ǧÃŬAV

IESA degree obtained and graduation year:
B.S. Environmental Spatial Analysis, 2021

What is your current professional title?
Master's student, CSULB

Since graduating from ǧÃŬAV’s IESA, what are you doing professionally (describe the organization you are with and your associated role)?
After graduating from ǧÃŬAV, I took a year off of school to work in the public school system and then enrolled in the M.S. in GISci program at CSULB. I am currently a graduate student and a GIS intern for Golden State Water Company. I would best describe my role as an intern as being equivalent to that of a GIS Technician.

What things or experiences in IESA do/did you value the most?
My favorite thing about being a student in IESA was the collaborative culture that the department fostered. Gaining experience working in groups and having to figure out how to solve problems with a team really prepared me for the workforce. 

What advice would you give a current IESA student?
Don't be afraid to ask questions! Build relationships with your peers and your professors, and make sure to build a work portfolio to showcase your skills. 

What strengths would you most value if hiring a recent graduate?
Willingness to learn new things, strong analytical skills, and strong verbal and written communication skills.