Madison Cox, a Geospatial Data Scientist on the SD1 GIS Team, will earn a master's degree this month. The accomplishment took a lot of hard work, late nights and personal sacrifice. But Madison says it wouldn't have been possible without SD1’s Tuition Assistance Program.
We sat down with Madison to talk about her experience in grad school and how she’ll apply her new skills here at SD1.
Where are you earning your master's degree from?
I am currently attending Marshall University, which is in Huntington, WV. I am slated to graduate in a few short weeks! I chose this university's geography master's program because it was online and I could manipulate my school schedule to work with my schedule here at SD1. I would have chosen a local school like Northern Kentucky University of University of Cincinnati, but at the time I was looking for programs, these schools did not offer online degrees. UC just started an online master's program for geography in January of 2023, if only had waited one more semester!
Where did you earn your undergraduate degree?
I obtained a B.A. in Geography from the University of Cincinnati in 2020. I also completed a double minor in political science and history. I knew UC had a Master of Arts for Geography, but the program was not online. I wanted something that worked with my work schedule, and Marshall University offered the easiest and most affordable option for me.
What made you apply for the Tuition Assistance Program at SD1?
When I first started, I had learned of the Tuition Assistance Program and was very happy that a program like that existed. I love when an organization wants to help build up their employees! I also knew I would want to continue my education eventually. After about two years here at SD1, I felt I was ready to continue. I knew I would not be able to afford it on my own, because the price of higher education is very high. Luckily, I remembered SD1 offered the TAP and I knew with the assistance, I would be able to go back to school.
What is your role at SD1 and what do you enjoy the most about working there?
My role at SD1 is Geospatial Data Scientist within the GIS/IT Department. I oversee the stormwater asset management. I work with development plans, statistic tracking, QAQC and a multitude of other requests that might come in.
What I enjoy most about my job is the everchanging work. While some aspects are repeated processes, I have had many opportunities to learn and implement new projects into my workload. My favorite thing about GIS/IT and SD1 overall is the people for sure. I know it is said a lot, but we really have a great group of people behind this organization. I also love the fact that through an extension I am serving the public, and it has also been a passion of mine to help people and better communities.
How valuable has the TAP program been to you and how has it helped you continue your education?
This program has been a huge relief for me and has allowed me to earn my last degree. I will not be continuing and going for my doctorate, but I am so happy I was able to earn my masters. I am the first in my family with one! The program allowed me to not have to bear the cost of education alone. I was also able to learn more about the technology and software within my field, which will be very helpful in my day-to-day tasks.
What are the benefits of attending online school vs. in-person?
I am always saying college is not for everyone, because there are plenty of other options out there. I think this extends to online programs versus in-person programs too. I have attended classes in-person at UC, and despite small class sizes, the material can be hard to learn in that type of setting. Online, though, the setting is your own. I could go anywhere and attend class, do homework or communicate with my professors. You learn great time management skills with online because scheduling time for school and everything else in life falls to you. I balanced a full-time career, school and a social life for over a year. It can be exhausting, but so rewarding. Taking online courses allowed me to converse with professors without having to physically meet with them, which is nice because my campus is about four hours away! While I loved the experience of in-person as an undergrad, as someone returning to school, I would feel different being “older” on campus.
How will you continue to use what you learned in school at SD1?
Many of the skills I learned involve ArcGIS Pro, a mapping software that we use alongside ArcMap. Pro is the future, as is ArcGIS Online/Web. With the skills and tools I learned about in my classes, I was able to move two different models that I run in ArcMap to ArcPro. The time it takes to run these models in Pro is less than half of what it was for ArcMap! I have also been learning about different paths that SD1’s GIS serves, and what path I might want to follow. I am currently in charge of stormwater but am also eager to learn as much as possible.
On top of the analytical tools, I also learned better map presentation skills. I know what a clean map looks like when creating one for a presentation, but I learned how to create maps all in one place with ArcPro. In my first semester I had to create a final project that focused on landslides in Kentucky and how population change, rain and soil type might affect/cause areas to be more susceptible to them. Through many data entries, color choices, font resizing, I created a beautiful map that clearly conveys my message. I have done several other maps, but this is by far my favorite.
What made you want to be a Geospatial Data Scientist?
I knew I ultimately wanted to follow a career path that would allow me to help people and work in the field of geography/GIS (Geographic Information Systems) because that is what I earned my degree in. I was very fortunate to have been hired by SD1 before I even graduated college. I connected with GIS Manager Jerry Biedenbender through my internship at the Planning and Development Services of Kenton County. When a position became available, I jumped at the opportunity. I love the team I am on and enjoy all the different projects and tasks I do. Through my position and connections with the University of Cincinnati, I advocate for GIS jobs in the utilities field, as well as seeking out internships.
What are your plans after graduation and what are some long-term career goals?
I plan to catch up on a lot of recreational reading after graduation. I love to read, but I put it on the back burner when I started school again because geography can be heavily literature-based. For work, I expect to continue to build on my ArcGIS Pro usage and potentially ArcGIS Online. I have a growing list of Story Maps that I think could be beneficial for SD1. Long-term career goals involve taking on more and more projects. I would love to be diversified in all GIS work, especially the work performed at SD1. When and if the time comes, I would like to be GIS Manager!
Would you encourage others to apply for the Tuition Assistance Program?
I ABSOLUTELY WOULD! I think any help with education (whatever kind you want to follow), is a great benefit. The process is simple, you get good grades and the money spent for your semester/classes is refunded to you. It is never too late to earn a degree, certificate, minor - anything! You just have to set your goal and chase it! I have heard many people from other organizations rave about how awesome it is that SD1 has such a program. I, myself, am very fortunate to be a part of an organization that cares about my education and skill level as much as I do.
To learn more about SD1’s Tuition Assistance Program, visit https://nkysd1.sharepoint.com/sites/SD1Intranet/SitePages/Educational-Assistance-Program.aspx.
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