What advice wh you give somone on how to move forward within the GIS field?

Answer 1

GIS is an amazing field.

First, I suggest you start as a user to have an appreciation for the concept.

Second, start building models maybe using drag and drop and then move to programming python, VB, etc.

Then you get into the web applications, apps, databases, etc.

Lastly, move to the IT-related piece which has to do with hardware, software licensing and deployment, SQL server, etc

It is fascinating to say the least but make sure to seek new stuff everyday and challenge yourself