San Diego Mesa College

1. San Diego Mesa College Women in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) www.womentechworld.org/sdmesa © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

2. What is GIS? Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technicians use computer hardware, software, and geographic data to collect, manage, analyze, and display location information. © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

3. Career Path New graduates will find employment as GIS technicians, working in government or private industry. © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

4. Career Path Advancement Once graduates have proven their skills and dedication at a company, many opportunities for advancement exist. With more experience, a graduate might be promoted to work as a GIS analyst in the same industry. After achieving an advanced skill level or a four-year degree, graduates would qualify for more advanced analyst positions, management level opportunities, or consulting roles. © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

5. Career PathIndustries The following list indicates fields which may be open to graduates of Mesa’s GIS program: • Geology, Geography & Oceanography • Physical and Life Sciences • Economics and Market Research Analysis • Communications and Utility Operations • Police, Fire & Ambulance Dispatch • Environmental Planning • Surveying and Mapping Services • Landscape Architecture • Real Estate Broker Appraisal • City and Regional Planning • Engineering and Transportation • Management • Property and Real Estate Management • Natural Resource Management © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

6. Labor Market © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

7. Areas Employing Graduates of this Program Because GIS is such a rapidly growing field, most local governments and many industries require trained workers. Below is a list of local cities and industries that hire GIS technicians: • Escondido • Encinitas • Carlsbad • San Diego • Navy • Marine Corps • County governments • Federal government • Police and Sheriff departments • Private consulting firms © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

8. Career FAQs Are employers hiring for jobs in this area? Yes! Tremendous opportunities for GIS technicians have surfaced in the Southern California area. Students who work hard and are motivated will have no problem finding employment into an entry level internship or technician position. Because the new technologies in GIS have such broad application, the labor market for workers trained in GIS is bustling. Most local governments, the military, and companies and consultants addressing environmental, transportation, water, and planning related issues collect and analyze data for GIS databases. © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

9. Career FAQs cont’d Can I pursue a career in this field without a background in technology? Yes, definitely! However, it does help to have a basic understanding of geography and map reading, which you can take as a course elective (GEOG 101) if you don’t have these skills. Students should also have basic computer and desktop software skills. Will employers hire women into male-dominated technology areas? Absolutely! Women are successfully employed as GIS professionals in government, academia, not-for-profit, and the private sector. Read more about women in GIS on our Women’s Success Stories page, or check out our Women in GIS Associations page to see how you can meet other successful women in this field. © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

10. Course Information • Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree: Geographic Information Systems – 2 years to complete, including general education requirements • Geographic Information Systems Certificate – Around one year to complete, part time © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

11. Class Hours • Courses at Mesa College are offered during weekday and evening hours. • Some general education courses are available online. © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

12. Academic FAQ How long will it take to complete this technology program? • The A.S. degree in GIS is a full-time, two-year program which requires 60 units of coursework. This includes general education requirements and courses required for the GIS major. Some students spread their coursework over a longer period due to family and work commitments. • The GIS certificate program is completed by most students in a year or less, depending on how the courses are scheduled. © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

13. Role Models If They Can Do It So Can You! © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

14. Michelle Boivin Senior GIS Analyst Employed by Technology Associates International Corporation “The first step to success is stepping out of your comfort zone. At first I was a little timid or scared of speaking out and sharing ideas, but once I finally did, it built my confidence. I think a lot of women go through this, but you’ve got to make that first step, and the first step is the scariest.” © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

15. Michelle Boivin cont’d • In high school, Michelle Boivin was drawn toward more technical subjects, and she was especially interested in math and science. • Michelle has found that GIS offers many more opportunities than she expected. Some GIS professionals go into analysis, software programming, or systems or database administration, others teach. © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

16. Michelle Boivin cont’d Advice for Women: “Don’t hold back, go into it full force with your heart and your mind. Don’t be afraid. There are going to be hard days and there are going to be easy days, but it pays off. It can be difficult at times, but as long as you continue to persevere, success will follow.” © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

17. Amy Storey Associate GIS AnalystEmployed by Nolte Associates “Take the reins and do it. Don’t underestimate yourself.” © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

18. Amy Storey cont’d • The GIS certificate program at Mesa was a great fit for Amy, who sometimes works 50 to 60 hours a week. • Amy’s current environment is a pretty even mix of men and women, even in the management ranks. She has found the men to be quite supportive; two of her male managers became mentors, supported her learning curve, and offered her training opportunities to help her build her skills. © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

19. Amy Storey cont’d Amy recommends that women try not to postpone their education. She wishes now that she had gone back to school earlier, so she could have devoted more time to it before she became responsible for so many things on the job, and had such long work hours. © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

20. Eman Ramos GIS InternEmployed by Sweetwater Authority“Picture yourself doing something that you love to do, and put yourself in that picture, and tack that picture up on the inner wall of your mind and keep it there. Picture yourself being a happy, professional person. Otherwise, it’s easy for that image to get brushed aside when you’re washing dishes at 1:00 in the morning. Let your mind enjoy the picture.” © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

21. Eman Ramos cont’d • Worked shipping and receiving for 15 years before deciding to go back to school • “I can’t say enough about taking a course now and then, even if you’re working. Take an evening English course, or an evening speech or political science course or any of that general ed stuff, it adds up,” © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

22. Eman Ramos cont’d “When I don’t believe in myself, and don’t believe that that goal is reachable, I just grit my teeth and keep on stepping toward it anyway. That’s the thing I never really got before I first started this. When I really started doing the [GIS] work it was so hard! But this image of being able to do it, and of being this professional person, that was powerful enough that it motivated me to stick to it, and it gets easier over time because you can look behind you and see all these steps you’ve already taken.” © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

23. Women in Geographic Information Systems Organizations • Society of Women in GIS http://www.swigis.org/ A national organization funded in 1999 for women employed or studying geographic information systems. • GIS Lounge: Women in GIS http://gislounge.com/link-library/women-in-gis A list of web sites with information regarding women in GIS, including interviews about women in this field and GIS related support groups. © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

24. Women in Geographic Information Systems Organizations • Supporting Women in Geography (SWIG) http://www.geography.wisc.edu/swig An informal network of groups that promote the participation and empowerment of women in the field of Geography, and through lectures, study groups, social, panels, and more. • Women in GIS Listserv http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/GIS_women An e-mail forum for women in GIS (and those interested in GIS) to ask questions, float ideas, and discuss the field. © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

25. CCSF CalWomenTech Website Features Visit us at: www.WomenTechWorld.org/SDMesa • Find an e-mentor • Read real women’s success stories • Check out news articles about women in the field • Find out information about the GIS program • See our list of women in GIS career associations • Take advantage of industry articles and listservs • Join WomenTech Talk © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

26. WomenTechWorld.org The on-line home for women technicians to connect with each other. Whether you are a Network Engineer, a Mechanic or a Sound Tech or a female student in a tech major, you'll want to visit WomenTechWorld.Org where you're not alone anymore. © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

27. WomenTechWorld.org WomenTechTalk This listserv has more than 500 women technicians and students participating in an email discussion group. It serves as a source of support and inspiration where women help each other with questions and topics such as: • How do I effectively handle negative comments by classmates or coworkers so I can focus on my class or job? • Finding a Job in Your Male-Dominated Field • Getting Promoted in Your Male-Dominated Field © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

28. WomenTechWorld.orgE-Mentoring • E-Mentors exists to connect female students in technology/trades with women successfully working in male-dominated fields • Women new to traditionally male jobs can find guidance and support from women who have been there © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

29. WomenTechWorld.orgE-Jobs Connect with employers who are actively seeking female job applicants in typically male-dominated professions. E-Jobs offers you: • Free, current listings in geographic information systems • Auto Notify, which gives you email notices when new jobs meeting your criteria have been posted • My Checklist feature to save your favorite job opportunities for easy reference © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

30. CalWomenTech Project 8 California community colleges receive expert support and technical assistance from the Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science to help recruit and retain women into technology programs where they are under-represented. © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

31. CalWomenTech Project cont’d • San Diego Mesa College • GIS program • City College of San Francisco • DHTI Program • Cañada College • Video Game Design program • El Camino College • Air Conditioning and Refrigeration program © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science

32. CalWomenTech Project cont’d • Evergreen Valley College • Hybrid-Alternative Fuel Program • Irvine Valley College • Electronics Technology Program • Las Positas College • Automotive and Welding Programs • San Jose City College • Facilities Maintenance Technology Program © 2008 – Institute for Women in Trades, Technology & Science