Zach Hernandez: From commercial real estate to GIS professional
Think Again Feature
In the bustling landscape of professional development, transitions often mark the beginning of transformative journeys. Meet Zach Hernandez, an account manager for the Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (Esri, the global leader in GIS software) in Charlotte, North Carolina, whose path from commercial real estate to GIS professional exemplifies the profound impact of educational exploration.
Hernandez discovered his interest in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) during his tenure in commercial real estate. While crafting maps for clients, including retail void analysis and developmental tracking, he unearthed a profound appreciation for spatial data. This newfound interest sparked a quest to more deeply explore GIS technology and its vast applications.
“Once I dug deeper into GIS and realized how many applications there were, I knew I was interested in learning the technology,” Hernandez reflects. The experience of making maps ignited a curiosity that propelled Hernandez towards a transformative career shift.
The GIS Professional Certificate at the University of Richmond’s School of Professional & Continuing Studies (SPCS) became the catalyst for Hernandez’s metamorphosis. Hernandez admits that some of the concepts were difficult to understand but adds that the instructors’ “passion for the topic” and their “GIS wizardry” fueled his interest in GIS technology. Throughout the course, he encountered significant moments of enlightenment, most notably lessons on map projections and sea-level rise modeling.
“The course material definitely met my expectations and exceeded them in gaining foundational knowledge of GIS, while also giving me enough freedom to experiment with the topics that interest[ed] me the most,” noted Hernandez.
The certificate program definitely helped give me the skills to think geographically on a consistent basis.
Transitioning into a new field brought its share of challenges, including imposter syndrome and uncertainties. However, Hernandez embraced these hurdles with resilience, leveraging his unique perspectives from the real estate sector to enrich his GIS endeavors.
“Focus[ing] on the unique perspective and experience that I carried over from my previous career... has helped me... to challenge my assumptions and never stop learning,” Hernandez said.
Through the education he received and the connections he made in the GIS program, Hernandez was offered a position at Esri. He now applies his GIS expertise to empower local government users across Florida. The GIS Professional Certificate has not only equipped him with technical skills but also cultivated a spatial mindset that enriches his daily work.
“The certificate program definitely helped give me the skills to think geographically on a consistent basis,” Hernandez reflects.
When asked who should pursue the GIS Professional Certificate, Hernandez enthusiastically suggests that anyone intrigued by maps, data, and technology should consider pursuing the program. He highlights the program's value for diverse sectors, from government departments to IT professionals seeking to enhance their skill set.
“This program covers the core concepts of GIS and helped point me to the right people in my field of interest,” Hernandez shared.
Looking ahead, Hernandez sees vast potential in the field of GIS, envisioning a future brimming with innovative solutions and life-changing applications. With GIS technology, “there are no limits to the problems you can solve.”