System Support Engineer II – GIS
Atlanta, GA
Kelsey
Abernathy
Georgia Institute of Technology
B.S. EAS 2021
Please briefly describe your current job
I am a System Support Engineer II – GIS for the Infrastructure & Sustainability Department at Georgia Tech. In this role, I support campus facilities and maintenance operations by leveraging Geographic Information Systems (GIS). My focus is on mapping outdoor assets and identifying opportunities to streamline workflows using spatial data and analysis.
I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Geographic Information Science & Technology at Georgia Tech. Prior to my current role, I served as an Education Member through AmeriCorps at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, where I became certified as an Environmental Educator through Project Learning Tree and Project WET. Since starting my GIS career, I have also completed several Esri training courses and participated in multiple Esri-hosted MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) to continue building my technical skills.
I am currently pursuing a Master’s in Geographic Information Science & Technology at Georgia Tech. Prior to my current role, I served as an Education Member through AmeriCorps at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, where I became certified as an Environmental Educator through Project Learning Tree and Project WET. Since starting my GIS career, I have also completed several Esri training courses and participated in multiple Esri-hosted MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) to continue building my technical skills.
What is your favorite part of your current position
One of my favorite aspects of my job is engaging with current students and introducing them to GIS. I especially enjoy working with the Geomatics class in the Civil and Environmental Engineering department, where I help teach students how to use GPS equipment and explore various mapping technologies. It's incredibly rewarding to spark interest in GIS and support the next generation of spatial thinkers.
How did your EAS education prepare you for your current job?
I chose EAS as my major because I have always been deeply curious about how the world around me works. I loved learning about natural processes and how interconnected everything is—from atmospheric systems to geological cycles. Growing up in New Hampshire surrounded by nature, EAS helped me feel grounded and connected to the environment, even while living in the middle of Atlanta. To this day, I enjoy being able to walk outside, observe the world, and explain what is happening. EAS taught me to think through problems from a systems-based perspective. Understanding how different Earth systems influence one another prepared me to think critically and holistically. That mindset has been essential in my GIS work, where spatial problems often require comprehensive, multi-faceted solutions.
What do you wish you had known as an EAS undergraduate in order to land the job of your dreams?
Be open to exploring unfamiliar paths and saying yes to new opportunities! I landed my first GIS internship by applying to a position even though I didn’t know what GIS stood for at the time. Taking that leap set me on the path to a fulfilling career. Trust that your interests will lead you where you’re meant to be, even if the route isn’t obvious at first.