Navigating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Internship Requirements

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) internships offer invaluable opportunities for students and recent graduates to gain practical experience in a rapidly growing field. These internships provide hands-on experience, allowing interns to apply their academic knowledge to real-world projects, develop critical skills, and build professional networks. This article explores the requirements and opportunities available in GIS internships, drawing upon various examples and programs across the United States.

The Value of GIS Internships

GIS internships serve as a bridge between academic studies and professional careers. Interns contribute to projects that utilize spatial analysis and mapping techniques. They assist organizations in making informed decisions and presenting spatial data effectively. These experiences are crucial for career development in the geospatial technology industry.

Key Programs and Opportunities

Several organizations and institutions offer structured GIS internship programs:

Geospatial Internship & Skills Training for Employment and Professional development (GIS-STEP): This program, a collaboration between Oregon State University, Central Oregon Community College, Blue Mountain Community College, and local employers, aims to address the skills gap in the geospatial technology industry. GIS-STEP focuses on providing training and workforce development opportunities, particularly for communities of color, low-income communities, and rural areas. The year-long program includes in-person and online courses, career development workshops, and a paid GIS internship.
National Park Service (NPS) GIS Internship Program: Created in 2020 in partnership with Southern Utah University (SUU), this program is open to current GIS students and recent graduates. Interns can work in any NPS park unit, region, or program nationwide, gaining interdisciplinary professional development experience. The NPS program emphasizes improving geospatial data collection and management to support data-driven park management.
Erie County Department of Environment and Planning: This department offers a full-time GIS internship focused on assisting with the development of a Watershed Management Plan for the Niagara River/Lake Erie Watershed.
City of Littleton, Colorado: The City of Littleton provides GIS internships within its Public Works Department. Interns gain hands-on experience in reviewing spatial data and collecting data in the field, working primarily with the Asset Management team.
Yolo County Innovation and Technology Services Department: This department offers internships assisting with GIS projects, including creating, updating, and editing spatial data, maps, field data, and web applications.

General Requirements and Qualifications

While specific requirements vary depending on the organization and the nature of the internship, some common qualifications include:

Educational Background: Most GIS internships require applicants to be enrolled in or have recently graduated from a college, university, or trade school. Preferred fields of study include Geographic Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering, Geography, or a related field. Some internships may require a certain number of completed course credits in GIS or related subjects. For example, the Erie County Department of Environment and Planning seeks candidates.
Technical Skills: A basic understanding of GIS principles and experience with GIS software such as ArcGIS Pro and ESRI applications are often required. Interns should have strong technology skills and the ability to learn and utilize new systems.
Data Management and Analysis: Interns are often expected to review and update spatial data, perform quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures, and create maps and mapping applications.
Field Work: Some internships involve field work, which may require using GPS equipment and GIS applications to collect data and photos.
Soft Skills: Strong attention to detail, effective communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are essential.
Additional Requirements: A valid driver’s license and the ability to pass a pre-employment criminal background check, motor vehicle records check, drug screen, and physical may be required.

Specific Examples of Internship Requirements

To illustrate the range of requirements, let's examine some specific examples:

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City of Littleton GIS Internship: Applicants should have a high school diploma or equivalent and some college coursework in GIS, Computer Science, Engineering, Geography, or a similar field. The internship involves assisting the Asset Management team in reviewing asset inventories, updating datasets, creating maps, and collecting data in the field.
Yolo County GIS Internship: Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited college, university, or trade school majoring in or having completed coursework in Geographic Information Systems or a closely related field and must be enrolled in at least nine (9) college quarter units or six (6) semester units throughout the duration of the internship. Intern responsibilities include creating, updating, and/or editing spatial data, maps, field data, and web applications using various programs and such as, but not limited to, ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey123, and Quick Capture.

Application Process and Tips

Applying for a GIS internship typically involves submitting a resume, cover letter, and transcripts. Here are some tips for creating a strong application:

Highlight Relevant Coursework and Skills: Emphasize any GIScience coursework completed (GIS, remote sensing, cartography, UAS, etc.), as well as mathematics and technology skills (such as computer sciences).
Showcase Projects and Experiences: Describe any projects or experiences where you applied GIS skills, such as course labs, personal projects, or volunteer work.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your resume and cover letter to match the specific requirements and responsibilities of the internship.
Provide Professional References: Choose references who can speak to your character and your professional and/or academic background.
Address Your Career Goals: Explain how the internship fits with your long-term career and educational goals.
Prepare a Portfolio: Include examples of your GIS work, such as maps, analyses, or applications.

Compensation and Benefits

The compensation and benefits for GIS internships vary widely. Some internships are paid, while others are unpaid. Paid internships may offer an hourly wage. The City of Littleton, for example, offers a hiring range of $21.38 - $22.50 per hour for its GIS intern position. Some programs, like GIS-STEP, provide stipends or scholarships to cover tuition and living expenses. Unpaid internships may offer academic credit or valuable experience that can lead to future employment opportunities. The Yolo County Innovation and Technology Services Department, for example, offers an unpaid internship opportunity.

Hybrid and Remote Work

With the increasing prevalence of remote work, some GIS internships may offer hybrid or fully remote work options. The City of Littleton, for example, notes that hybrid work is a possibility for its GIS internship, though most work will require being in-person. The Yolo County Innovation and Technology Services Department also offers a combination of remote and in-person work.

Opportunities within the National Park Service

The National Park Service (NPS) GIS Internship Program, in partnership with Southern Utah University (SUU), offers unique opportunities for current GIS students and recent graduates. Interns can work in various NPS park units, regions, or programs nationwide, gaining interdisciplinary professional development experience in a unique setting. The NPS program aims to improve geospatial data collection and management to support data-driven park management. Interns play an important role in helping to make that happen.

The GIS-STEP Program in Detail

The GIS-STEP program is designed to create a highly skilled, workforce-ready cohort in geospatial technology. Students in the program participate for one year in a mix of in-person and/or online courses, career development workshops, and a paid GIS internship. The program seeks to address the skills gap in the geospatial technology industry by providing training and workforce development opportunities, particularly supporting communities of color, low-income communities, and rural or frontier areas. The program aims to reskill and upskill incumbent workers, preparing them for careers in the geospatial information and technology sectors.

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Career Paths in GIScience

The Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration divides the GIScience workforce into 10 distinct occupations, including various kinds of scientists, technicians, surveyors, and cartographers. This highlights the diverse range of career paths available to individuals with GIS skills.

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