths, ranging from urban planning and transportation analysis to park ranging and environmental consulting.
• Network with professionals in the public and private sectors who utilize spatial data for decision-making.
• Explore graduate school options or advanced certifications in Remote Sensing and GIS.
  

Preparation

First Year

• Build a strong academic foundation in both natural and social sciences.
• Establish contact with faculty advisors to map out a graduation plan that aligns with your specific interests in the Earth Sciences.
• Develop basic computer literacy as a prerequisite for more advanced GIS and remote sensing software.

Second Year

• Master technical skills in Cartography, GIS, and Remote Sensing.
• Master the analytical techniques required to answer "where" and "why" regarding spatial data.
• Seek out internships or research opportunities with local planning agencies or environmental firms.
  

Last Years

• Finalize a professional portfolio that demonstrates your ability to create maps and conduct spatial analyses.
• Refine your resume to highlight "geographer" skills like spatial thinking, resource analysis, and demographic modeling.
• Engage with the "Contact Us" resources at South Alabama to begin your transition into a professional career or further academic study.