December 30, 2011 -- Geographic Technologies Group (GTG) has successfully implemented an innovative program to engage college students from a broad spectrum of disciplines and backgrounds as interns and contractors. Curt Hinton, President of GTG stated that, “Our desire as a company is to expand the reach of GIS and to give back to the disciplines of Geography and GIS. In the past, we employed interns from traditional GIS backgrounds. However, this year we decided to implement a creative method of engaging the best and brightest students from a variety of institutions and backgrounds. We wanted to harness the creative expertise of a diverse group.” To that end, GTG has employed a Biology student from Wake Forest University to work on GIS data creation projects, a Natural Resources student from North Carolina State University to implement a fully-functional public works GIS for a local Town, and a student from Wayne Community College to assist with database development and public outreach.
Additionally, GTG has contracted with a designer and artist currently pursuing a second degree at the San
Francisco Art Institute. Megan Johnson is an architect, graphic designer, and painter. Her design background has helped GTG refine their marketing and branding strategy as well as develop dynamic graphics for multiple projects.
Charles Crockett
Wake Forest University
Bachelor of Arts in Biology
"Working with GTG and utilizing GIS software gives me an opportunity to couple my natural science degree with technical work experience, broadening my career potential after graduation this spring from Wake Forest University,” says Charles Crockett. “I believe company’s highly value the ability to integrate multiple disciplines, especially natural sciences and technology whether obtained from academia or practically applied in the workplace," states Crockett.
Andrew Radford
North Carolina State University
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Technology and Management
Proposed Masters: Geospatial Information Systems and Technology
“I began working at Geographic Technologies (GTG) group in May 2011 with only basic understanding of GIS,” says Andrew Radford. “Working at GTG has given me real world experience and more advanced knowledge in GIS. I have become proficient in developing and implementing Utilities GIS and designing databases for local governments. Ultimately GTG has given me the tools I need to succeed in graduate school and as a professional in the field of GIS,” says Radford.
Megan Johnson
North Carolina State University
Bachelor of Architecture
Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture
San Francisco Art Institute
Currently Pursuing: BFA and MFA in Painting
“It has been rewarding to work with GTG on rebranding their corporate identity as well as designing project specific presentations and proposals,” states Megan Johnson.
Kaytlyn Williams
Wayne Community College
Nursing
"Working at GTG has introduced me to the world of GIS and has given me the opportunity to develop skills that will prove useful in my career,” says Kaytlyn Williams. “GTG has been a great place to learn and grow as I continue my education," states Williams.
“The results have been incredible. The energy, enthusiasm, and insight of this diverse group has pushed GTG as a company to consider ways of doing business that we would have never considered otherwise. Also, it has introduced GIS to students who can incorporate the geographic sciences into their own academic disciplines. GTG strives hard to give back to the GIS industry and provide an innovative, creative, and employee-friendly environment. The enthusiasm of our staff is incredible going into 2012.
Innovation is at an all-time high and our staff is considering new ways of doing business. The introduction of this diverse group of students has been beneficial to us all,” states Hinton.
About Geographic Technologies Group, Inc. (GTG):
GTG is a full-service local government GIS consulting company offering specialized experience in the planning, design, implementation, and procurement of geo-technologies. GTG has unmatched technical GIS capabilities, demonstrated successes, international experience, and a reputation for successfully implementing the right solutions. GTG develops GIS products that spatially enable various enterprise solutions and integrates an organization's IT investment via a common interface. GTG also offers stand-alone products for land management, public safety, public access, touch screen technology, and utilities.
GTG has more than 700 clients located throughout North America and Europe and serves all levels of government as well as the private sector. To support our clients, GTG maintains four offices located across the United States: Headquarters in North Carolina, and regional offices in Texas, Florida, and Ohio.
Additional information may be obtained by contacting Geographic Technologies Group, Inc. at 888-757-4222 or you can access our website at www.geotg.com.
