GIS Technology Expert Discusses Growing GIS Industry, Education and Future of Job Market
– GIS is Everywhere and the Benefits of this Technology Affect Everyone on a Daily Basis
AURORA, Colo. – August 17, 2011 – Geographic information systems (GIS) is one of the most widely used technologies across the globe and GIS professionals are in demand.
The U.S. government predicts geographical information system (GIS) occupations will be in high demand in the next 10 years, while recruiting web sites indicate GIS specialists can earn an annual salary up to $70,000. Now is a great time to be working on an online GIS degree to enter or move up in this rapidly growing field.
American Sentinel University recently interviewed Caitlin Dempsey, the editor of the popular GIS technology news site GIS Lounge.com. Dempsey frequently assesses the GIS job market, understands this growing field’s future and is one of the industry’s most important analysts. Dempsey discussed the GIS industry and the value of a GIS degree in today’s job market.
GIS Career Advice from an Expert
Dempsey shared her thoughts about the future of the GIS Industry, what skills employers are looking for and how students can enhance their resume while still in school and more.
Dempsey notes that simply understanding how to make a map using GIS software isn’t enough to make a GIS degree valuable.
That’s why American Sentinel University is one of the few higher education institutions to offer two dedicated undergraduate GIS degrees, not just certificates, which have been offered for more than four years. The university’s GIS associates and bachelors programs teach fundamental business and information technology skills and the specifics of geographic information systems.
“We help students discover the meaning and role of GIS in our lives,” says Dr. Roxana Giusca, GIS professor at American Sentinel University. “Everyday there is something new that can be accomplished with GIS technology and it’s a continued learning process that becomes a necessity to stay competitive with professionals in this arena.”
Organizations That Use GIS
GIS is a system that captures, manages, analyzes and displays geographically referenced information and allows users to understand and visualize data in a variety of ways. A GIS degree helps students learn to interpret and visualize spatial data to uncover patterns, trends and relationships.
The Bureau of Labor statistics found the majority of GIS opportunities will be in rapidly growing affluent communities in cities that are developing cartography and database technology. GIS professionals also frequently find work with federal agencies, including the U.S. Geological Survey, Bureau of Land Management, Army Corps of Engineers, Forest Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Imagery and Mapping Agency, and Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Dr. Giusca notes that GIS projects require attention to detail, technical skills, knowledge and most importantly, someone who is not afraid of being challenged by the dynamics of the technology, tools and methods. She says that American Sentinel’s GIS programs are designed for individuals who are ready to take their career to the next professional level.
“GIS is everywhere and the benefits of this technology can be used in almost any business. GIS continues to grow every year as more and more companies take note of the advantages they can achieve by having GIS applied to their business,” says Dr. Giusca.
Learn More About American Sentinel University’s GIS Degrees
American Sentinel’s Associate of Science Geographic Information Systems program prepares students to transfer into a four-year degree program in GIS or for entry-level positions as GIS technicians and users.
American Sentinel’s Bachelor of Science Geographic Information Systems program teaches students to use and develop databases containing spatial data. American Sentinel’s online GIS degree is ideal for problem-solvers who enjoy learning new technologies and applying them to business. Visit the American Sentinel website to learn more American Sentinel’s IT distance education programs.
About American Sentinel University
American Sentinel University delivers the competitive advantages of accredited Associate, Bachelor’s and Master’s online degree programs focused on the needs of high-growth sectors, including information technology, computer science, GIS, computer information systems and business intelligence degrees. The university is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), which is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and is a recognized member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
