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career paths - uw geography alumni and friends

Director, Washington State Transportation Improvement Board - Stevan Gorcester

1. Description of current work.

I lead an organization that makes grants to cities and counties for projects to improve their transportation systems. It is a dynamic job with lots of autonomy and responsibility to manage the funds and ensure that projects are well managed. We give out $120 million a year.

2. What drew you into geography?

I was always a geographer. I helped people navigate. I rode the bus on my own as a boy. I have a good mental map and spatial skills. I have also always been fascinated with transportation.

3. Describe your education in geography.

I studied physical geography and then transportation in geography and other disciplines like engineering and urban planning.

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

Statistics, spatial theory (von Thünen, Christaller, gravity models), economic geography, regional science, urban planning.

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

Theoretical concepts prepared me well for learning the mechanics of the work I do.

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

I had a part-time job as a transportation consultant. It was a valuable career-builder. It showed me the specific training I needed.

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

Starting out I looked for transportation firms without really knowing what they did. I asked around. A friend gave me a lead. It was very basic work in the field but gave me the grounding I needed to move on and up. After completing some good projects there and in other jobs, I was recruited by others.

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

Now that I have been a director, I expect I will have more management positions with bigger organizations.

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

Have a pretty good idea what specialty you are interested in.

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

If you have a passion within the field follow it. Narrow down what you think you want to do. Find something you can market. Identify yourself with a particular area of interest related to identifiable job titles.

11. What advice would you give to college seniors about their prospects with a geography degree in hand?

Get some experience. Get an M.A.

12. What do you anticipate that your career path will be in the next 10 years or more?

Running agencies.

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

Get an M.A. It will help you move up faster.

Stevan 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
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at work