My advice to newbies is that GIS is 1 part "G" and 2 parts "IS". Having strong IT skills such as programming (Python, SQL), databases (admin, design), and other hard computer skills will help a lot. I am retired but still consulting after 30 plus years in GIS. This is what recruiters want. #GISchat - ThreadSky

steveincolorado.bsky.social • 52 days ago

My advice to newbies is that GIS is 1 part "G" and 2 parts "IS". Having strong IT skills such as programming (Python, SQL), databases (admin, design), and other hard computer skills will help a lot. I am retired but still consulting after 30 plus years in GIS. This is what recruiters want. #GISchat

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localgeography.bsky.social•51 days ago

thank you! i did some python and R in my undergrad and got some experience w databases at my admin job, are there any particular skills you would recommend developing?

steveincolorado.bsky.social•51 days ago

Install a decent but still lightweight programming editor with syntax highlighting. You don't need full blown Microsoft Visual Studio. There are many such editors available. I use Vim and Notepad++ with several customizations. Many are using Visual Studio Code. #GISchat

gislemur.bsky.social•51 days ago

I have moved to VS Code for most of my programming. The only things I don’t use it for is full blown .Net applications and Python. I still use the default Idle IDE for that, mostly because I need to develop in multiple Python environments (outside of a conda setup)

steveincolorado.bsky.social•51 days ago

I tried VC Code for a little while. Setting up my syntax highlighting was a major PITA compared to Notepad++ and Vim. Maybe VC Code has fixed this. I have both Notepad++ and Vim setup with the same syntax highlighting and the ability to run Python, pylint and flake8 from inside the editor.

gislemur.bsky.social•51 days ago

I gave up trying to define my own syntax coloring in IDEs year’s ago. I don’t have the patience for it. I just re-learn the “new way”and move on. It’s less stressful for me, even if it looks ugly to my eyes until I get used to it.

steveincolorado.bsky.social•51 days ago

For Python, install the pylint and flake8 packages and learn how to use them. It will make you a better programmer. If you have ever had to follow a Python traceback into ArcPy due to ESRI's poorly written code, you will see why writing good code is important. Also read Python Pep 8. #GISchat

steveincolorado.bsky.social•51 days ago

Also learn to write good code and design good databases. There is a lot of bad looking code and poorly designed databases out there. Over the years, I have had to deal with someone else's bad code and bad databases. It is not fun. #GISchat

steveincolorado.bsky.social•51 days ago

Write a good resume and put it on Monster. Offshore Indian recruiters doing a word search for "GIS" will see it and contact you. Look at the skills listed in their job postings. Don't expect to get a job from them though, as they are often just collecting resumes. They can be a PITA too. #GISchat

cbed.bsky.social•49 days ago

I will add that I think the website called DataCamp is fantastic for getting the basics of Python and SQL, and it has a geospatial course too. From there keep looking how to apply it to your work or your interests.

Try to get on Upwork to look for small freelance GIS tasks to apply the skills too

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