Donald,
I like the sound of what you have been doing so far.  What you should let
people know is what kind of work Visa you have.  If you only have a two year
working Visa you will find it hard to find a permanent job in GIS (I too
came over from Oz 2 years but luckily I have two passports as I was born
here); if you want to contract the jobs are usually for developers and in
that case you need Java Script, VB, etc programs as most applications these
days don't use Avenue or MapBASic anymore, all GIS software applications
these days are moving towards using these software programs to build GIS
applications.   I would suggest that you get yourself a really decent Visual
BAsic book and try and find someone who has the software and try and teach
it to yourself.
Please give me a call when you get here, though.  I run the GIS unit at
Enron Broadband Services and am looking for someone like yourself but my
company wouldn't take on someone with a 2 year work permit ; as the training
they put into people is atronomical, also UK regulation stipulates that you
aren't really supposed to be working in a the chosen field of your
profession (although most people ignore that companies are now really
starting to take notice).
But give me a call if you need any more info, my mobile number is
+44 (0)7748 932 301
work number is +44 (0) 20 7783 5604 (I am in the States until the 10th so
please call my mobile)
and my work email is [log in to unmask]

I also suggest that you try Allan Carnell who runs Concurrent Appointments
and specialises in GIS recruitment (but usually only permanent placements)
on +44 (0) 1582 712 976

You could also try a company called Oscar Faber who would be looking for
someone soon-ish and they don't seem to mind the work permit restriction
thing, I can find out later whether or not they have any openings.

Also have a look at a job search web-site called www.jobserve.com / co.uk
or jobsearch.com / co.uk (not sure of the domain) and type in keywords like
GIS ArcView etc

Don't hesitate to call me, though, I've a few contacts around the place and
we might have a need for someone like you in about 4months time.

Katie



>From: Donald MacDonald <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: Donald MacDonald <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: looking to apply my GIS skills
>Date: Tue, 6 Mar 2001 22:27:08 +1100
>
>hello there,
>
>My name is Don Macdonald and I will be coming to the UK in early may to
>expand my horizons in GIS experience.
>
>I bring with me 19 months full time experience in the Arcview GIS 3.2, and
>3
>months with Environmental Resource Mapping system (ERMS) and 4 months
>training in Mapinfo Professional. I posses skills in spatial analytical
>modeling, database design and management, data generation and layout
>printing, digitizing, the use of extensions. I really looking to expand my
>knowledge of scrip writing (e.g AVENUE).
>
>So if you need some one who is keen, energetic, and always willing to learn
>new and challenging concepts please do not hesitate to contact me.
>
>Thanks for your time,
>
>Don Macdonald
>Fire Management Planner
>NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
>Central coast Hunter Range Region
>[log in to unmask]
>
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