MapPros! Careers in Geospatial Technologies

Kabindra Joshi

"From my experience, one should have knowledge of everything in reality though s/he may be a specialist in one subject."

"This increase in careers may be due to the technology, which helps to understand the world and its resources better than any other way."

GIS Officer - Kabindra Joshi

Field: Architect / GIS Specialist
Job Title: GIS Officer
Place of Employment: CARE International in Nepal, Lalitpur District, Pulchowk, Krishnagalli

What is your current job and what does it entail?

Just after completing my Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, my experience in GIS from college life brought me into the geospatial field. I am working as a GIS Officer, where I am responsible for preparing the complete GIS database of six Child Survival Collaborations and Resources (CORE) Group Partners project districts, updating the data, incorporating the CBS and other socio-economic data in a GIS database. It also includes the use of GPS for field verification, adding new features to the database, and analyzing the data. I provide GIS training and engage in networking with other organizations. Besides the CORE group project, I also help and provide support to other sectors of CARE Nepal.

In your day-to-day activities, who are the people that you interact with regularly?

Frankly speaking, CARE Nepal does not have a large GIS unit and most of the people are unaware of it. People who know of this technology often come to me for help and suggestions.

For your position, what skills do you need in geospatial technologies?

Since we are dedicated and have diverted our profession towards geospatial technology, we need a lot of updates within our program to compete in this competitive market. Every day brings new inventions and products in hardware and software, so companies should take special care to disseminate information to users like us. In this field, geospatial technology skills alone are not sufficient. People need a full range of database software, graphics design and modeling skills, as well as creativity in one’s work. One should have a good knowledge of cartography and graphics. From my experience, one should have knowledge of everything in reality, though s/he may be a specialist in one subject.

For your position, what skills outside of geospatial technologies are required?

From my experience, one should have a broad base of knowledge, though s/he may be a specialist in one subject. For me, I am working in the health sector, so I definitely feel and want to gain some knowledge in public health and epidemiology. When I worked for an organization, I have to help other sectors too, so I also feel the need to gain some knowledge in governance, watershed management, forestry, natural resource management, etc. Though I have expertise in GIS, if I had gained some knowledge in these other subjects, then today I wouldn’t feel so backward! Without proper knowledge of other subjects, it is it difficult to apply GIS in other subject areas.

What was the key factor in your career decision?

In this competitive world, what you study in your academic life is not sufficient. So I was aware of this and tried different topics. My experience and interest, as well as the support from other officials, led my career towards GIS Technology.

What do you like most about your career?

Until now I‘ve really worked only five years in this field. I am climbing to reach the top of a mountain, but now I am still within the base camp. So, I have not yet realized the most interesting part of my career. One day when I reach it, then sure, I will share with you all!

What do you like least about your career?

In Nepal, the demand for geospatial technology is increasing day by day. But because people at the decision making level do not have the knowledge of it, and when we try to explain its importance to them, they don’t give it proper attention, use of geospatial technology here has not risen to meet the demand. So, I feel sad when educated decision-makers do not pay more attention to this subject.

What do you do to relax?

If I get busy throughout the day, I feel more relaxed and comfortable than when I have no work. When I get overloaded with work, I like to go out, hang with friends and enjoy myself.

Who are your heroes/heroines?

My father who taught me and supported my coming into this field, as well as those who were directly or indirectly related to my life and career, I would like to give them a big thanks and request for continued support.

What advice would you give a high school student who expressed an interest in pursuing a career in your field?

I would definitely advise those who are showing interest in geospatial technology to join this field. This is a new and emerging technology being widely used in all sectors of development.

Are career opportunities in your field increasing or decreasing and why?

Sure, GIS career opportunities are increasing day by day, and in Nepal, too. Most donor organizations want to apply GIS technology for their planning and decision making purposes. Now people have realized GIS technology is not a demand but a need. That may apply to the forestry, social science or health sectors, as well as in natural resource management.

This increase in careers may be due to the technology, which helps to understand the world and its resources better than any other way.

E-mail:
Kabin_casec@yahoo.com (personal)
kabindra@carenepal.org (Official)

Comments:

I want to explore and work in a big multinational company where my skills and experience could be utilized. In Nepal, GIS technology has become only a showpiece, though most of the organizations have this technology.

Degree Major Institution

Online MSc. In GIS (1st Semester)

GIS, RS and its application in various disciplines

Lund University, Sweden

Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture

Architecture and Urban Planning

Institute of Engineering, Department of Architecture, Pulchowk Campus, Pulchowk, Lalitpur

Proficiency Certificate Level in Science

Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics

Nepal Science Campus, Kathmandu