NWGIS Mentorship Program
The NWGIS Mentorship Program is a 12-month professional development experience designed to connect emerging GIS professionals with experienced practitioners across the Pacific Northwest. Participants build technical skills, professional confidence, regional connections, and career-ready experience while working toward a GIS conference presentation as their capstone project.
Program Commitment
The program is designed to be achievable alongside work, school, and other professional responsibilities.
- Mentees: Approximately 5–8 hours per month
- Mentors: Approximately 3–5 hours per month
- Steering Committee: Approximately 2–4 hours per month
Time commitment increases slightly during conference preparation and participation.
12-Month Learning Framework
Goal Setting & Program Launch
Participants begin by establishing professional goals, connecting with their mentors, and developing an Individual Development Plan (IDP). Mentees also begin exploring potential topics for their conference capstone.
Regional GIS Landscape & Career Development
Participants explore GIS career pathways, professional certifications, regional user groups, and opportunities to build connections across the Pacific Northwest. The program also introduces conference opportunities and proposal timelines.
Technical Skill Development
Mentees select a technical specialization aligned with their interests and capstone topic. Through the year, participants deepen their technical and analytical skills with guidance from their mentors.
Communication & Presentation Skills
Participants learn how to communicate GIS concepts effectively through technical presentations, visual design, storytelling, and Q&A. Early lightning-talk practice helps build confidence before the final presentation.
Regional Data & Applied Collaboration
The program encourages projects that incorporate regional data, cross-state perspectives, or collaboration among GIS professionals throughout the PNW. Participants develop a project plan suitable for conference submission.
Abstract Development & Conference Preparation
Mentees receive support developing their conference abstract, learning objectives, and project narrative. Mentors provide feedback and guidance throughout the submission process.
Ethics, Data Governance & Professional Responsibility
Participants explore responsible GIS practices, including data stewardship, governance, ethics, and the professional responsibilities that come with working with geographic information.
Leadership & Professional Visibility
The program helps participants build their professional presence through networking, personal branding, conference engagement, and career development. Mentees learn how to leverage their conference experience as a professional accomplishment.
Presentation Development & Rehearsal
Participants transform their project into a polished conference presentation through slide development, peer review, mentor feedback, rehearsal, and timing practice.
Conference Participation
The capstone experience culminates with conference participation and presentation. Mentors support mentees through the experience by attending presentations when possible, facilitating introductions, providing encouragement, and helping participants navigate networking opportunities.
Reflection, Recognition & Alumni Community
The program concludes with reflection, lessons learned, participant recognition, and onboarding into an NWGIS alumni network. Participants leave with new skills, professional connections, and a completed conference presentation experience.
Capstone Experience
Each mentee develops a GIS project or presentation that demonstrates their learning and professional growth. Capstone projects may take several formats:
- 20–30 minute conference session
- Lightning talk
- Poster presentation
- Panel presentation featuring multiple mentees
Conference Submission
Capstone submissions will include:
- A 250–500 word abstract
- Learning objectives
- A statement demonstrating regional relevance
- Mentor endorsement
Conference Integration
The NWGIS Mentorship Program can connect participants with regional GIS conferences in two ways:
Dedicated Mentorship Track
NWGIS works with conference organizers to create a dedicated opportunity such as an Emerging GIS Professionals session or Student & Early Career Spotlight.
Competitive Track
Mentees submit their work through the standard conference call-for-presentations process and compete alongside other presenters.
What Participants Gain
By the end of the program, mentees will have:
- Developed and strengthened GIS technical skills
- Built relationships with GIS professionals across the PNW
- Gained experience with professional networking and mentorship
- Developed public speaking and presentation skills
- Navigated the conference proposal and submission process
- Presented a GIS project to a professional audience
- Strengthened their resume and professional portfolio
- Joined a growing NWGIS alumni community
The result is more than a mentorship match—it’s a year-long pathway from professional goals to real-world GIS experience and a platform for participants to share their work with the broader GIS community.
Requirements
-
Active NWGIS Membership
Participants must be current members of the Northwest GIS User Group throughout the mentorship program. -
Commitment to the Full 12-Month Program
Participants should be prepared to actively participate in the program from launch through the final reflection and alumni phase. -
Commitment to Monthly Meetings & Activities
Mentees should plan for approximately 5–8 hours per month for mentorship meetings, learning activities, project development, and program deliverables. -
Defined Professional Development Goals
Applicants should identify at least one area they would like to develop through the program, such as technical GIS skills, career advancement, leadership, communication, networking, or project management. -
Willingness to Develop a Capstone Project
Each mentee must be willing to develop a GIS-related project or topic that can potentially be presented at a regional GIS conference. -
Commitment to Professional Growth
Participants should be open to feedback, willing to learn from their mentor and peers, and prepared to take an active role in their own development. -
Participation in the Conference Experience
Mentees are expected to work toward submitting and, when accepted, presenting their capstone project through an appropriate conference format such as a technical session, lightning talk, poster, or panel. (Exceptions may be granted by mentorship steering committee)
Application Timeline - Open October 14 through December 15th, 2026.