[OKGIS] Getting Started

[Gage Schulz]

Hi Heathe-

If you are in the Tulsa area, I believe TCC has a class you can take. You
will not find a degree in GIS - most GIS professionals have either a
Geography or Cartography degree. The true value in GIS is knowing how to
manage a database and the appropriate tools as GIS is database centric.
Also, look at the college in Ada, they have a degree program in mapping
sciences.  If you really want to make money in GIS - the future demands in
GIS will be in business applications, not necessarily the mapping industry.

Hope this helps. We encourage you to submit a resume, as we are always
looking to expand our staff and potential services.

Gage Schulz

On Feb 4, 2008 2:53 PM, Heathe Kyle Yeakley <heathe at slaggle.com> wrote:

> Hello, my name is Heathe and I am interested in changing careers into
> GIS. I currently work as a Unix/Linux Systems Administrator for the US
> Government. I have an Associates degree in Telecommunications from
> OSU-OKC and haven't yet finished a 4 year degree. I heard about GIS a
> few years back and thought it sounded interesting at the time, but I
> didn't give it much thought. Recently, however, I've started thinking
> about changing careers and GIS is the field I'd like to pursue.
>
> My question is, where do I start? I've looked for GIS degree programs at
> the local 4 year schools and haven't found anything. Yes, UCO and OU
> have classes on GIS that are part of the curriculum for a Geography (or
> related) degree, but I haven't found a course of study specifically on
> GIS.
>
> What type of skills and education do prospective employers want in a GIS
> Analyst? Geography, Engineering, Physics? From what I've read the field
> sounds extremely diverse. I'd be happy to finish a 4-year degree if I
> knew what to major in.
>
> What about local resources? If I wanted to just volunteer somewhere to
> get some hands on experience so that I'm not completely green to the
> field, whom should I contact. If I'm not cut out for this line of work
> I'd really like to find out now and save myself and any prospective
> future employers any headaches.
>
> Thanks in advance for your responses.
>
> - Heathe
>



-- 
Gage Schulz
Business Development Coordinator
Aerial Data Service, Inc.
8301 E. 51st Street, Ste. 100
Tulsa, OK 74145-9046
918-622-4144 phone
918-622-4119 fax
800-888-9163 toll-free
www.aerialdata.com
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