Twice a year, the Emerging ProfessionalsGroup hosts GIS Open Houses featuring speakers from professional organizations who share insights into their work and career paths. These events provide an opportunity to learn about real-world GIS applications, connect with professionals, and build your network. Attendees can participate in presentations either in person or remotely, with dedicated time for socializing and networking.

Networking Opportunities

• GIS Day

• Attend a conference

• • Washington GIS Conference

  • NW Utility GIS User Group Meetup

  • North America Cartographic Information Society (NACIS)

  • American Association of Geographers (AAG)

• Participate in a professional organization

• • Oregon and SW Washington URISA Chapter

  • Society for Conservation GIS

Speakers and Lectures

• Women in Tech (PDXWIT)

• Science on Tap

• USGS Events and Workshops

Technical and Soft Skill Development

• Offer your skills & services to a local non-profit

• Enroll in an Esri MOOC

• Start your GISP application

• Get your drone license

• Prepare for the FAA’s Remote Pilot Certificate exam (14 CFR Part 107)

• Take the exam at a local testing center.

Learn About the Industry

• Job shadowing - Invite your mentee to work and vice versa

• Set-up informational interviews

• Volunteer to gain experience

• National Map Corp

• Volunteer with GIS Corp

• Host a mapathon for Missing Maps

Professional Development

• GISDegree.org

• Resume and cover letter review

• Develop, update, or refine your portfolio

• Build a website to showcase your work 

Have an idea that’s not on this list? Let us know!

We can use ORURISA resources and network to help make your idea a reality!