BSc Natural Resources Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, & MSc Geo-information Science and Earth Observation, International Institute of Geo-information Science and Earth Observation (ITC), University of Twente
Information Data Analyst at ITOPF
Tell us a little about yourself
I’m a chartered geographer and a registered mentor with Royal Geographical Society, a family woman and a Sunday club volunteer (children’s work) at my local church. I love watching tennis, baking/cooking and playing board games. I’m a twin.
What degree did you do at university and where did you do it?
For my bachelor’s degree, I studied Renewable Natural Resources management at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana and then I studied Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Natural Resources Management at the International Institute of Geo-information Science and Earth Observation (University of Twente) in The Netherlands for my master’s degree.
How did you decide to study that degree?
I studied science in secondary school and applied to study several science related degrees in university as I hadn’t decided on a career. I was offered Renewable Natural Resources management at KNUST and my interest in conservation, particularly the geographical aspect, increased during my study.
After my bachelor’s degree, I worked in an environmental research role. I found the GPS and mapping software very useful for surveys and I produced outputs that revealed spatial relationships in my data and were very effective for communicating my results. I found this very intriguing and recognised the potential of GIS in transforming the way I manage and analyse data. I decided to pursue a course in GIS to support my environmental career but somewhere along the line, I realised I was very interested in cartography and I wanted to do spatial analysis.
What did you enjoy most about studying geosciences/geography?
I enjoyed creating beautiful maps and models and finding information through mensuration, geoprocessing etc. to answer geographical questions. I also enjoyed using the geographical enquiry process for investigation and problem solving.
What job/role do you have now and what does it involve?
I’m currently an information data analyst at a maritime organisation in London. My main responsibilities are to manage data and provide specialist advice to enhance GIS services in the organisation. These involve the development and management of geodatabases, mobile and web applications, data gathering, analysis and visualisation, workflow automation and data integration. I am also responsible for the introduction and implementation of GIS processes and provision of GIS training.
Tell us a little about how you ended up in this job/role?
I started my GIS career as an intern in an environmental consultancy. I had the opportunity to set up GIS to evaluate a scheme run by the local London borough. I took this internship programme, declining paid employment in research, as I was eager to implement GIS to solve a real-world problem. Following the internship, I joined the construction services unit of a major infrastructure group. I later accepted a GIS role to work on a rail construction project, which took me to the next level in my career. Working with a team of GIS professionals, I was exposed to a wide array of techniques and applications and inspired by senior colleagues. The professional experience I gained while working on this project was remarkable and I felt ready to take on consultancy and GIS project management roles that would challenge me further. I joined a prestigious maritime organisation in London in 2016 where I have been managing data and providing specialist advice to enhance GIS services in the organisation.
What skills from your degree do you use in the role you have now?
Most survey/data gathering, analysis and reporting techniques studied during my degree are applicable in my current role but I think understanding core principles of subjects and geographical thinking has supported my career. I’m often presented with questions related to where marine oil spills occur, their frequency in different regions across the globe and relationship between frequency of spills and other factors. I always look for spatial properties and try to identify patterns/trends and relationships in datasets, with a focus on finding answers to specific questions. I don’t always get an answer, but I always gain a better understanding of the situation.
I’ve particularly found knowledge and skills acquired from courses like Principles and Applications of Remote Sensing and GIS, Experimental Design and Analysis, Inferential Statistics, Natural Resource Economics, Spatial Modelling and System Analysis valuable.
Are there any challenges you faced along the way?
Yes. In the early days of my GIS career, I couldn’t wait to take on responsibilities that involved advanced techniques. I was sometimes frustrated with performing basic repetitive tasks. Now, I’m grateful for every stage of my career. It’s been a good learning process.
With GIS constantly evolving, it can be challenging to keep up with new tools and techniques. I’m always improving my technical expertise and soft skills, which are equally crucial for career development.
What do you most enjoy about the job you do now?
I enjoy providing information through maps, models and other applications that are effective for analytical decision making and communication. It is very rewarding to see the impact of my work.
Where would you like to see the geosciences/geography going? What do you hope/anticipate for the future of the geosciences/geography?
In our world today, any analysis that adds to the current knowledge and understanding of environmental, economic and social systems is crucial. GIS and remote sensing are making a difference. Web GIS is fostering collaboration and making timely data accessible globally. I think GIS is a growing field with very good prospects and I would like to see more students studying geosciences.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of studying geosciences or geography?
Go for it! It’s fun and can be applied to solve real-world problems. I also think being a geographer offers great flexibility. There are office-based and field-based roles. GIS specialists qualify for jobs in various fields across industries.