Jobs & Careers Center

The Jobs & Careers Center provides a central location for job seekers, students, and professionals to interact with one another and learn more about careers and professional development for geographers. A careers information table will be staffed and accessible each day for general questions, information, and resources.

A broad range of special sessions on careers in geography, professional development, and employment opportunities will take place within the Jobs & Careers Center, and many additional careers and professional development sessions will take place at various locations throughout the conference venues. Sessions will cover 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.

Last year’s session track featured more than 70 sessions, workshops, and field trips related to careers and professional development. Download a list of Careers & Professional Development Sessions that were held.

Planning is currently underway for the 2020 Annual Meeting in Denver.

 

 

This page will be updated as further details become available. If you are organizing a relevant session or activity, if you would like to volunteer or participate in an AAG-organized activity, or if you have suggestions for outreach related to careers and professional development, please email us at careers@aag.org.

 

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 we hope to address at the 2020 Annual Meeting include:

  • Welcome to the Annual Meeting: An orientation for newcomers 
  • Career opportunities in the business, government, and nonprofit sectors
  • The academic job market for geographers
  • Strategies for thriving as a stand-alone geographer
  • Integrating career preparation into geography programs and curricula
  • The role of undergraduate programs in career preparation
  • The role of community college programs in career preparation
  • Diversity in academia and the workforce
  • Opportunities for women in geography STEM disciplines
  • Working internationally
  • Work-life balance 
  • Entry-level jobs in geography
  • Enhancing students' employability through internships and work-based learning

Details about these and other activities scheduled throughout the Annual Meeting will be posted as they are confirmed.

To organize a session for inclusion in the careers and professional development track, email us at careers@aag.org for assistance and further instructions.

Workshops

Workshops provide hands-on opportunities to learn about and apply ideas and advice from experts in their fields. Topics we hope to address at the 2020 Annual Meeting include:

  • Preparing Geography Students for the 21st Century Workforce
  • Professional Networking Strategies
  • Becoming a Certified GISP (GIS Professional)
  • Resume and Cover Letter Writing
  • Interviewing for Employment
  • Nailing Your Career Fair Interaction
  • Professional Skills Development in Applied Careers
  • Closing the Gender Gap in Geography
  • Women in Leadership Positions in Geography
  • Incorporating Computer Programming Activities into Geography Curricula

For full descriptions of these and other workshops as they are announced, check out the Workshops list on the registration page. 

An Introduction to the Annual Meeting of the AAG

The Annual Meeting of the AAG is quite possibly the largest geography conference in the world, with over 8,500 geographers converging from the U.S., Canada, and nearly 60 other countries in a typical year. With thousands of different papers and presentations scheduled throughout the conference, you’ll find no shortage of activities that reflect your specific interests within the field of geography. However, with so much going on, it can be challenging for first-time attendees to know how to prepare for and make the most of the meeting.

Guide for newcomers

Along with representatives of the Graduate Student Affinity Group, AAG staff have created a guide for newcomers to the annual meeting [PDF] that addresses some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from first-time attendees. An updated version will be posted after the preliminary program for the 2020 Annual Meeting has been created. If you have a question that's not covered here, visit the Annual Meeting area of our website or email us at meeting@aag.org.

Events and activities for newcomers at the 2020 Annual Meeting

AAG staff and members are currently planning activities geared toward attendees who are new to the conference or have not participated recently. Details will be posted here as they are confirmed. If you have an idea or a suggestion for a newcomers' event, please contact us at careers@aag.org.

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 is assembling a team of experienced geography professionals, faculty members, and advanced students 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

Each year, the Jobs & Careers Center features job postings and student opportunities in all fields of geography. Attendees can browse the postings during the career mentoring sessions and or at any time during the conference. Employers are also welcome to post printed ads for open positions within their organizations. 

Visit our online job ads now.

View or advertise the latest student opportunities now.

Diversity Ambassadors

A diverse group of graduate students, faculty, and professional geographers serve as AAG Diversity Ambassadors. Volunteers are willing to share their experiences and advice about college life, graduate school, job searches, networking, navigating the Annual Meeting, and more. Faculty and employers who seek to achieve greater diversity in their programs and workforces are encouraged to talk with the Ambassadors. This page will be updated as further details regarding activities at the 2020 conference become available.

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.
For more information, visit www.gisci.org.