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Gis internship skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted experts

Sydney Pruitt,

Sydney Pruitt

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical gis internship skills. We ranked the top skills for gis interns based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 11.8% of gis internship resumes contained gps as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a gis internship needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 gis internship skills for your resume and career

1. GPS

GPS stands from Global Positioning System. It is a navigation system comprising of satellites that helps in determining the location, velocity, and synchronize time data for different modes of travel like air, sea, or land.

Here's how gis interns use gps:

Created extremely accurate and detailed campus maps utilizing GPS technology in a GIS environment.
Field Engineer- data collection for municipal business data using GPS technology and photography.

2. Arcgis Online

Here's how gis interns use arcgis online:

Incorporated city asset management system into ArcGIS Online to create promotional interactive maps.
Created reference polygons to view plans on ArcGIS Online, and prepped for sewer line QA/QC on ArcMap in 3-4 months.

3. Python

Python is a widely-known programming language. It is an object-oriented and all-purpose, coding language that can be used for software development as well as web development.

Here's how gis interns use python:

Increased efficiency by taking advantage of Python constructs and directly manipulating tabular data.
Developed a Python toolkit to quantify environmental constraints effects on land parcels.

4. Data Collection

Data collection means to analyze and collect all the necessary information. It helps in carrying out research and in storing important and necessary information. The most important goal of data collection is to gather the information that is rich and accurate for statistical analysis.

Here's how gis interns use data collection:

Conducted data collection and analysis, planning and execution with specific methodology for 12 assigned projects to ensure quality assurance of data
Helped to develop advanced methodologies and practices needed for precision data collection for geometric flow modeling.

5. Esri Arcgis

Here's how gis interns use esri arcgis:

Utilized ESRI ArcGIS to help maintain the county's GIS SDE database available to internal stakeholders and public.
Updated city base layers using CAD and GIS files submitted to the city using ESRI ArcGIS 9.2.

6. Spatial Database

Here's how gis interns use spatial database:

Scanned and converted state quadrant maps Designed ArcGIS archaeological database Contributed to spatial database used State Historic Preservation Office
Consolidated trails data, managed spatial database and digitized trails.

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7. GIS Intern

Here's how gis interns use gis intern:

Worked as a GIS intern in the environmental division of Tetra Tech, Inc.
Produced a report to help guide the next GIS intern.

8. Spatial Data

Spatial data refers to data that directly or indirectly represents a particular geographical location on the earth's surface. Based on the storing technique, spatial data can be classified in two categories, namely raster data and vector data. The former includes grid cells identified by column and row, while the latter is made of polylines, points, and polygons.

Here's how gis interns use spatial data:

Supported data compilation and metadata creation for the Imperial Valley Spatial Data Infrastructure project.
Gathered, analyzed and compiled spatial data for display and presentations to stakeholders.

9. Geospatial Data

Geospatial data refers to the data that represents both, natural and manmade objects feature on the surface of the earth. Also known as special data, it carries information about the specific location of objects on the globe. It can be used to create 3D models of the atmosphere that can point out clouds and obtain a birds-eye view of Earth through high-resolution imagery.

Here's how gis interns use geospatial data:

Developed, certified, and archived geospatial data and related information into natural resources databases.
Designed and developed DRIS geospatial data model for supporting its emergency management on natural disasters.

10. CAD

Here's how gis interns use cad:

Converted CAD data, studied infrastructure networks, and utilized ArcHydro processing tools with ArcGIS 9.3.
Promote GIS in conjunction with CAD, engineer approved civil surveys, and public participation planning.

11. Esri Arcmap

Here's how gis interns use esri arcmap:

Negotiated pricing of PipeLogix analysis software and ESRI ArcMap applications.
Create custom request maps for KUB using ESRI ArcMap and Adobe Illustrator.

12. Digitizing

Here's how gis interns use digitizing:

Digitized vegetation based on field map mark-ups from the Environmental department in addition to setting a topology to reduce digitizing errors.
Performed raster analysis/surface creation, spatial statistics, grid creation/contouring, editing/ digitizing and updating existing projects to meet client standards.

13. LiDAR

Here's how gis interns use lidar:

Researched and developed ways of incorporating LiDAR and Landsat imagery.
Based on the LIDAR data and research 3D high resolution model of Norfolk's terrain and an animation were created.

14. Data Analysis

Here's how gis interns use data analysis:

Completed research and statistical data analysis of LEED credit completion of past-certified projects.
Corrected databases to run for data analysis and interpretation.

15. SQL

Here's how gis interns use sql:

Worked extensively with SQL to achieve tight integration with the associated maps which included building tables, maintenance and accuracy checks.
Performed quality check on the survey data entered into the plant treatment and plant scoring database using SQL.

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What skills help Gis Interns find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on gis internship resumes?

Sydney Pruitt

Department Chair, Austin Community College District

When it comes to being a surveyor, field crew, GIS technician, GIS analyst, or GIS specialist, there are some key qualities and skill sets that stand out on resumes and increase your chances of success.

Field Engineers do not need to be extroverts but being welcoming to others is important. Employees need to be self-motivated, responsive, positive, and confident while accepting constructive feedback. When attending meetings or working with others, arrive promptly, take ownership of tasks, and present in discussions.

What soft skills should all gis internships possess?

Sydney Pruitt

Department Chair, Austin Community College District

Self-starters and those who bring new ideas to the table have the most success. Being able to listen, process the information, and take appropriate action while remaining calm is crucial.

What hard/technical skills are most important for gis internships?

Sydney Pruitt

Department Chair, Austin Community College District

Field Engineers help develop conceptual, logical, and physical geospatial data models. It is crucial to develop skills to collect and assimilate data sources, from authoritative data sources such as clearinghouses; from data collection in the field using surveying equipment, mobile devices, GPS units, or drones; from data creation through heads-up digitizing, geocoding, or COGO. Professionals will also perform attribute and spatial queries, often using query languages such as SQL, Python, and Arcade. Knowledge in a project management framework that includes documenting the project goal, scope, work breakdown structure, statement of work, defined deliverables, project summary, and project archive is important.

What gis internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Nathan Manser Ph.D.

Lecturer of Geological and Mining Engineering, Faculty Advisor to Innovative Global Solutions Enterprise, Michigan Technological University

In geosciences, and particular mining engineering, students on a gap year should explore graduate certificate opportunities that expand their skill sets in lifecycle assessment, geographical information systems, geospatial engineering, field sampling techniques, or other marketable skills that complement their interests in the industry. Even the traditional MBA would be a good compliment for students looking to be involved with the management side of mining instead of operations.

What type of skills will young gis internships need?

Candice Luebbering Ph.D.

Executive Director, GISCI

Graduates entering the workforce need to have a strong understanding of the fundamentals of their field. These will consistently inform and guide their work while the specific technology and platforms they use may change from job-to-job, or task-to-task. Having a solid foundation in core concepts, combined with the adaptability to learn and become familiar with new tools and software, will greatly help graduates in the job market.

Do you want to know more?

List of gis internship skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a gis internship resume and required skills for a gis internship to have include:

GPS
Arcgis Online
Python
Data Collection
Esri Arcgis
Spatial Database
GIS Intern
Spatial Data
Geospatial Data
CAD
Esri Arcmap
Digitizing
LiDAR
Data Analysis
SQL
Web Application

Remote Sensing
Database Management
Spatial Analysis
Cartography
Google Earth
Qgis
Map Production
Arcgis Desktop
Attribute Data
Map Creation
Data Creation
Analyze Data
Satellite Imagery
ArcCatalog
Aerial Photographs
Aerial Imagery

JavaScript
Data Layers
Arcgis Server
Parcel Data
SDE
ArcSDE
Arc GIS
Statistical Analysis
Data Conversion
Data Acquisition
Fire Hydrants
Legal Descriptions
Arcview
Modelbuilder
Arcpad

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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