career paths - uw geography
alumni and friends
Island County Planning,
Code Enforcement Officer/Associate
Planner -
Marc Mullin
1. Description of current
work, including pros and cons.
A typical day consists of letter and report writing, followed by citizen
contact and site inspections/visits. Extensive knowledge of the County
Code GMA, and SEPA regulations is required. Effective interpersonal communication
skills are essential. An ability to effectively understand people from
all socio-economic backgrounds is vital. Legal interpretation ability,
i.e., RCW's WAC code is beneficial.
Pros -- You have the
ability to positively contribute to a community. You have considerable
discretion and independent judgment in your work day. Considerable responsibility
is given to you. I only answer to two people.
Cons -- You can find
yourself in dangerous and volatile situations, such as aggressive individuals.
You will inevitably be caught in a political climate that may force you
to do something that you are strongly opposed to engaging in. Your actions
in this climate can determine the fate of your job.
2. What drew you into
geography, why and when?
I wanted to be a teacher -- I still intend to someday. However I also
wanted something that was a "marketable" liberal arts major. I feel that
geography is, in fact, has the strongest transferable skills of the liberal
arts majors. Strengthen it further with a supporting minor such as urban
planning, journalism, or art/design.
3. Describe your education.
I first studied geography
in junior college, but I changed my major about 1000 times. After about
5 years I thought it was time get serious and pick a major! :) I finally
attained my BA in Geography in June of '98. I enjoyed being a "professional
student." :) I had taken the socio-political emphasis - the touchy feely
stuff. I intend to return in about a year for my Master's degree.
4. How well did your undergraduate
degree prepare you for the workplace or for graduate school?
For work, the UW's program was excellent in the sense that it provided
me with enough latitude and choices that I could easily blend in many
thematically different classes. This presented a myriad of views on different
subjects. For grad school - the strong reputation of the UW Geog. Dept.
is a major plus.
5. Did you work as an
intern while in college? Was it a valuable experience you'd recommend
to others? Yes.
The experience was the difference between getting a job or not. DO AN
INTERNSHIP early in your major.
6. What have you found
most useful about your training in geography?
Understanding populations, local politics and maps were very useful in
obtaining my job.
7. How did you find out
about your current position? Did your undergrad training in geography
make a difference?
Through my internship and friends. Your degree is about 20% of the process,
your contacts and personality consist of the remaining 80%.
8. Are you working with
other geographers or are you the only geographer in your organization?
I work with one
or two other geographers.
9. If there is potential
for professional growth for you or other geographers with your current
employer, what kind of a career path is it? In
the current planning dept. and the GIS/mapping components, GIS skills
provide a good way into other departments. But, --Word of caution--if
you can't stand being strapped to your desk, don't mention it. If you
pursue it, ask what percentage of your time will be at a desk.
10. What advice would
you give to early undergrads considering geography as a potential major?
It's a dynamic
and short degree that can have significant benefits.
Go to the career office or local employment office and read the specific
job requirements for your intended occupation.
11. What advice would
you give to college seniors about their prospects with a geography degree
in hand? A BA
is a BA whether it's in geography or primate psychology. The key is to
market yourself. Accent your skills you have learned through geography.
Start your job search early. You will be ahead of the competition in Spring.
Besides, if you don't like it, you can pursue a different avenue in time.
12. What has your career
path been like, up to this point?
I was in the Army after high school, then went to college. Worked various
jobs through school. Did my internship my senior year. Got lucky with
this job. I intend to work in this field for a few years. Then I'll return
to school so I can teach. Hopefully someone will remember me for filling
out this incredibly long survey :) when I ask for letters of recommendation.
13. What do you anticipate
that your career path will be in the next 10 years or more?
Are you for real?
14. What I wish someone
had told me when I was in college....
Pursue what you truly enjoy. Don't worry about getting a job. That will
follow if you enjoy and are good at what you do---Trust me! Take
care. Marc M.
Marc is willing to answer
a few more questions as they come up. If you have questions for Marc,
come to the Geography Advising Office (415 Smith) and ask for his email
and contact information.
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