What's your job about?
Stantec is a global design and consulting firm, specialising and collaborating across an assortment of disciplines, including environmental services—my discipline! I started with Stantec towards the end of 2023 as a Graduate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analyst.
As a recent graduate, I sometimes find it challenging to communicate the details of my job to individuals unfamiliar with GIS concepts. However, I really enjoy explaining that my work involves giving something such as raw data a visual dimension. While a list of coordinates may appear abstract, when mapped against contextual features such as a road, city, or lake, it can transform it into a story that anyone can appreciate.
I was lucky enough to be a part of a project across my first few months that needed high-resolution imagery and object-based image analysis (OBIA) to accurately detect, delineate, and quantify vegetation types and cover at a range of sites across a large study area. The work I was a part of allowed for greater insight on rehabilitation performance than standard transect or quadrat-based monitoring of representative areas.
A typical day in my position involves collecting and managing geographical data, creating digital maps, and performing spatial analysis. I work with data sets and satellite imagery, develop visualisations, and contribute to reports. I am continually learning and look forward to all the projects I will get to be a part of in my career.
What's your background?
Since childhood, my insatiable curiosity led me to question the complexities of the world around me. I enjoyed finding patterns where others might overlook them. Whether immersed in nature or engrossed in books, I seized every opportunity to learn.
After completing high school, I decided to travel internationally—a quest to broaden my horizons and explore diverse landscapes as much as possible. I believe these experiences fueled my passion for GIS. Eventually, I returned to the ‘real world’ and started my career path through university.
While my passion for the environment was evident, I struggled to choose the right academic path. My journey led me through various majors—marine biology, meteorology, environmental science—until I found my niche in zoology and geography. Although a dedicated spatial science course wasn’t available at my university until after I finally settled into my degree, I was lucky enough to encounter GIS software during my studies, which I took to immediately and ignited my interest.
In 2022, a student internship opportunity with CSIRO provided a key moment. Working under a supervisor well-versed in spatial data, I gained invaluable insights and was lucky enough to co-author a manuscript. From there, I deliberately sought roles emphasising GIS applications, upon which I stumbled upon Stantec’s meticulously designed graduate program which will allow me to learn and develop under a team of seasoned professionals in the field.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
While I’d love to give an enthusiastic ‘yes,’ I do think that having some prior exposure to GIS is essential for this role, along with a strong analytical mindset. Interestingly, many professionals I know in this field don’t have degrees directly related to GIS—rather, it is a mix of physics, geology, ecology, marine science, and many more. They have either stumbled upon it, like me, or been thrown into the mix.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
For me, the coolest thing about my job is transforming seemingly ‘boring’ data and statistics into captivating visuals. It’s like turning plain text into a colorful mural that speaks to everyone. These visuals deliver messages that might otherwise slip through the cracks, making information accessible to a wider audience.
What are the limitations of your job?
In my experience, the most significant challenge in my job has been transitioning from prior physically demanding roles to a desk-based environment. As a newcomer to the field, without a degree in GIS or spatial science, I encounter something new to learn every day. Fortunately, I’m supported by a team that is both knowledgeable and patient with me.
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