GIS (geographic information systems) and geospatial technologies are increasing in sophistication, and as they do, they’re being used in an ever-broadening range of industries. Instruments that were first used for communications, surveying, and mapmaking now have many more applications. You might be surprised at some of the professional roles benefitting from GIS and geospatial technologies and practices today. Let’s take a look at some of them and the career potential they offer:

  • Market Research Analysts
    Market research analysts provide organizations with data on how their marketing efforts are performing or may perform in the future. GIS helps marketers pinpoint where potential customers are by ZIP code or a variety of criteria, enabling them to target those prospects in a more cost-effective manner. The BLS reports an excellent job outlook for market research analysts, with employment rates expanding a whopping 18% through 2020, a rate much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations in the U.S.
  • Urban and Regional Planners
    Urban and regional planners are responsible for expanding and revitalizing communities by ensuring land is used properly to meet the needs of those communities. According to the BLS, these individuals use GIS software to “integrate data, such as for population density, with digital maps” as part of their professional duties. The BLS reports that the job outlook for urban and regional planners through 2029 is healthy, with an anticipated growth rate of 11%—much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations in the U.S.
  • Environmental Scientists and Specialists
    Environmental scientists and specialists use their expertise in the natural sciences to safeguard both the health of human beings and the environment in which they live. These professionals may implement GPS and data collection systems to track and analyze issues that impact the environment, such as forest fires, industrial deforestation, and oil spills. The BLS states that the job outlook for people in these professions is promising, with an expected growth rate of 8%— much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations in the U.S.—through 2029.
  • Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians
    Environmental engineering technologists and technicians execute plans created by environmental engineers. Their work is dependent on using data collected from GIS equipment to predict environmental impacts following natural disasters. A BLS job outlook report states that employment in this field will grow at a rate of 7%, or faster than the average growth rate for all occupations in the U.S., through 2029.
  • Epidemiologists
    Epidemiologists, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “search for the cause of disease, identify people who are at risk, determine how to control or stop the spread or prevent it from happening again.” Due to the nature of their work, these public health professionals are sometimes referred to as “disease detectives.” Their work may include the use of GIS-derived data showing where rates of a disease are highest, allowing them to focus their investigative efforts on those areas. Notably, GIS was used to monitor the spread of COVID-19. BLS data shows the job outlook for epidemiologists to be positive, with a projected growth rate of 5% through 2029, faster than the average employment growth rate for all occupations in the U.S.
  • Geoscientists
    Geoscientists examine the past and present structure of the earth and predict how future changes to it may impact the lives of the human beings and animals who inhabit it. People in this profession use data gathered using GPS technology to create geologic maps and charts. The BLS reports that the job outlook for this profession is strong, with an estimated growth rate of 5% through 2029. That’s faster than the average employment growth rate for all occupations in the U.S.
  • Geological and Hydrologic Technicians
    Geological and hydrologic technicians assist engineers and scientists in identifying, harnessing, and overseeing the use of various natural resources. Their duties may include using GIS to generate reports and maps that pinpoint potential locations for obtaining these resources. According to the BLS, the job outlook for these professionals is good, with an estimated employment growth rate of 5% through 2029—a rate faster than the average growth rate for all occupations in the U.S.

New Credentials for a GIS/Geospatial Career

The University of Texas Permian Basin has a close relationship with the GIS and geospatial industries, having served them for more than two decades. This unique association has enabled us to keep abreast of all the latest technologies and practices in these fields. We’ve taken that knowledge and transformed it into the curriculum for our 12-credit GIS and Geospatial Certificate. Through this online graduate certificate program, you’ll develop up-to-date, practical skills that can help you excel in a career in a diverse range of fields including business management, environmental sciences, public health, and social analytics. All courses are taught by the same accomplished faculty who teach on campus at UT Permian Basin.

Compact, Convenient Online Program

Made up of just four eight-week courses, our GIS and Geospatial Certificate offers a quick way to add respected professional credentials to your resume. The program is delivered in an asynchronous, 100% online format that enables you to complete your coursework at your own pace, from almost anywhere in the world. You’ll find this flexibility invaluable when you need to tend to professional or personal responsibilities.

Position yourself for greater career success with a 100% online GIS and Geospatial Certificate from UT Permian Basin.

Sources:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/using-geographic-information-in-marketing/
https://digitalmediajobs.com/careers/online-market-research-analyst-job-description-and-qualifications/
https://www.wboc.com/story/43618251/gis-market-with-industry-growth-analysis-2021-latest-trends-and-challenges-application-segment-and-geographical-landscape-forecast-to-2024-with
https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/03/22/2196649/0/en/The-Global-GIS-Market-is-expected-to-grow-by-1-68-bn-during-2021-2025-progressing-at-a-CAGR-of-16-during-the-forecast-period.html
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/usd-1-68-billion-growth-in-the-gis-market-in-the-utility-industry-is-set-to-accelerate-at-a-cagr-of-over-16-through-2021-2025technavio-301261328.html
https://www.urisa.org/main/gis-as-your-career/
https://gisgeography.com/gis-salary-expectations-gis-career/
https://www.directionsmag.com/article/8795
https://www.gisjobs.com/index.php
https://www.edflo.com/blog/the-growing-field-of-geographic-information-systems/