What does a gis internship do?
A GIS (Geographic Information Systems) intern is responsible for assisting the data analyst team on project management operations, data processing procedures, and advocacy program planning. GIS interns shadow all the processes of the organization, performing administrative and clerical duties under the supervision of a direct manager. They also assist with developing strategic procedures for process improvement and product development. A GIS intern should have excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as the ability to multitask and learn tasks within strict deadlines.
Gis internship responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real gis internship resumes:
- Manage client data and perform database extraction regularly to make timely data updates.
- Code custom python script tools to manipulate data sets and produce maps for analysis and presentations.
- Utilize ModelBuilder to create tools that automate routine and bulk tasks; explore python language to develop similar scripts.
- Base on the LIDAR data and research 3D high resolution model of Norfolk's terrain and an animation are created.
- Used survey-precision GPS equipment to update municipal asset data.
- Determine the location, documentation and digitizing of construction/as-built drawings.
- Research and develop ways of incorporating LiDAR and Landsat imagery.
- Create extremely accurate and detail campus maps utilizing GPS technology in a GIS environment.
- Map creation and editing from the digitization and extraction from aerial photography and commercial imagery.
- Perform raster analysis/surface creation, spatial statistics, grid creation/contouring, editing/ digitizing and updating existing projects to meet client standards.
- Imagine, design, and develop a population estimation and visualization application to illustrate the makeup of populations surrounding regulate facilities.
- Work with FEMA during hurricane's Ivan & Dennis to help with city data for time loss and equipment use.
- Develop, document and design integrity management software using Java, SQL and an oracle database to pragmatically solve data needs.
- Work extensively with enterprise GIS to utilize ArcGIS server and map publishing.
- Administer the Unix base GIS (ArcStorm) database.
Gis internship skills and personality traits
We calculated that 12% of Gis Interns are proficient in GPS, Arcgis Online, and Python. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Creativity, and Analytical skills.
We break down the percentage of Gis Interns that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- GPS, 12%
Created extremely accurate and detailed campus maps utilizing GPS technology in a GIS environment.
- Arcgis Online, 10%
Incorporated city asset management system into ArcGIS Online to create promotional interactive maps.
- Python, 7%
Increased efficiency by taking advantage of Python constructs and directly manipulating tabular data.
- Data Collection, 7%
Conducted data collection and analysis, planning and execution with specific methodology for 12 assigned projects to ensure quality assurance of data
- Esri Arcgis, 5%
Utilized ESRI ArcGIS to help maintain the county's GIS SDE database available to internal stakeholders and public.
- Spatial Database, 5%
Scanned and converted state quadrant maps Designed ArcGIS archaeological database Contributed to spatial database used State Historic Preservation Office
Most gis interns use their skills in "gps," "arcgis online," and "python" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential gis internship responsibilities here:
Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a gis internship to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "analysts work as a go-between with management and the it department and must explain complex issues in a way that both will understand." Gis interns often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "used trimble to locate and gps communication cables. "
Creativity. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling gis internship duties is creativity. The role rewards competence in this skill because "because analysts are tasked with finding innovative solutions to computer problems, an ability to “think outside the box” is important." According to a gis internship resume, here's how gis interns can utilize creativity in their job responsibilities: "beta-tested inventory software to map 3,000 trees planted by nonprofit on satellite imagery via google earth. "
Analytical skills. gis interns are also known for analytical skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to gis internship responsibilities, because "analysts must interpret complex information from various sources and decide the best way to move forward on a project." A gis internship resume example shows how analytical skills is used in the workplace: "conducted data extraction and map creation for wild and scenic rivers easement project. "
The three companies that hire the most gis internships are:
- American Water2 gis interns jobs
- Burns & McDonnell2 gis interns jobs
- Dewberry2 gis interns jobs
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Compare different gis interns
Gis internship vs. Senior gis technician
A GIS Technician is responsible for making maps and customizing geographic information systems applications. They also provide technical support to users or clients regarding the maintenance, development, or operation of geographic information systems databases.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a gis internship are more likely to require skills like "arcgis online," "data collection," "esri arcgis," and "spatial database." On the other hand, a job as a senior gis technician requires skills like "gis data," "access database," "asset management," and "data maintenance." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
The education levels that senior gis technicians earn slightly differ from gis interns. In particular, senior gis technicians are 0.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a gis internship. Additionally, they're 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Gis internship vs. Gis technician
An information systems technician is responsible for maintaining the efficiency of various network systems' performance. Information systems technicians provide network troubleshooting, upgrading systems for optimization, maintaining the security of databases, managing the interaction of networks, and inspecting and troubleshooting system inconsistencies. Additional duties include creating network designs based on clients' specifications, configuring software and hardware applications, and creating reports on system issues and resolutions. An information systems technician must have excellent knowledge of information systems procedures, programming languages, detecting malfunctions, and making resolutions promptly.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, gis internship responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "spatial database," "gis intern," "web application," and "qgis." Meanwhile, a gis technician has duties that require skills in areas such as "patients," "patient care," "customer service," and "vital signs." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, gis technicians earn a lower salary than gis interns. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, gis technicians earn the most pay in the utilities industry with an average salary of $67,145. Whereas gis interns have higher pay in the professional industry, with an average salary of $67,358.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Gis technicians tend to reach similar levels of education than gis interns. In fact, they're 1.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for gis internships in the next 3-5 years?
Nathan Manser Ph.D.
Lecturer of Geological and Mining Engineering, Faculty Advisor to Innovative Global Solutions Enterprise, Michigan Technological University
Gis internship vs. Information systems technician
A GIS Analyst is responsible for the development and implementation of geographic information systems. They provide expertise, support, assistance, and guidance to various geographic variables in a specific area.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, gis interns are more likely to have skills like "gps," "arcgis online," "python," and "data collection." But a information systems technician is more likely to have skills like "customer service," "troubleshoot," "technical support," and "phone calls."
Information systems technicians earn the best pay in the government industry, where they command an average salary of $63,116. Gis interns earn the highest pay from the professional industry, with an average salary of $67,358.Most information systems technicians achieve a similar degree level compared to gis interns. For example, they're 4.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Gis internship vs. Gis analyst
Types of gis internship
Updated January 8, 2025
