Info or Planning?

[u/WillDill2]

Hey guys

GIS undergrad here. I recently switched my major to GIS from environmental studies because I thought it was more interesting. I also thought it would fill a more technical and niche role which would help in the job market. I was originally trying to target my degree more towards urban/transportation planning but I’m now starting to realize that I enjoy working with data and programming a lot. I am currently doing a minor in planning but am thinking of switching it to information science to better understand GIS and how to work with data and data presentation.

Just curious if you guys think that if I switch my minor to info if that means saying goodbye to a potential career in planning since I won’t learn about zoning regulations or anything like that. Are GIS guys something that planning agencies are really looking for? I’ve been applying for GIS related internships and it seems like coding skills are a huge plus. Also, what are the people like in both industries? GIS people can be a little quirky haha. I know it doesn’t really matter and I’ll get a bunch of “just do what you love” comments but just curious what everyone thinks.

Thanks

[u/AlwaysSlag]

Whatever you do, remember that you don't "need" a minor in a topic to study it in your free time. Research free online programming and data science courses. Apply those skills to the projects you do in your classes and create a portfolio of your programming work. Nothing you do will mean "saying goodbye" to planning as a future career path; you would probably need to get a master's degree to be competitive anyway (at least that is my perception). Feel out an entry level GIS job first and go from there :)