Where to Go From Here?

Hi there!

I’m a company officer (in charge of a fire engine) for a small fire department. We are an independent local government and not part of a city or county government.

I’ve recently discovered an interest in GIS and data analytics. I’ve self taught some QGIS while creating maps for a community risk assessment and have taken two intro level GIS classes using ESRI products while working on my bachelors degree in emergency management.

I don’t think I’ll ever be a full time analyst, but I’d like to keep learning more skills in that area that are relevant to my field. I have two questions:

What’s the best path to learn more and what should I be focusing on? We don’t have any analysts on staff so I’m it, the accidental data guy. I have been networking a bit with analysts from other fire departments but it’s kind of overwhelming. There’s so much cool stuff to consider.

I’d like to get my bosses to invest a bit in this. I don’t think I’ll have trouble but it’s hard to know what to ask for. I’m thinking that staying in the ESRI ecosystem makes sense because it’s where everyone around me is but I’m not sure I know enough about it to take advantage of the cost.

I’m thinking about asking them to issue me an appropriate computer and pay for an ArcGIS personal license for a year. This will give me a chance to learn more about the ESRI ecosystem and use their education resources.

I’m concerned about violating the TOS of the license and that it might not give me what I need.

Anyway, after all that rambling, I’d love to hear any advice, suggestions, and thoughts you have to help a dumb firefighter who feels a bit of imposters syndrome.