Coordinates of My Life: A Perspective of a Woman in the Geospatial Field

Réseau Associate Milka Tabitha

You complete your university studies and suddenly it hits you that life has officially begun. The lectures, late night assignments, group discussions and group projects are now behind you. Excitement and uncertainty blur into one question: what’s next? For me, the answer came in a way that felt almost serendipitous. Somehow, my angels were looking out for me, and I landed my very first job in a geospatial field I was already familiar with. It felt both comforting and intimidating: comforting because I was applying the knowledge I had spent years building, and intimidating because this was no longer a classroom exercise, it was the real world. 

Just as I was finding my rhythm, the unexpected happened, a pandemic. Suddenly, the traditional ways of working were upended. The office space, once a hub of collaboration, was replaced by the unfamiliar reality of remote work. I had been taught that serious jobs happened in offices, with desks, files, and face to face meetings. Yet here I was navigating a completely new environment, home as an office, colleagues as faces on screens, and “logging in” becoming the new morning routine. This shift brought its own set of lessons. I was introduced to targets, deadlines that seemed to multiply overnight, emails that never stopped arriving, and Zoom meetings that tested both my internet connection and my attention span. It wasn’t easy, but it was transformative. I began to realise that adaptability is not just a skill it is survival. The world of work will always evolve, and so must we. 

You move on to a better job with better perks, and suddenly the learning curve takes a new turn. This time, you’re introduced to structured systems, strict reporting hours, and an even greater emphasis on teamwork. Unlike your first job where everything felt like an experiment, this environment pushes you to step up, to be accountable, and to collaborate. One of the most rewarding parts of this stage is the people you meet. You find yourself surrounded by colleagues with vast experiences, each carrying unique lessons you can learn from. Every interaction becomes a classroom, and every project an opportunity to stretch beyond your comfort zone. It is here that you begin to understand how dynamic life truly is. Technology keeps evolving, and you quickly learn that adaptability is not optional but essential. While you are still trying to grasp one system, another emerges. The tools you thought you had mastered yesterday already feel outdated today. You juggle between learning, applying, and relearning, and in the process, you grow sharper and more resilient. 

Milka Tabitha training on Climate Adaptation at The Windsor Country Club, Nairobi

You get the urge to grow career-wise, and that’s when you discover the power of LinkedIn. It becomes more than just a professional platform, a window into opportunities and a space to tell your story. You begin applying for fellowships, mentorship programmes, and enrolling in Mass Online Open Courses (MOOCs). Each click, each application, and each certificate earned feels like an investment in the person you’re becoming. In the process, you learn the true power of visibility. Sharing your work isn’t about showing off, it’s about letting the world know that you are capable of something, that you have something to contribute. With every post, you create ripples you may not even notice. Then something remarkable happens, strangers see you even when you don’t fully see yourself. They remind you of your worth in seasons when you don’t feel like you’re doing enough. They extend grace when you stumble or go silent. And in the background, they keep an eye on your journey, cheering you on, sometimes from afar. It is here that you begin to appreciate that growth is not just about skills or jobs, it is about community, networks, and the invisible support systems that hold you up as you rise. 

Looking back, those early experiences shaped me in ways I didn’t anticipate. They taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of self-motivation. Most importantly, they reminded me that careers aren’t straight lines drawn neatly on a map, they are winding paths full of detours, challenges, and opportunities. All in all, I have learnt that opportunities are always there for those who seek, and that success meets preparation. In the midst of chaos, never give up. These experiences are the coordinates of my life, my perspective of navigating, learning, and thriving in the geospatial field. No matter where you are in your journey, always remember that adaptability and community will carry you forward.

I therefore urge you to build a community that will carry you through life and open you up to new experiences. Do not shy away from seeking help, always remember that collaboration with likeminded individuals leads to greater impact. Take mentorship seriously and equally be open to mentoring others. In doing so, you create a cycle of growth, support, and shared success that not only shapes your journey but also leaves a lasting mark on those who walk beside you.

About the Author

Milka Tabitha is a Geospatial Analyst with a Bachelors Degree in Geomatics and Geospatial Information Systems. She has experience in Natural Resource Management, Climate Adaptation, and Land Information Management.