Remote GIS Internship: Launching Your Geospatial Career
The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) field is rapidly evolving, creating a demand for skilled professionals. Remote GIS internships offer a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience, develop crucial skills, and launch a career in this dynamic sector. These internships provide students and recent graduates with the chance to apply their knowledge, contribute to real-world projects, and build a professional network.
The GIS-STEP Program: A Pathway to Geospatial Careers
The Geospatial Internship & Skills Training for Employment and Professional development (GIS-STEP) program directly addresses the skills gap within the geospatial technology industry. This program actively supports communities of color, low-income communities, and individuals in rural or frontier areas. GIS-STEP focuses on reskilling and upskilling incumbent workers, effectively preparing them for successful careers in the ever-growing geospatial information and technology sectors.
Program Overview
The GIS-STEP program is a collaborative effort between Oregon State University, Central Oregon Community College, Blue Mountain Community College, and various local employers. This partnership aims to cultivate a highly skilled, workforce-ready group of professionals specializing in geospatial technology.
Program Structure
Students participating in the GIS-STEP program engage in a comprehensive one-year experience. This includes a combination of in-person and/or online coursework, workshops focused on career development, and a paid GIS internship. During the program, students work towards obtaining a GIS or UAS certificate or degree. They are carefully matched with an Oregon business or organization. This collaboration empowers them to create innovative solutions using geospatial technology. Interns directly assist businesses and organizations by applying spatial analysis and mapping techniques. This ultimately improves decision-making processes and effectively presents spatial data to stakeholders.
Eligibility and Application
The GIS-STEP program is open to:
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- Students currently enrolled at Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC), Central Oregon Community College (COCC), or Oregon State University (OSU).
- Prospective students who are not currently enrolled but plan on applying to one of the participating institutions.
Applying to GIS-STEP is free of charge. To apply, candidates must submit:
- A current resume or work summary. If a resume is unavailable, a summary of professional experiences should be provided, including a few sentences highlighting top skills relevant to an employer.
- Information regarding GIScience coursework completed (GIS, remote sensing, cartography, UAS, etc.), mathematics, and/or technology fields (such as computer sciences).
- A statement outlining their career/professional path and how upskilling or reskilling in Geographic Information Systems & Technology (GIS&T) aligns with their long-term career and educational goals.
- An explanation of what specifically interests them about the training and the skills and/or experiences they hope to gain.
- Professional references (who will only be contacted for finalists during the final phase of candidate selection). Applicants should seek permission from their references before including their information.
Choosing the Right Institution
To help prospective students decide between Oregon State University, Blue Mountain Community College, and Central Oregon Community College, it's essential to consider individual academic goals, location preference, and budget.
National Park Service (NPS) GIS Internship Program
Another avenue for gaining valuable GIS experience is through the National Park Service (NPS). The NPS offers GIS internships nationwide, providing interdisciplinary professional development experiences within unique park settings.
Program Overview
The NPS GIS Internship program, established in 2020, is a partnership between the National Park Service and Southern Utah University (SUU). It aims to improve geospatial data collection and management within the NPS. The program also helps interns advance their skills and gain experience with a federal agency. The NPS encourages park units to broaden their use of geospatial services to support data-driven and science-based park management and decision-making. Interns play a vital role in achieving this goal.
Eligibility and Opportunities
The NPS program is open to current students studying GIS or recent graduates, including undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students. SUU student status is not required. Opportunities are available across the US at various units of the National Park Service.
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Interns develop critical GIS skills needed to succeed in the federal government. They use geospatial technology to support a variety of park management operations.
Program Structure
The NPS program has two cohorts of interns each year, with opportunities announced on the SUU IIC page in early March and again in early August. Applications are submitted via the SUU IIC page and require a resume and cover letter.
Interns are typically placed in park housing, but other accommodations may be used. The internship begins with a week of virtual training to learn how the NPS deploys GIS. Interns present their experiences and accomplishments at the end of their internship.
Diverse Career Paths in GIScience
The Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration categorizes the GIScience workforce into 10 distinct occupations. These include scientists, technicians, surveyors, and cartographers. This highlights the wide range of career paths available within the GIS field.
Skills Development and Benefits of Remote GIS Internships
Remote GIS internships provide a unique opportunity to develop a specific skill set. They also help to enhance professional development, particularly in the following areas:
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- Geospatial Data Analysis: Interns gain hands-on experience in analyzing spatial data using various GIS software and techniques. This includes data manipulation, spatial statistics, and predictive modeling.
- Mapping and Cartography: Interns learn to create effective and informative maps for various purposes. This encompasses map design principles, data visualization techniques, and the use of cartographic tools.
- Remote Sensing: Interns can develop skills in processing and analyzing remotely sensed data from satellites and other sources. This includes image classification, change detection, and environmental monitoring.
- GIS Software Proficiency: Interns gain practical experience with industry-standard GIS software such as ArcGIS, QGIS, and others. This includes learning to use the software's various tools and functions for data analysis and mapping.
- Problem-Solving: Interns are challenged to solve real-world problems using GIS technology. This includes identifying problems, developing solutions, and implementing those solutions using GIS tools.
- Communication: Interns develop their communication skills by presenting their work to stakeholders and collaborating with other professionals. This includes writing reports, creating presentations, and participating in meetings.
- Project Management: Interns learn to manage GIS projects from start to finish. This includes defining project goals, developing work plans, and tracking progress.
In addition to skills development, remote GIS internships offer several other benefits:
- Flexibility: Remote internships offer flexibility in terms of work schedule and location. This allows interns to balance their work with other commitments, such as school or family.
- Networking: Interns have the opportunity to network with professionals in the GIS field. This can lead to future job opportunities and collaborations.
- Real-World Experience: Interns gain valuable real-world experience that can help them stand out in the job market.
- Career Advancement: Remote GIS internships can lead to full-time job opportunities in the GIS field.
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