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career paths - uw geography alumni and friends

Engineering Technician - Glen Carnrite

1. Description of current work.

I design site development plans for private and public clients of Entranco Engineers. This includes transportation, grading, utilities, erosion and sediment control, planning, and signal design. It is fast-paced, in a stable job market, and I learn a lot.

2. What drew you into geography?

I enjoyed the classes. I was in engineering.

3. Describe your education in geography.

I focused on GIS.

4. Are you currently in a job where you find your training in geography is useful?

I had a well-rounded, common sense education. Geography is more than physical or location studies. It includes social and economic parameters.

5. How did your undergraduate studies prepare you for the workplace and/or graduate school?

The degree helped me get the job, but on-the-job training was very important.

6. Did you work as an intern while in college? Was it a valuable experience you would recommend to others?

Yes. I worked in Everett with the Planning Department. It led to my job here. I wish I had done it as a sophomore. It gave me confidence.

7. How did you find out about your current position?

Cold calls and networking.

8. Are you working with other geographers in your organization?

Yes, I supervise one.

9. If there is potential for professional growth with your current employer, what kind of a career path is it?

Project management and business management.

10. What advice would you give to early undergraduates considering a major in geography?

Get good technical training in software.

11. What advice would you give to college geography majors about what courses to take or which skills to get before they graduate?

Make sure you really want to do it. There is a wide range of opportunities. Be prepared to do a variety of things. You will have a well-rounded education as a geographer.

12. Please describe your career path up to this point.

I completed internships with municipal governments and then moved to a private sector consulting firm.

13. What do you wish someone had told you when you were in college?

Stay a few more years. Get some experience. Learn how to apply your education to real world problems.

Glen is willing to answer other occasional questions as they come up. If you have questions, please ask in the Geography Advising Office (415 Smith) for his contact information.

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Geographers:

getting jobs
planning careers
at work