GeoTech student-alumni testimonials: Julia Kraatz

As part of our GeoTech student-alumni testimonials series, we have a testimonial from:

Julia Kraatz

As a recent GeoTech graduate, I found the program to be educationally enriching and a life-changing experience. Not only did I gain a deeper understanding of geospatial technologies–there were so many incredible professors and classes that helped me expand my technical knowledge–but also through this program, I learned a lot in a life sense. Living abroad can be a challenging experience. In this program, you’re in several new countries, not knowing the language or the customs or how things work–but learning to live outside of the life I knew before opened me up, and I was able to grow in ways I didn’t even know I could. I made professional connections from all over the world; I had the opportunity to interact with phenomenal geospatial scientists and entrepreneurs during the GeoMundus conference; and I met my amazing colleagues, whom I now call friends. So for me, being in the GeoTech program helped me learn both academically, and as a person. I’ll be forever grateful for this experience, and look back on this period of my life as a very special one.

The GeoTech program helped significantly in growing my professional network and landing a geospatial job. I gained a lot of new skills through the courses and the thesis and found that the things I learned during the program were very helpful in the job application process.

I would say if you have a passion for geospatial technologies, regardless if you have already been in the industry or not, this program is a great way to learn about the multifaceted things this field has to offer. It is a gateway for career opportunities, or for potentially pursuing a Ph.D.