My journey with Bluesky International started at the 2022 ESRI Conference in London. At the time I was still studying at the University of Exeter. I had just completed my dissertation on tree mapping and the threat of climate change on tree species, and was revising for my exams. I went to the conference with a love for GIS knowing this is the industry I wanted to go into, but no idea how to get there. I first approached the Bluesky stand as their large NTM poster caught my eye due to the work I had recently been doing for my dissertation.

A few weeks later I was invited up to the head office in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, where I got to meet a few members of the team, see the office, and learn more about the company. This was an exciting day for me as it was the first time I had thought about what life after university could look like within the geospatial industry. In September 2022, I started at Bluesky, working on the National Tree Map.

My role at Bluesky is Graduate Product Specialist for the National Tree Map. This involves working with the sales team, production team, developing new ideas, researching, marketing, and talking to customers.

Despite my focus being on the National Tree Map, I also help out where needed - especially with anything GIS related! I have really enjoyed working with all members of the company, including the marketing team where I have been able to develop new skills, and use the data to showcase the endless uses of NTM. Working with production has allowed me to apply my GIS knowledge from university, and grow my knowledge of the geospatial world. The work I have undertaken with the sales team has taught me new skills and made me realise I quite like talking to customers!

I have really enjoyed working for Bluesky due to the support and encouragement I have received from my work colleagues. I have had many opportunities to develop new skills, and grow skills that I already had from being at university. Despite being pushed outside my comfort zone at times, I am really grateful for the development opportunities I have been given that have helped me grow my confidence and taught me new skills, despite being with Bluesky for a short period of time.

The community feel at Bluesky has meant that from the day I joined I felt welcomed and valued within the company. One example is bootcamp - Every week a group of us take part in an hour long bootcamp after work. At first I was unsure if I wanted to take part however it is great fun and we all encourage each other to push ourselves and keep going. Another example would be the care everyone has for each other - no matter how someone is feeling, or how big or small a problem is, everyone is there checking in and supporting each other.

When I joined Bluesky, I joined on a 6-month contract with the plan to go travelling for 6 months before finally deciding where I want my career to take me. I am very fortunate that in a few weeks’ time I will be heading to North and Central America to go backpacking for 6 months. When I return in September I hope to come back and work for Bluesky on a more permanent basis!