• Employer: Department of Defense
• Position: Principal Cyber Security Analyst

Why did you want to be a GEOG/GIS/ENSP major?

I initially entered the field of Geography because I was passionate about remote sensing, GIS, and cartography.  After learning more about what the larger GEOG major had to offer, I became more interested in a broader concept of how the world “works” and how actions and events on one side of the globe can impact seemingly disconnected countries, cities and cultures on the other.

What internships or independent research did you do as a GEOG/GIS/ENSP major?

I interned two summers with the FBI performing forensic research in support of a large DOJ investigation.

What recommendations would you make to current GEOG/GIS/ENSP majors for career and academic success while they are still undergraduates?

Talk to as many alumni and graduate students as possible in the early stages of deciding your major area of study.  Locate and secure an educational or professional mentor while still immersed in academia and foster that relationship throughout your college career.  When I was an undergrad, I wasn’t exactly sure what type of work I wanted to do when I graduated and it helped to talk to people already executing missions in the field.  Expand your professional network beyond your immediate GEOG department resources.  Utilize social media and networking events sponsored by other colleges to increase the breadth of your networking.  I would have never been exposed to the opportunities in my current line of work had I not made meaningful connections with contacts outside of my immediate study area.

What recommendations would you make to current GEOG/GIS/ENSP majors for career and academic success after graduation?

Try to enter the workforce as soon as possible after graduation.  It often takes some time to not only “secure” but to “discover” your ideal career.  There is honestly no better way to find out if you are going to love what you do for the next 40 years than to go out there and give it a try.

If you haven’t already, find a professional mentor in your field of study.  Mentors are invaluable not only for their industry connections and network of contacts but also to help you maintain a broad view and positive outlook.  It is easy to become discouraged when attempting to enter the workforce as a recent graduate.  Employers are often hesitant to hire personnel with little professional work experience.  The key is to be persistent and remain positive.  The feeling of landing your first paid professional job out of college (no matter the salary) is exceedingly rewarding. 

Join the alumni association, not only do they offer membership at a great rate to recent grads, it is an excellent way to maintain a strong connection to the University after graduation.  It is also a nice way to maintain and grow your professional network, there are many other passionate and involved alumni willing to help with career growth, mentoring and volunteer opportunities after graduation.