“I think my experience at a new job is the best endorsement I could give. I knew how to do everything I needed to. I also think it’s worth mentioning that based on my experience and in terms of GIS skills, I would rate the GIS certificate the equal of many undergraduate and master’s programs, and even superior in some cases.”
Meet Greg Andersen!
GIS Certificate Graduate
Greg Andersen graduated from the Continuing Education Department’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate Program in 2014. After obtaining a degree in Geology, he realized that his job opportunities would increase if he acquired skills in GIS. He was convinced by Professor Thad Dymkowski and Dr. Cynthia Pope that the GIS certificate program would be a quick and efficient way to learn GIS skills to be qualified for more career opportunities. The GIS program helps students learn to analyze and visualize data to answer questions and solve spatial problems. Because of his experience in GIS, Mr. Andersen currently contracts with New York State doing data development and maintenance on street and address point data. The main goal of the project is to produce data that allows for highly accurate geocoding and routing. He gives credit to the GIS program for enabling him to be knowledgeable in all situations necessary to perform his job.
Mr. Andersen thoroughly enjoyed the GIS program, and has advice for current and future GIS students. He specifically mentioned the amount of detail and personal instruction that helped students focus on the practical aspect of what they needed to know in the workforce, as well as the theory of key concepts. As for future and current GIS students, Mr. Andersen recommends taking part in an internship while in school, even if it is unpaid. He believes the student will receive valuable experience that will be useful in the job market, and explained that he would not have gotten his current job if he had not taken part in internships.
If you are interested or want to learn more about the GIS Hybrid Certificate program at CCSU, please contact Christa Sterling at CSterling@ccsu.edu or 860-832-2277.