Opportunities For Young Professionals At Esri’s FedGIS

Esri’s Federal GIS Conference is only one week away! Held in Washington, D.C. on February 24th and 25th, 2016 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, federal employees will gather to learn how GIS can advance mission goals and to network with GIS leaders. The next day, February 26th, geospatial developers will have the chance to attend workshops on GIS training and application development at DevSummit DC. Federal employees and geospatial developers both have an opportunity to customize their conference agendas to best suit their individual interests, helping them get the most out of the conference. Esri offers young professionals a similar opportunity to focus their GIS experience through the Young Professionals Network, including exclusive events at FedGIS.

Esri’s Young Professionals Network (YPN) provides a community for those just starting their GIS careers as well as more experienced professionals who are beginning to use GIS. Members can learn more about the power of GIS technology, connect with peers and industry experts, and gain leadership experience to help them advance their careers.

These ideas—learn, connect, and lead—are the three pillars of YPN, and Esri provides young professionals with opportunities to grow in all of those areas. YPN allows members to get the latest information on advances in GIS technology and see how those advances can help enrich their careers. In addition, members have access to GIS innovators and emerging leaders through YPN events throughout the year. YPN also offers opportunities—such as exclusive events at Esri conferences—to make connections that encourage career growth, share accomplishments, and learn from industry experts and other young professionals.

Young professionals attending the FedGIS conference can take advantage of special events focused on learning, connecting, and leading. On Wednesday, February 24th, there will be an exclusive lunch and panel discussion with Esri’s president, Jack Dangermond. At this event, Dangermond and other thought leaders will discuss what it takes to launch a successful GIS career or develop an already budding career. Seating is limited and will be on a first come, first serve basis. There will also be a session on mentor/mentee relationships and career paths that will go over how to start a relationship with a mentor, receive career guidance, and further networking opportunities. This will be followed by a presentation from GIS leaders about various career paths in the GIS field.

Then on Thursday, YPN will offer an interactive round table session. Tables will be set up with topics such as development, ArcGIS Online, human resources, open data, templates, and GitHub, and attendees can participate in an interactive discussion.

On both days, the EXPO will have an YPN Lounge area where YPN members can learn about events and network with industry professionals. Both days of the conference will also end with social networking opportunities for YPN members. Wednesday will have a happy hour exclusively for YPN members at Rocket Bar, and Thursday’s general conference networking reception at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian will have a lounge designated for YPN.

Between the general conference sessions and the exclusive YPN events, Esri’s FedGIS offers young professional countless opportunities to learn, connect, and lead. Don’t let a lack of experience stop you from getting involved with this exciting and evolving field. Whether you’re an experienced federal GIS user, a newcomer to the field, or somewhere in between, FedGIS can help you use GIS technology in new and more effective ways every day.

So why wait? Register now—the conference is complimentary for federal employees. And if you’re young, hip, and interested in GIS, consider signing up for YPN. It’s a great way to take your GIS career to the next level!