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Monday, July 27, 2015

GIS: What I Do & Why I Love It

Happy Monday, everyone!  As we kick off the work week I thought I would share a little bit about what I do for a career and why I love it.

First things first, I recently quit my career a second time to follow Jon in this crazy Army life, but we're hoping to have me back on the job soon.

According to Wikipedia, Geographic Information Systems, or GIS, is "a system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of spatial or geographical data".  GIS is a fascinating field that provides amazing ways for us to manage and display data as it relates to locations on the earth.  I know this may sound completely nerdly, especially following a Nordstrom post, but GIS is so awesome.

I first began exploring the field of GIS during my junior year at Sweet Briar College as it was a required course for an Environmental Science major like myself.  I.did.not.like.it.  At the time, it seemed to be such a contrast to what I wanted to do with my life. I mean, who wants to spend 6 hours on a weekend in the computer lab working on creative ways to display demographic data? Not me.

However, just like every other college senior, I found myself applying to any job I felt my degree had qualified me towards. To my surprise, I landed a job in GIS. I was so thankful to even have a job, ecstatic for it to be in my field.

This particular job happened to be serving the military in a training environment.  As I've shared before, this is also the position that provided me the opportunity to meet my sweet husband as he came in to get a map for training himself.  I never thought I would see the day that I loved managing data, but when it allows me to contribute to something so great as the American military, I am truly eager for the opportunity.

I left my first position due to my first move with Jon about a year into our marriage.  Thankfully, The Lord provided me with a very similar position at our second duty station, making it equally as difficult to say goodbye.  I am so grateful for those opportunities and am praying that God will provide the perfect position for me out here in Hawaii in His time.

For all of you heading to work this morning, enjoy it!  I'd love to hear what you do & why you love it!

5 comments:

  1. Such a neat job, Claire! And an extra plus that it lead you to Jon! Here's to hoping you find a great position in your beautiful new state soon!

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  2. I hope you find an amazing job that is the right fit for you. :)

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  3. This is so interesting! And I love that you met your husband in that way. You are in an exciting chapter right now - prayers coming your way for your next great fit :)

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  4. "heading to work" has such a different meaning now . . .semi-reclined in bed with my laptop on my lap. But oh, the "job" God has given me for this time! God is transforming lives, and I get to see it!!
    My newest venture is that I am an "official" online bible study leader for Precept ministries. In October I will have my own classroom on webex, and will be leading bible studies from my home.
    Intercessory prayer; mentoring; leading bible studies -- what a fulfilling life :)

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  5. The post is really interesting! I love your blog:)

    www.bloglovin.com/blogs/printed-sea-3880191

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