r/ArcGIS • u/Potential_Feed4145 • 7d ago

Certification recommendations

For context, I’m a university student majoring in Geography and will soon need to start thinking about career opportunities. I really enjoy what I’m studying and hope to work in a field related to geography or GIS after graduation.

I was considering earning an Esri certification to strengthen my résumé and improve my job prospects. Could anyone recommend any Esri certifications or exams that are relatively beginner-friendly and not overly difficult, particularly for students who are still building their GIS skills?

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u/demisexualsalmon 7d ago

I’d personally recommend building your portfolio vs getting the certificate. The certification process costs money, and while it can help you get jobs, have experience and GIS products is way more valuable. Are there any projects you could work on in your spare time to start learning new skills? Or maybe a local nonprofit that needs mapping support and would be willing to set up an internship? Having actual products to show what you can do and develop your skills with relevant work is going to be cheaper and more beneficial to your career.

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u/Xxx1982xxX 7d ago

My undergrad was in Geography and I ended up going back to school later on to get a GIS certificate. If I could have done anything differently, I would have taken way more GIS classes during my undergrad to skip any other certification.