Qualifying as a location analyst

Qualifications

1. You will need a degree level education, usually in a relevant subject that gives you skills in numeracy, analysis and GIS/mapping
2. For roles that require a lot of mapping and analysis, it may be an advantage to have experience in GIS. This could be through your degree, or through extra postgraduate study, or through work experience or internship using GIS.

Work experience

To gain experience in use of GIS, work experience, internships or sandwich year placements may give a candidate an advantage in job applications. Many companies working with GIS offer internships as they benefit both the student and the employer. Internships are generally lower paying and part time but you will gain valuable experience: the best way to learn about a GIS package is to use it.

If you’re aiming for a specific role it may be work trying to shadow someone already in the role. Supermarkets such as Sainsbury’s and the Co-op employ location analysts and senior location analysts, so it may be worth trying to shadow someone high up in the department