Alyssa McLachlan: my experience in the Associate GIS Professional Program

Recently graduated from a Canadian geographic information systems (GIS) program and wondering what's next? Alyssa McLachlan shares how Esri Canada's Associate GIS Professional Program helped her build valuable experience and find a career path that was right for her.

What led you to apply for the Associate GIS Professional Program at Esri Canada?

I first learned about Esri Canada’s Associate GIS Professional Program while completing my GIS graduate certificate at Nova Scotia Community College’s Centre of Geographic Sciences. During this program, I had gained a love for geographic information systems (GIS) and knew I wanted to pursue a career in the field, but I was unsure if I would find a position that felt right for me. I was drawn to the Associate GIS Professional Program (AGPP) for the opportunity to gain hands-on experience across different teams while continuing to build on my GIS foundation.

Did you always know which direction you wanted to take in your GIS career? When did you realize that sales was the right path for you?

Unlike some others who join the AGPP to find their career path, I entered with a clear goal in mind: I wanted to pursue a career in or around sales. Coming from a technical background, this wasn’t necessarily the “typical” direction. However, throughout my schooling and previous work experience, I found myself most interested in the intersection between technology and people and roles in which I could help others understand solutions, solve problems collaboratively and communicate value. Stepping slightly outside the traditional trajectory was encouraged right off the bat and I was never left feeling out of place.

How did your first rotation impact your journey as an Associate?

I began my journey as an Associate in Technical Support working with ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Pro and various applications. This rotation provided me with an invaluable foundation, not just in understanding Esri technology, but in learning how customers use it in real-world scenarios. Through troubleshooting, supporting customer workflows and collaborating with colleagues, I developed problem-solving skills and gained a deeper appreciation for the impact of GIS. Starting in Technical Support gave me the confidence and technical grounding to speak to solutions more effectively and understand customer needs from a practical perspective.

What did you learn by following a less traditional path? Is it okay to have non-technical career interests in a technical program?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that there isn’t a single “right” path through the AGPP and that it’s okay to pursue interests that may not align with the traditional technical journey. It can feel like the expectation in a GIS-focused program is to pursue a deeply technical role, but Esri Canada offers so much more than that. There are opportunities to contribute in a variety of ways, from technical roles to customer-focused, strategic and business-oriented positions. Past associates hold positions on so many different teams.

Leaning into my interest in sales didn’t mean stepping away from my technical background, it meant applying it in a different way. In fact, having that technical foundation has been a key strength in bridging conversations between technology and customers.

What advice would you give to Associates who already have a career interest in mind or feel unsure about stepping outside the typical path?

If you already have a sense of what you want to pursue, don’t be afraid to lean into it. Having a goal doesn’t take away from the experience or limit your possibilities. It helps you make more intentional choices, and it's okay for those aspirations to change along the way. At the same time, remain open to learning outside of your direct interests. My time in Technical Support was incredibly valuable, even though I knew it likely wasn't the right fit for me long term. Don't be afraid to share your goals and interests with your managers, mentors and program coordinators. Take advantage of the opportunities available, ask questions and trust that there are many ways to build a meaningful career at Esri Canada.

What stood out to me is how supportive the program is of individual career goals. Whether you’re exploring broadly or entering with a specific direction in mind, there’s space to learn, grow and tailor your experience. Managers and mentors are open to conversations about your interests and will help guide you toward opportunities that align with them.

What’s next for you at Esri Canada?

After completing my rotation in Technical Support, I entered into a rotation with the Inside Sales team. After I had spent six months in that role, a full-time position in Inside Sales was posted and I applied after discussing with my manager and mentor. I was thrilled to receive the position, and I transitioned into a permanent role in Inside Sales with the Atlantic Region team, where I’ve been able to combine my technical knowledge with my passion for working with customers. I’m excited to continue growing in this space, building relationships and helping organizations understand the value of GIS.

Want to discover more about Esri Canada’s Associate GIS Professional Program? Read an overview of the program, explore career paths or apply now.