By: Richard Serby
(Mar 11, 2004

For the past week we have asked the question:

Do you think your college/university degree prepared you for your first job in this industry?

Yes -  47.2%
No  -  52.8%

Here are some excerpts of comments we received regarding the question:

“I've been job searching for over two months now and haven't had an interview yet.  Not one phone call yet.  Either this country has all of a sudden become no different than the third world or my college failed.”
Dan

“I do not have a job at present.  I feel my university gave me excellent training (but) employers have failed to recognise and utilise my knowledge and training. I very rarely even get an acknowledgement from an employer for the application.”
Marcia

“For me personally, my degree in GIS and hydrology - is what specifically landed me my job.  I use what I learned at the University of Colorado every day.  I think I am one of the few people I know, however, who uses what they studied for their job often.”
Molly

“I am a recent graduate of the new GIS Technician Certification program at Mesa Community College in Mesa, AZ.  I was very pleased with the program, gaining hands on experience.  My first job has given a tremendous opportunity for growth and on-the-job skills development.”
Jim

I would like to hear from college and university professors, instructors, department chairs regarding their programs and what they are doing to prepare their students for employment in the industry. Alumni who would like to brag a bit about their alma mater are welcome.  We would like to highlight the ‘best of the best’.

Send your comments to :  rich@geosearch.com