- Qualification and GIS component: PGDipGIS at Victoria University of Wellington and Bachelor Applied Economics at Massey University (Palmerston North)
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Tertiary Institutes: Victoria University of Wellington and Massey University (Palmerston North)
Why have you chosen to study GIS?
I chose to study GIS after using mapping software at work to interpret and visualize statistical based spatial data. After a couple of software training courses I was hooked and choose to enrol in the PGDipGIS programme at Victoria University of Wellington to broaden my knowledge in the GIS field and learn about the other exciting areas within GIS.
How important is GIS for your future career options, and why?
Deciding to study GIS was not just for interest. Knowledge of GIS systems and the ability to analyse data in a spatial context is a very sought after skill, in a fast-growing field. The combination of theory, geoinformation processing skills, and spatial analysis techniques offered through the varied range of GIS papers at Vic will enable me to build on my economics background and utilize both skill sets to advance my career interests in analysing land use change and environmental modelling.
How has studying GIS shaped your career goals?
Studying GIS has helped me realise the many practical applications it can be used for. It’s not just about geography and maps. GIS enables you to capture, measure and visualize changes and relationships across space for many different industries.
What advice would you give to future students considering adding a GIS component to their studies?
Do it! Not only is GIS exciting and interesting, it’s cool (what’s not to like about maps, satellite imagery and drones). GIS skills can be applied over a wide range of vocations and will be undeniably useful in today’s society where online maps and data visualization are part of people’s everyday activities.