This includes, but is not limited to digging and/or collecting data, analyzing it, making maps, and even writing grants. I’m working on several projects and plans for various communities. Some weeks I have tons of meetings, some weeks I’m only in my office, and then some weeks it’s a mix. My day to day life is almost never the same. I would just like to get some advice from the sub here as well. I reached out to the program head at BCIT already and he suggested that smaller companies or agencies could take me with just the certificate but if I want to work for larger agencies or government (which is the end goal here) I would need the experience the diploma offers. My question is: would it be worth completing the certificate program first with the intent to find some basic, entry-level GIS position while I complete the rest of the diploma program? This program shares 5 courses with the diploma program. BCIT also offers a shorter, 7 course GIS certificate program. I haven’t been able to secure any meaningful employment and working sales jobs is wearing on me. Now the issue I’m currently facing is that it will likely take me 2 1/2- 3 years to complete the program. Well a lot has changed since then and I am enrolled now at BCIT for their online GIS advanced diploma program. I took a few basic intro courses to GIS and enjoyed them somewhat but didn’t really think of pursuing GIS in any capacity beyond that. I’m a recent graduate of a Canadian university where I obtained my bachelors degree in Geography.

I’ll start with some background information.

Bcit gis certificate reddit