The OR-URISA Emerging Professionals (EP) Mentorship Program introduces new GIS professionals (0-5 years of experience) and students (college students with some GIS coursework) to established GIS professionals (2+ years experience). The program’s goal is to help connect professionals, foster continuing relationships, and share resources that create opportunities for success for emerging professionals.

The EPs will provide ideas, activities, and opportunities for professional development throughout the six-month program, such as resume reviewing, job shadowing, networking opportunities, promoting professional development events, opportunities to present at GIS in Action, develop goals and set an action plan, and learn new skills.

The program is open to ORURISA members in the Oregon and Southwest Washington area.

Applications

Program Information

• Duration: 6 months (November through May)
• Cohort size: 24 participants (12 mentors and 12 mentees)
• Cost of program: Free
• Selection process: Mentor and mentee applicants submit applications. The EP Committee selects mentors and then pairs mentees from the applicant pool based on aligned professional interests. The mentee applications are anonymized prior to the selection process. 

Below are the typical events that occur within the program.

Kick-off Event: (November 10, 2026)

• Meet the entire cohort
• Start conversation about professional development opportunities
• Develop pairs Action Plans

GIS Day: (November 18, 2026)

• This is not an official Emerging Professionals event, but it will be a casual (and fun) opportunity to meet other people in the cohort and celebrate with the GIS community

Winter Check-in (mid-February 2027)

• Discuss mentee projects
• Make plans for the final half of the program

GIS in Action (Late April 2027)

• Presentations by mentees on their experience in the program
• Share your experience with the OR-URISA community

Program Closing Event (Early May 2027)

• Presentations or reflections by cohort on their experience in the program
• Celebrate your accomplishments and strength your cohort connection

Mentorship Benefits