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First, some facts. Of the Geographic Information Science and Cartography graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 93 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 58%, Geographic Information Science and Cartography graduates have a lower likelihood (-9%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 26% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Geographic Information Science and Cartography graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 0% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2018 from Saginaw Valley State University with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Geographic Information Science and Cartography. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONSales Engineer The Delfield Company 2019 - 2020 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When we look at the career paths of graduates with degrees in Geographic Information Science and Cartography, it’s clear that their job choices vary widely in relevance to their education. Many individuals are employed in positions that utilize the skills and knowledge gained during their studies, specifically in roles like GIS Technician, GIS Analyst, or GIS Manager. These jobs involve direct applications of geographic data analysis and mapping techniques, which are the cornerstones of the degree. Roles at companies like Apple, Garmin, and even governmental organizations clearly demonstrate how graduates can effectively translate their academic training into applicable job functions.
However, there's a sizable portion of graduates who find themselves in positions that are either indirectly related to their field or completely unrelated. Many individuals have taken on roles like project managers, sales representatives, or logistics specialists, where they might only occasionally reference their GIS knowledge. For instance, positions in various sectors, like customer service, administrative roles, or engineering, don’t actively engage with cartography or geographic analysis. This suggests a common phenomenon among degree holders: while they start in relevant roles, they often migrate into other fields that may not fully leverage their specialized education.
Overall, while many Geographic Information Science and Cartography graduates secure jobs that uphold the integrity of their degree, the significant number who veer off into unrelated sectors raises questions about job market demand and how degrees are perceived by employers outside of specialized fields. It highlights the importance of career planning and seeking roles that truly align with their educational backgrounds to maximize their skills. So, while there’s a promising number of roles available in GIS and cartography, many graduates may still find themselves in less relevant career paths, which isn’t uncommon in many educational fields today.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Geographic Information Science and Cartography graduates:
When we look at the career trajectories of graduates in Geographic Information Science and Cartography, we see a mixed bag of experiences. Some folks land strong roles directly related to their studies right out of college, while others seem to drift into unrelated fields, especially in the early years after graduation. For instance, those who graduated recently, like the person from the University of Washington who started as a Web Development Intern and then shifted into GIS roles, show a pattern of getting their feet wet in the industry quickly and moving into relevant positions fairly swiftly. Five years down the line, it appears many graduates often secure roles as GIS Technicians or even ascend to management positions, especially in tech-focused companies like Apple and NVIDIA.
However, not everyone hits the ground running. For example, the graduate from San Francisco State University who worked in logistics and maintenance roles for several years might suggest that sometimes the connection to their degree isn't as strong right after graduating. In fact, some profiles indicate individuals working in various jobs unrelated to GIS, like those in the restaurant industry or in sales roles. It seems that while a solid chunk of graduates find their way to GIS-related jobs after a few years, others take a longer, meandering path that doesn't directly utilize their education in Geographic Information Science and Cartography.
By around the five to ten-year mark, many graduates holding relevant positions either become specialized GIS analysts, tech project managers, or even step into leadership roles within their organizations, showcasing a solid professional trajectory for those who stayed within the field. However, there are also plenty of instances of graduates pivoting to seemingly unrelated fields, which might suggest they didn't find GIS opportunities that aligned with their career aspirations, or they chose to explore different paths entirely. Overall, while many graduates do find satisfying careers in GIS or related fields, there is also a notable number that either shifts to unrelated jobs or takes a longer road to establish themselves in their field.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Geographic Information Science and Cartography can be both challenging and rewarding, depending on your interests and skills. If you enjoy working with technology, maps, and data analysis, you might find it engaging and even a bit easier than other degrees that are heavier in science or math. However, there are definitely some technical aspects, like learning GIS software or understanding spatial data, that can be pretty tricky if that’s not your thing. So, it’s not the easiest degree out there, but if you’re passionate about the subject, you’ll probably find it manageable and fun!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Geographic Information Science and Cartography.
Looking at the profiles, it seems that many of these graduates are on fairly decent financial paths, especially those who have climbed into roles at big companies like Apple, Microsoft, and NVIDIA. For example, the University of Washington grad working at Apple likely makes a good salary as a GIS Technician, while the San Francisco State alum has progressed to a managerial position, which generally comes with a solid income. There are those in contract or entry-level roles, like the graduate from UC Santa Barbara or James Madison University, who might not be raking in as much yet, but they’re building valuable experience that can lead to better pay down the line.
On the flip side, some profiles show a mix of jobs across various fields that might not guarantee a high salary right off the bat, especially those working in logistics or as internships. The variety in job titles and industries is pretty broad, which indicates that some paths may take longer to yield a high income. Still, many have started to move into specialized roles, especially in GIS, which usually suggest a good earning potential as they gain experience. Overall, while some may be starting at lower paying positions, it looks like a good number are establishing themselves in positions that promise better financial futures.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Geographic Information Science and Cartography. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Geographic Information Science and Cartography (ordered by the average relevance score of their Geographic Information Science and Cartography graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: