Dear all,
Welcome to the blog for week one! Posting a comment and responding to one another's comments will give you 1% of the module marks per week. To gain the 1% you must post your comments by the Friday of each week. However, as this is week 1, you have until Friday of the following week (24th March) to post your comments for the week 1 and week 2 blogs. I will usually try to post a new topic on the Friday of each week so you can post comments over the weekend.
The campus based students will be discussing the same issue with the distance learners.
This week (for 1%) I simply want you to introduce yourselves. Cover the following issues:
1. Distance learner or campus student
2. Name
3. GIS Experience (particularly programming experience)
4. Current work / study
5. Interests
6. Hopes for after the GIS course.
I will start the ball rolling!
My name is Paul McKenzie and I have been working/studying GIS for 17 years and teaching for 11 years. The last 10 years have seen a great deal of change and the module has gone through a few permutations! I am delighted to partner with Marcus Young who is responsible for the exceptionally interesting work on OpenLayers and Geoserver. I am very excited by Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) along with remote sensing and of course GIS! I also spend quite a bit of time with teachers to deliver GIS in secondary schools. I love running but 5 year old and 9 month old have me busy enough for a while!
I look forward to reading your comments.
Paul
Hi All,
ReplyDeleteI am Mark Elliott and I am a full-time GIS Masters student studying via distance learning from Lincolnshire in the UK.
I have no prior GIS work experience but I have (or will have) completed six GIS Masters modules at the beginning of this particular module.
My past work experience has been in the financial industry, specifically customer service although I have been a self-employed artist now for a number of years.
I have a big interest in data, especially with the emergence of Big-Data and whilst I plan to learn more about other aspects of the Big-Data revolution, I feel understanding how GIS can be utilised within this area of expertise will give me a competitive edge in relation to my future aspirations.
Whilst I am looking to work in a GIS or Data related field when I complete my Masters, I am also considering completing a doctorate at some stage in the future.
My interests include art and science and I have recently been introduced to astronomy which I hope to learn more about when I have a little more time to spare!
Happy studying!
Mark
Hi All,
ReplyDeleteI'm Ciaran McGuckin and I'm currently studying for the Masters on Campus as a part time student.
Currently I work for a small local company based outside Ballymena which provides leakage management and surveying services including some UAV surveying. Through this I have gained experience in a number of GIS software packages including ArcGIS and MapInfo. I have pretty much zero programming experience other than some toying around with some of the Python scripting available through ArcMap.
Outside of work I'm involved with my local GAA club both as a player and also currently as PRO. I've also a bit of interest in photography when I get the chance and have taken a couple of short courses in this, although I don't always have the time to get using my camera as much as I'd like.
Following completion of the masters I'd like to bring the skills I've learned back to my current employers as well as further developing on some of the topics covered. Particularly areas such as programming where I have very little experience, hopefully the subject covered over the next few weeks will give me a good foundation to go and learn some new skills!
Ciaran
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteHi Ciaran,
DeleteNice to meet you. I did leave you another message where to find alternative help re Python but later thought this may not be appropriate re this course, therefore I removed it!
However, I usually find added benefit from video tutorials together with reading material and there is a lot out there on the web re Python if you need it.
Anyway, good luck for the module.
Regards
Mark
Hi all,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Khalid Kheyre I am a part-time GIS PgDip student by distance learning from London.
I have a degree in surveying engineering, during my undergraduate studies I have studied introductory course in GIS, but I have no working experience in GIS. Also I don't have experience in programming.
For the last couple of years I have been working in retail and customer service. I have always wanted to study GIS in a graduate level but could not get the chance to do it.
I am a big football fan and I play basketball and volleyball. Also I like travelling abroad.
After the completion of this course I am going to look for a job in GIS and keep learning to increase my knowledge because technology has no end.
This is my first experience in blogging.
I look forward to reading your comments.
Khalid
Hi all!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Caroline Smyth from Belfast, Northern Ireland. I am currently a part time, distance learning student in the GIS Masters. In 2015 I completed my undergraduate degree in Marine Science at the University of Ulster (Coleraine Campus). During my degree, I took part in the ERASMUS programme and travelled to Berlin to study at the Freie Universitat Berlin. There I studied geowissenschaften (Earth Sciences), along with some humanities modules which allowed me to study at Humboldt University for a semester. To earn extra credit I also completed 6 PADI qualifications (yes I learned to scuba dive in Berlin!). Doing the ERASMUS programme not only gave me a qualification in German language, and a Diploma in International Academic Studies, it allowed me to test a few modules in GIS at a Masters level. Passing the modules (1 was taught in German), gave me the confidence to apply for this Masters programme.
Being a past campus student at the University of Ulster I was introduced to GIS in 2012 and I have never looked back. I have vast experience in using the ArcMap platform and online GIS (ESRI). In my final year of university I was tasked with creating a 'How to' manual on GIS which I created and presented to a third year high school geography class. The manual focused on creating visualising earthquake data. This is now my 4th module into the masters and I am very much looking forward to working my way through it.
At present I work as an administrator, but I have just been offered a job as a compliance analyst in Citibank in their Disclosures and Surveillance Department. I am looking forward to starting my career with them.
Within GIS I am very much interested on open source software and data. I love how it has become so easily available and easy to use, especially to the untrained user. I look forward to seeing how it advances.
My interests include food (I am a huge foodie who loves going out for dinner and cooking/baking), going to the theatre, rock concerts, reading, the cinema and just having fun.
I decided to partake in the Masters programme as I felt almost uemployable with a degree in Marine Science. I hope this course gives me the skills needed to find a career within the GIS industry.
I look forward to reading everyone's blogs.
Have a great weekend.
Caroline Smyth
Hello,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Gabriel Contreras, I am distance learning student, I am from Spain and I came here to continue developing my skills in GIS. I am living in Reading where I am working as GIS technician. I started this Master thinking improve my skills and learn as much as I can, for this reasson I am very excited with this module and I hope to get some programing skills and get the experience to finnally find new challenges.
Regards,
Gabriel Contreras
Campus Student.
ReplyDeleteHi my name is Rudi Doran, I’m currently in my last semester of my PG Dip in GIS. This year has certainly increased my knowledge of GIS but over the last three years I’ve gained an insight into GIS, through introductory modules in first and second year, followed by Advanced GIS in final year. I have no real experience in programming.
As I’ve stated, I currently study GIS but I also have a part time job in Asda at the weekends. I enjoy going to the beach, playing guitar, listening to music and travelling (and GIS of course).
I would like to use this GIS masters to acquire a job in the USA for a couple of years to build up experience before returning back home again. Hopefully this job will combine either GIS with an environmental or humanitarian aspect.
Hi all,
ReplyDeleteI'm Fearghal Rudden and I'm undertaking the part time GIS Masters as a distance learning student.
I am an electronic engineer and I do not have any GIS experience prior to joining this course. I have some experience with embedded C programming and very basic knowledge of developing UI's through visual basic but I mostly work in hardware.
I work for a company who develop subsea survey equipment and the course has already proven to be useful in analyzing customer data that we have captured with our equipment. I am hopeful that when I complete the course, it will open up more opportunities for me and my company in the subsea industry.
I have a strong interest in cooking, in most sports and I also enjoy travelling and seeing new places when I get the chance. I’m looking forward to participating in this blog and getting to know you all through it.
Fearghal
My Name is Raymond Lockhart I have been studying GIS Now for several years with Paul Mckenzie, i have enjoyed every minute and i look forward to working with him again.
ReplyDeletei a campus student i hope to be employed at some stage in a GIS based environment
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Collins and I am a part time distance learning student.This is my second module.
I am currently working as a geographic technician and a physical training instructor in the army. I enrolled on this course to improve my knowledge in GIS. I have no prior knowledge in programming so this new to me.I have worked in Ghana as an architect in the past, mostly in real estate development.
Away from work I play keyboard for a band in london. I'm also a keen cross country runner.
I am looking forward to working with you all.
Regards
Collins
Hi Collins,
DeleteNice to meet you, this Khalid Kheyre I live and work in London. I am a part-time distance learner like you, would you mind if we can be in touch and share our experience in the course.
Regards,
Khalid
Hello,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Mohammed; this is my fourth module in the GIS master’s programme via distance learning. I have been using GIS for 6 years mainly for map production and I have no programming experience.
Currently, I am in UAE working in a wildlife consultant company aiming to preserve endangered bird species related to falconry.
I play squash during my free time, I like to visit new places every year and for sure scuba diving.
GIS is being involved in almost every government agency, and I also noticed that acquiring an experience in GIS programming especially web-based GIS is an added value for someone who is continually looking for career progress.
I hope that this GIS programme will help me to get a job in the GI analysis field. For the long term I may consider a PhD.
All the best for you!
Regards,
Mohammed
Hi all,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Thrasyvoulos Adam but "Aki" was the best possible solution the last 39 and a half years. I graduated as a Petroleum Engineer and i have 7 years experience in well services, completions and data acquisition in the oil and gas sector. As you may all know, it is an industrial environment that fluctuates a lot , meaning that has periodical down-turns that affect employment. I decided to proceed in GIS on-line distant courses in order to broaden my skill set and probably follow a different professional path which i find an ideal challenge. I have no exposure to programming and coding and this course i expect it to be my starting point.
I used to have many hobbies like climbing , diving, parachutes, football, gardening, reading etc...but now i'm a new father so she is my only hobby.
I wish the all the best to everyone.
Kind regards,
Th. Adam
ReplyDeleteMy name is Julian Hine I am a distance learner on the GIS course part-time. I currently work part-time at the University of Ulster but have been an academic working in transport studies for over 20 years. My GIS experience has been limited to date but having used it in research I wanted to learn more about it and data etc. In my spare time I enjoy walking the dog and playing the guitar in a local blues/rock group with friends.
After the course I hope to either continue in an academic career or go into the GI industry, I am very interested in the data analytics side of it.
Hi my name is Sophie, I’m in the second semester of being a full time on campus student. I did an undergrad in Geography and Political Science a couple of years ago. I’m doing GIS now as I’m hoping it will help me get a grown-up job. I’m particularly interested in the humanitarian applications of GIS but also I just really like maps. My interest outside of study are reading, exploring and sailing and generally sitting down.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteMy name is John. I am doing the GIS course part-time through distance learning. I have only recently started doing GIS in my workplace. Before that I spent a number of years as a programmer, primarily using VB and VB.net. A lot of the programming I would have carried out was for internal applications, therefore, I have very little web development experience. As I have some programming experience but very little GIS experience, I have been nominated as the web development guy for GIS in my workplace. I'm now hoping to gain the relevant experience for this through this module.
In my spare time I spend time with my young family and play a bit of golf.
I'm hoping to play more of a role in GIS in my workplace after this course.
Hello everyone my name is Andrew and I'm in the second semester of the course studying full-time on campus. In June 2016 I graduated with a Bsc in Geography where I also studied some GIS modules. To date I have thoroughly enjoyed the masters course and have no doubt that it has increased my job prospects in the future.
ReplyDeleteWhen i'm not studying I enjoy playing rugby for the university team, going to the gym and eating!
I hope after completing the course I will be able to obtain a job in the GIS sector.
Hi everyone,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Thomas and I'm currently studying for he PgDip full time via distance learning.
My GIS experience to date includes several undergraduate modules and the six postgraduate modules completed so far.
I'm hoping that after I have completed the PgDip and then the masters course, I can either seek employment in a GI industry or go for a PHD.
My interests include rugby and swimming, whenever I can get the chance!
Hi everyone,
ReplyDeleteI'm Sarah and I am a full-time distance learning student. I have gained experience in GIS through modules completed as part of my BSc in Geography which I graduated from in June 2016 and through placements with Waterways Ireland and Mid Ulster District Council. I have no previous programming experience but am excited to learn this skill. I currently work in my family's retail business but I hope to get a job in the GI industry, possibly abroad or in Dublin, when I have completed the MSc in GIS. When I'm not studying, I enjoy eating out, running and travelling.
Hello everyone,
ReplyDeleteI'm John and I'm studying part-time on campus this semester. I have no prior programming experience, so I am certain to learn useful new skills in this module. I am enjoying post-grad study and look forward to utilising my enhanced GIS knowledge in my career.
I am in the process of starting my own place-shaping consultancy after working for 25 years in public sector planning. I have made some limited use of ArcGIS over the past decade.
I live in Belfast with my pet labrador and I enjoy walking in the countryside and at the coast; I also enjoy movies, tv and too much lovely food.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi All, my name is Shane Stevenson. I am a part-time student and I am doing this course via distance learning.
ReplyDeleteI work in the IT department of a local authority in Dublin. I have had some basic experience with GIS. I am also on the GIS national user-group. I don't have any programming experience in GIS. I decided to seek a formal qualification in GIS as the role of GIS-officer is currently vacant. I hope that with this course I will be in a position to apply for it. My interests are reading history and traveling.
Hello everyone :)
ReplyDeleteMy names Emma Campbell. I graduated with a geography degree in June 2016. I am a campus student at University of Ulster Coleraine and currently in my second semester of this GIS masters. I have enjoyed it so far and looking forward to this new module. I currently work as a part time assistant in DW sports back home. I like cars, going to the gym, dancing, reading and eating. I hope to obtain a job in the GI industry, possibly as a Web Developer, as this module seems very intriguing so far! But I want to travel for a while before settling for a full time job.
My name is Judith MacCombe and I am a distance learning student. I have some prior experience with GIS at uni (graduated last June). I'm really sporty so train or go to the gym for various things most days. I also live on a sheep farm so its all systems go with lambing these days!
ReplyDeleteI find GIS really interesting and can't wait to get stuck into this module, as for careers, I am currently unemployed but hope someday to get a job using GIS- anywhere in the world really, hopefully America or New Zealand!
Hi my name is Mark Stringer and I am currently studying full time on campus. I have no previous programming experience and no prior GIS experience before starting the course in September. I studied Psychology a few years back and did a lot of travelling since.
ReplyDeleteI am currently, as part of the course, doing a work placement with ESRI UK tech support in Holywood 3 days a week and then work on the weekends in a small bar.
Living on the coast I love being outdoors and do a lot of running and attend classes at the gym regularly. Last year I took up surfing which has become a bit of an addiction for me (checking surf forecasts and driving to the beach most days). I recommend giving it a try, its a game changer!
Upon completion of the course I intend to gain employment in a GIS based career, although I am open to travelling anywhere to work.
I hope everyone's enjoying the course and get from it what you hope for!
Hi
ReplyDeleteIm Paul Flood and I am a distance learner, originally from Northern Ireland,but now living in Surrey and working in Hammersmith and Fulham Council as the Land and Property Gazetteer and Street Gazetteer Manager and also the Street Naming and Numbering officer for the council.
I have been on the course for three years now and taking it slowly due to several other commitments, including work and a daughter in Norway who takes up most of my holiday time, which I love of course.
My programming experience is quite limited.
I enjoy cycling and hiking, cinema and theatre.
I would like to hope that this course helps me in furthering my career!
Good luck to all...
My name is Ayo Ayeni.I am registered past-time student in PostGraduate Diploma in GIS at University of Ulster Coleraine Campus. Iam working currently with Local authority in Republic of Ireland using ESRI ArcGis software in last 8 years.I have a background in Architecture. I am working to improve my knowledge in GIS industry and looking forward to a professional degree in GIS and working to be professionally qualified GIS consultant. I am married with a five year old boy.I tried to juggle my time within my professional work, school work and family life.
ReplyDeleteHi all,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Aaron Taggart and i am completing the GIS PGDip on campus. Over the course of my previous undergraduate degree in Geography, i gained a wealth of experience within GIS and have progressed upon this throughout the PGdip course. While i have little experience within programming itself, it has always been something i have had an interest in and i am looking forward to participating in programming related tasks within this module.
I have a keen interest in the physical environment, in particular regarding the weather and climate. Ideally, upon completion of the GIS course, i would like to secure a GIS related job that integrates GIS with weather related issues. Other interests i have include football, as well as music production and DJ'ing.
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