WLIA 2025 Annual Conference Appleton

Join in the Career Connections session to learn tips and tricks to kickstart your professional career or take your career to the next level. Stop in for advice, networking opportunities, resume and interview tips, and more. We’ll have open time for discussion, resume reviews, and networking. Open to all career levels, especially college students or those looking to break into the GIS industry. More to come as the conference approaches.

30 Minutes - Speaker: Matthew Haffner, PhD, Associate Professor of Geography, University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire on the topic, “From Theory to Practice: Cultivating Geospatial Success in Industry” - Geospatial industries are complex, and the needs of individual organizations can vary greatly. This challenge is compounded by a frequent disconnect between what geospatial professionals look for in entry-level hires and what university students are taught in the GIS classroom. In this talk I will discuss some observed pinch points between academia and industry, how both groups can work to bridge these gaps, and how career seekers can position themselves for success. I'll additionally cover networking, building an online presence, and resume and cover letter tips that have worked for many UWEC geography graduates. Finally, I'll present a comprehensive list of GIS interview questions that former students have encountered over the years.

45 Minutes – Industry Expert Panel with Q&A
•   Frank Romo, CEO of RomoGIS Enterprises
•   John Nelson, Cartography and UX at Esri
•   Emily Champagne, Geospatial Manager, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD)
•   Grace Condit, GIS Analyst, Mead & Hunt

15 Minutes – Open time for one-on-ones, resume reviews, etc.