As a soon-to-be graduate from the Technical University of Kenya, pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Information Technology, I was eager to gain hands-on experience that would bridge my academic knowledge with real-world applications. That’s when I discovered an opportunity that would transform my career path – the internship program at Esri Eastern Africa (Esri EA).

Why I Chose Esri Eastern Africa

I first heard about Esri EA at a tech event where speakers showcased how the company’s geospatial solutions were addressing real-world challenges; from urban development to environmental monitoring. What immediately stood out was the company’s ability to combine cutting-edge technology with spatial intelligence to make tangible impacts across multiple sectors.

As a student with a passion for GIS and data-driven problem-solving, I knew I wanted to be part of a team that uses tools like ArcGIS to support smarter decisions in urban planning, environmental management, and infrastructure development.

Expectations vs. Reality

Coming into this internship, I hoped to:

• Gain practical experience with GIS tools like ArcGIS Pro and Python
• Strengthen my technical skills
• Learn from experienced professionals
• Understand how teamwork drives impactful solutions

What I didn’t anticipate was the breadth of opportunities to take ownership of meaningful projects. My involvement in initiatives such as the ArcGIS for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Programs allowed me to design, analyze, and communicate spatial solutions that directly support local decision-making.

A Day in the Life of an Esri EA Intern

My typical day started with reviewing project updates and refining geospatial workflows using ArcGIS Pro or Python. Collaboration was key, I worked closely with teams in Solutions and Professional Services, processing, analyzing, and visualizing spatial data for projects like the Sarangombe WASH initiative.

Afternoons were often dedicated to preparing dashboards, story maps, and reports, as well as attending check-ins to ensure quality and project progress.

Most Rewarding Projects

The Sarangombe WASH project was the highlight of my internship. Mapping sanitation facilities, identifying manhole choke risks, and analyzing population density in informal settlements gave me the satisfaction of seeing my work translated into actionable insights for local authorities. Knowing that my contributions could help improve public health and sanitation management was incredibly fulfilling.

Skills I Gained

During my internship, I honed a variety of technical skills:

• ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Dashboards, and Survey123
• Python-based spatial analysis using ArcPy
• Data cleaning, spatial modeling, and dashboard design

I also strengthened soft skills such as:

• Teamwork and collaboration
• Time management
• Effective communication with non-technical audiences

Mentorship and Growth

The guidance from the Solutions and Professional Services teams was invaluable. Their mentorship allowed me to navigate challenges, such as managing large spatial datasets, while learning to optimize workflows, troubleshoot efficiently, and maintain high-quality outputs.

A New Perspective on GIS

Initially, I viewed GIS as simply a tool for creating maps. Now, I see it as a complete decision-support system—integrating data collection, analysis, and visualization to guide real-world planning and policy. This experience has reinforced my belief in the power of geospatial technology to drive social and environmental impact.

Internship Highlights

One of my favorite moments was presenting the final Sarangombe WASH Dashboard to the team. Seeing my analysis visualized in a way that could guide real-world decision-making was both thrilling and motivating. The company culture at Esri EA is collaborative, innovative, and supportive. From interns to senior staff, everyone is approachable and committed to sharing knowledge and fostering growth.

Reflections and Future Goals

This internship solidified my passion for geospatial technology and data-driven problem-solving. I now aim to focus my career on urban development, sanitation, and environmental management, applying GIS tools to create smarter and more sustainable solutions.

My advice to future Esri EA interns: Be curious, proactive, and eager to learn. Ask questions, explore new tools, and take initiative. The more you engage, the more you’ll grow.

Looking ahead, I plan to deepen my GIS and Python expertise, and I would absolutely consider a full-time role at Esri EA, as it offers an environment of continuous learning, meaningful projects, and impactful collaboration.

Personal Insights

Balancing work, learning, and personal growth is about prioritizing tasks, managing time effectively, and embracing a mindset of continuous improvement. I’m motivated by using technology to solve real-world problems and seeing tangible results from my work.

During this internship, I discovered that I thrive in collaborative, problem-solving environments, enjoy tackling complex data challenges, and can quickly adapt to new tools when passionate about the goal.

If I were to sum up my experience in one word: Transformative. This internship expanded my technical skills and reshaped how I view the role of GIS in driving social and environmental impact.

Interning at Esri Eastern Africa has been a journey of learning, growth, and real-world impact. From technical skill-building to contributing to projects that improve community wellbeing, this experience has truly been a launchpad for my career in GIS and geospatial innovation.

Interested in Interning at Esri Eastern Africa?

If you want to gain hands-on experience with GIS, mentorship, and impactful projects like Nixon, send your CV to: careers@esriea.com

Take the first step toward transforming your career with geospatial technology!