Dear What Am I Worth,
I will soon complete my Masters Degree in Geographic Information Systems. I have also completed a BSocSci (hons) in Geography.
I completed a number of commercial GIS contracts during the summer breaks. I am fluent in the AML GIS programming language, and expert in ArcView Avenue programming, and have good experience in GIS analysis.
I have tutored three different undergraduate papers a number of times including Cartography, Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems. I have some HTML, J++ and graphic, and VB/Office skills picked up along the way.
Prior to returning to university I had five years' retail management experience. I am considering continuing through to a doctorate, as I will need a higher income to clear student debt picked up along the way.
GIS Graduate
QUBE replies: GIS graduates are like gold dust. Starting positions are between $30,000 and $40,000, and taking into account your additional maturity, you should be looking towards the higher amount. You should also expect your salary to rise rapidly once you start employment.
Regarding your doctorate I do not think that the subsequent monetary gains would compensate for the additional student loan and loss of earnings. The decision is not a monetary one.
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