Jobs & Careers Center

The Jobs & Careers Center is a virtual hub for those interested in learning about careers in geography. This year’s track features over 40 sessions on careers and professional development for geographers, covering topics ranging from working as a geographer in the public, private, nonprofit, or academic sector, to networking strategies, to becoming a certified GIS Professional (GISP), to diversity in academia and the workforce, and more.

View All Careers-Related Sessions

Panel Discussions and Paper Sessions

The Jobs & Careers Center will host a number of panel and paper sessions related to careers and professional development. Topics include:

• Career opportunities in the business, government, and nonprofit sectors
• The academic job market for geographers
• Strategies for thriving as a stand-alone geographer
• Career pathways beyond the academy
• Diversity in academia and the workforce
• Opportunities for women in geography STEM disciplines
• Working internationally
• Work-life balance 
• Entry-level jobs in geography

Be sure to check the session gallery for the latest details.

Workshops

Workshops provide hands-on opportunities to learn about and apply ideas and advice from experts in their fields. Topics include:

• Preparing Geography Students for the 21st Century Workforce
• Self-Onboarding Strategies to Thrive in Your New Job and Career Ahead
• Becoming a Certified GISP (GIS Professional)
• Women in Leadership Positions in Geography

Events and Activities for Newcomers

AAG staff have created several resources and activities geared toward attendees who are new to the conference or have not participated recently. Please consider attending Welcome to AAG, a special session for newcomers planned by the Graduate Student Affinity Group on Wednesday, April 7, from 8:00 – 9:15 am PDT. For more information, visit the Information for Newcomers page.

Career Mentoring

Whether you're looking for your first job, considering graduate school, or changing careers, the advice of a mentor can help prepare you for success in today's competitive job market. The AAG has assembled a team of over  20 experienced geography professionals and faculty members to provide one-on-one and small-group consultation about careers in a variety of industries and employment sectors. Topics for discussion might include creating resumes and cover letters that will grab an employer's attention, finding jobs where you can put your geography skills and training to work, choosing a graduate program, developing your personal and professional networks, long-term career planning, and more.

If you are interested in becoming a Career Mentor, contact us at careers@aag.org.

Job and Student Opportunities Postings

The AAG Jobs in Geography Center online jobs board is the preeminent source of academic jobs in geography, as well as a wide variety of jobs in geography-related fields in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Our Student Opportunities Site also features a constantly updating list of graduate student assistantship, postdoc and internship openings. A number of these positions are paid opportunities, so don't miss out on furthering you career without adding to your student loans! 

Visit our online job ads now.

View or advertise the latest student opportunities now.

GISP Certification

Did you know you can earn GISP credits by participating in the AAG Annual Meeting? Attendance provides several ways to earn necessary points for the “Contributions to the Profession” and “Education” components of becoming a GISP. Current and aspiring GISPs should consider attending the following sessions: 

• GISCI & the GISP – An Exploration of Professionalism Early in a Career or Profession on Friday, April 9, from 9:35 – 10:50 am PDT
• Meet the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) on Saturday, April 10, from 11:10 – 12:25 pm PDT
• Meet Certified GIS Professionals (aka GISPs) on Saturday, April 10, from 3:05 – 4:20 pm PDT