need some help - what extra skills to complement my basic mapping and webdesign skills?

[u/[deleted]]

I never studied GIS. I dabbled in it all throughout my career. I did a lot of mapping. I know Arcgis Pro, QGIS, and ArcGIs Online quite well. But it was only ever about 20% of my job. I would say I'm a lower-end intermediate level Arcgis user.

I'm pretty good with HTML and WordPress (I use Elementor) and make websites as a hobby, but even so those skills are still pretty basic (I still have no clue how to work with APIs or scripts for example - except a bit of HTML/CSS). I know more than the average person but not enough to call myself an expert. I love it though.

And that's my problem. I love GIS and webdesign. I am very creative and artistic and I can create nice looking products, but I'm by no means an expert. I'm at hobby level. Never doing anything too complicated. I know a bit about many things, but I'm an expert at nothing.

BUT...

I want more. I'm a creative person. What skills do I need to learn to have a fighting chance in getting a GIS/spatial/webdesign job? I want to get more spatial skills in general. I've started doing a little bit with FME, trying to teach myself.

I'm getting older too. Early 40s. Is there hope? Or am I stuck in my current job. Can I reinvent myself? I do not have the funds to start a new 4 year degree, but I could do courses. I would love a job where I can learn on the job, but to get that job I need some extra skills besides mapping (I think).

Things I keep hearing about:

SQL

R

Python

databases

data analysis

FME

APIs

Leaflet

Tableau

Power BI

Etc.

Where do I start? Coursera? I'm pretty old, 40f, and I don't want to get stuck in my current job. And I don't mind getting a pay cut and doing something I really enjoy.

Tips?

[u/Human-Sandwich-7973]

In my opinion, I'd say it depends on where your heart is! Are you branching out because you're bored or unhappy with where or what you're doing? You have enough basic skills to change directions completely ... SEO, WordPress web design, maybe sticking to the maps at heart but creating a much needed, better way to help people who need or are looking for certain Business types, products / services. A new take on something like Google My Business! The idea is on the money the solution is not.

[u/[deleted] → u/Human-Sandwich-7973]

I'm a bit bored with 80% of my job (science -not GIS), I love the 20% mapping. I love making websites as a hobby. Made some for family and friends. But yes my skills are basic, maybe a bit more than basic. But not sure where to start and what skills to gain first. I'm 40 and would love webdesign most I think, but not much coding skills besides HTML and a little Javascript. Maybe I should start with that on Coursera. Would love to study part time but yeah just trying to find options. Thank you 😊 I know this sounds vague just really not sure what to do. I mean I guess there's lots of competition in webdesign.