Darin Mertig - Applied Data Consultants

Name: Darin Mertig  

Family: Ruger( my Dog)

Major & Minor: Geography Resource Management (Comprehensive, No Minor)

Year Graduated: May 2010

Current Employer: Applied Data Consultants

Length of Employment: August 2011-Present

Interests and Hobbies: Hunting, Fishing, Shooting, Football, Baseball, Beer Tastings

What helped you decide what route to take after graduation (i.e. graduate school or type of job)? I had contemplated Grad school after graduation, and even looked into a career in the Military, but after seeing the number of entry level position’s in the GIS field all around the country, I decided that joining the work force and gaining professional experience was the best decision at the time.

What do you think gave you to edge to get your current position? My knowledge of the GIS programs and the ability to be very flexible in what I was able to do with the program. Also, having strong recommendations from the Geography department was a big help. I also think the relationship between ADC and the Geography department helped in the end, they know what UWEC Geography students have for GIS abilities and it makes it easy for them to take students who graduate in the same city as the employer.

Describe your typical day at work: My typical day of work varies quite a bit, I can go from making maps for the delivery of telephone books, creating the information that is needed to start creating the maps, even to working for the Army Corp of Engineers doing various projects. All of variation gives me a lot of different knowledge and job skills, it also helps keep the day from becoming monotonous.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? I can see myself working as a project manager or a division manager, but still in the GIS field and dealing with technology, the more it changes the more there is to do and the more people they will need to run different positions.

What advice can you give to those who are still in school? I would say to take any classes which GIS, LIDAR, GPS and any other technologies offered. You can never have enough knowledge of one program and the more that you know the better off you are. I would recommend choosing projects that challenge your ability and present them at multiple conferences and events as possible. You can never get your name out there enough.  Also, I would recommend that you build your resume early and update it often.