Geoscience Career
Frequently Asked Questions
Table of Contents
1. General Questions
1.1 What are the geosciences?
1.2 What are geoscientists and what do they do?
1.3 What is a day in the life of a geoscientist like?
1.4 What are the different major subdisciplines of the geosciences?
1.5 Geoscientists study the Earth, but do they deal with the
environment?
1.6 I understand how atmospheric scientists, astronomers, and
oceanographers differ, but what is the difference between a physical geographer
and a geologist?
1.7 Where can I find out more about the geosciences and geoscientists?
2. Education Questions
2.1 What area of studies should I pursue to work as a geoscientist?
2.2 For geology, what is field camp? Do I really need to take
it?
2.3 How much education do I need? Can I get a job with a bachelor's
degree?
2.4 What classes should I take?
2.5 What other skills do I need?
2.6 Are there entrepreneurial opportunities in the geosciences?
Are many geoscientists self- employed?
2.7 I am going to graduate school. Where do I start?
2.8 How am I ever going to afford graduate school?
2.9 Should I focus my education toward being a generalist in
my field or should I consider being a specialist early in my career?
3. Job Opportunities
3.1 Are there jobs available for geoscientists?
3.2 What sectors of the economy provide the most opportunities
for geoscientists?
3.3 What are the future prospects for the geosciences?
3.4 Where do I begin my job search?
3.5 What else should I know to pursue a career in science and
technology, and the geosciences in particular?
3.6 What are the best web sites for information about careers
in science and technology and the geosciences in particular?
4. Salary Levels
4.1 How much can I expect to earn as a geoscientist?
4.2 How quickly can I move up the ladder in a typical geoscience
job?
5. Quality of Life
5.1 Where are geoscience jobs geographically located?
5.2 Can I really spend my whole career in the geosciences?
5.3 How can I become more involved in the profession?
1. General Questions
1.1 What are
the geosciences?
Geoscience is the science of exploration, discovery, and Earth stewardship.
The geosciences address all issues relating to Earth Systems, including
the solid Earth, oceans, and atmosphere. The major applications of the
geosciences are: exploration and responsible development of natural resources
(oil, gas, coal, minerals, construction aggregate, water, soil), preservation
of the natural environment, restoration from environmental damage, mitigation
of geohazards such as earthquakes and landslides, and exploratory research
like the Mars space mission and understanding El Niño.
By addressing these issues and developing solutions to problems affecting the
Earth, geoscientists act as stewards of the Earth. Though much has been learned
about the Earth through earth science, much more is yet to be discovered, especially
as new problems face society, such as global climate change, advances in technology,
and exhaustion of energy and raw material supplies.
Back to top
1.2 What are geoscientists and what
do they do?
Geoscientists study the Earth's physical composition, structure, history,
and the natural processes. They provide information to society for use
in solving problems and establishing policies for resource management,
environmental protection, public health, safety, and welfare.
Geoscientists are concerned about Earth issues. Is there a global warming
trend? How and where should we dispose of industrial wastes? How can we
satisfy society's growing demands for energy, yet conserve natural resources
for future generations?
Geoscientists discover and develop supplies of fossil fuels, groundwater,
construction materials and mineral ores. They understand the processes
that affect the quality of the natural environment. They study and mitigate
geohazards such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods, and landslides.
They explore and discover new ideas about the natural world from the depths
of the oceans and the core of the Earth to the outer reaches of space.
Most of all, geoscientists enjoy the Earth. It is an outdoor laboratory filled
with opportunities to observe Earth processes in action. By applying knowledge
of forces that shape the Earth, geoscientists seek to reconstruct the past and
anticipate the future.
Back to top
1.3 What is a day in the life of
a geoscientist like?
Most geoscientists say that they enjoy the challenge and diversity of
their work and that there is no "typical" day. Geoscientists work with
people, data, information, ideas, and technology. Computers have had a
major impact on the gathering and interpretation of data in all areas of
the geosciences. Geoscientists often work with other scientists and engineers
in teams, reflecting the complexity of the problems they address. Information
technology and the Internet have greatly increased the accessibility of
data and the speed of communication among people worldwide, and has likewise
affected the pace and diversity of the geosciences.
Geoscientists work in the field and laboratory, but most days are spent in
the office. They gather and interpret data, generate ideas, and communicate
the results of their work in writing, illustrations and in oral presentations.
Back to top
1.4 What are the different major
subdisciplines of the geosciences?
The geosciences are composed of five major disciplines: geology, geophysics,
atmospheric sciences, space sciences, and oceanography. There are numerous
subdisciplines, reflecting diverse areas of specialization.
Some occupations in geology are:
Economic geologists study mineral deposits that can be used for economic and/or industrial purposes.
Environmental geologists
work to solve problems with pollution, waste disposal and urban development
and hazards, such as flooding and erosion.
Geochemists investigate the nature and
distribution of chemical elements in rocks and minerals.
Geomorphologists study the effects
of Earth processes and investigate the nature, origin and development of present
landforms and their relationship to underlying structures.
Glaciologists study the physical properties
and movement of glaciers and ice sheets.
Hydrologists investigate the movement and
quality of water.
Mineral geologists explore for and develop mineral deposits.
Mineralogists study the formation, composition
and properties of minerals.
Petrologists determine the origin and genesis
of rocks by analyzing mineral or grain relationships.
Paleontologists study fossils to understand
past life forms and their changes through time and to reconstruct past environments.
Petroleum geologists are involved in the
exploration and production of oil and natural gas.
Sedimentologists study sedimentary rocks
and the processes of sediment formation, transportation and deposition.
Stratigraphers investigate the time and
space relationships of layered rocks and their fossil and mineral content.
Volcanologists investigate volcanoes and
volcanic phenomena.
Some occupations in geophysics are:
Geophysicists decipher the Earth's
interior and its magnetic, electric, and gravitational fields.
Seismologists study the location and force
of earthquakes and trace the behavior of earthquake waves to interpret the structure
of the Earth.
Some occupations in the atmospheric sciences are:
Atmospheric chemists investigate
the chemical processes occurring in the atmosphere, such as the relationship
between CFCs and ozone.
Atmospheric physicists study the effect
of terrestrial, atmospheric, and space-based forces on the behavior of the atmosphere.
Climate modelers use mathematical techniques
to simulate the interaction of physical forces on climate and climate change.
Meteorologists study the movement and energy
distributions of the atmosphere, particularly with respect to their effect on
weather.
Some occupations in the space sciences are:
Astronomers study celestial bodies, their
movement, and location, using methods such as optical and radio astronomy.
Astrophysicists investigate the physical
properties and interaction of forces in space, including electromagnetic radiation
and the dynamics of time and matter.
Planetary geologists study the moon and
other planets to understand the evolution of the solar system.
Some occupations in oceanography are:
Biological oceanographers focus on life
in the ocean and how it is affected by chemical and physical processes.
Chemical oceanographers study the chemical
composition of the ocean and its relationship to the lithosphere and biological
processes.
Physical oceanographers study the natural
processes and dynamics of the ocean and its interaction with the solid Earth.
Back to top
1.5 Geoscientists study the Earth,
but do they deal with the environment?
Geoscientists are stewards of the Earth. In particular, most geoscientists
focus on the physical and chemical aspects of the interaction among humans,
flora, and fauna, and the Earth. They intrinsically deal with Earth's environment
and environmental issues all the time. Environmental geologists provide scientific
counsel and advice on the preservation of the environment, on the remediation
of ecologically damaged areas, and on the environmental impact of land development.
Hydrologists study problems concerning the supply of groundwater. Soil scientists
address the fertility and health of soil for growing crop. Environmental geologists
are employed at all levels of federal, state and local government to help frame
and enforce legislation, environmental codes and regulations.
Back to top
1.6 I understand how atmospheric
scientists, astronomers, and oceanographers differ, but what is the difference
between a physical geographer and a geologist?
Physical geography is in many respects a geoscience. However, geographers generally
study the distribution of features, such as hills, cities, and climatic zones,
on the Earth's surface. Geologists examine the processes of the Earth - including
its surface - in an attempt to understand the Earth system.
Back to top
1.7 Where can I find out more about
the geosciences and geoscientists?
The best sources are people and publications. Both your library and professional
groups have publications the geosciences. A good place to start is by reading
some general geoscience publications, such as Geotimes..
Talk to people. Visit professional geoscientists or geoscience faculty/teachers
and discuss your interests and their experiences as a geoscientist. And perhaps
most effectively, join a geoscience class or club and take a field trip, so
that you can begin to experience first hand the exciting world of the geosciences.
Back to top
2. Education Questions
2.1 What area of studies should
I pursue to work as a geoscientist?
Normally, geoscientists pursue a college education in their field of
study, with most continuing to higher degrees in their specialty. If you
know the general area that interests you, such as geology, oceanography,
space, or atmospheric science, begin by taking the required introductory
classes. Other related course you will need to take include chemistry,
physics, and math, at least through calculus.
Also, many subdisciplines in the geosciences are combinations of earth science
and other science and engineering disciplines. For example, paleontology is
a combination of geology and life science. A strong base in fundamental science
provides the flexibility to pursue any of the diverse pathways available in
the geosciences.
Back to top
2.2 For geology, what is field camp?
Do I really need to take it?
Field training is a common component of most geology programs. This
course provides the concentrated training in field techniques required
to work in the geosciences.
Classroom training comes alive in the field, providing the sense of
scale, spatial relationships, and heterogeneity difficult to appreciate
in the classroom or laboratory.
Further, it synthesizes your previous classroom-based training, teaches you
to visualize in three dimensions, to proficiently extrapolate location data
into the "bigger picture," and to work effectively as a team. Field camp today
is not your professor's field camp! Many field camps now address subjects such
as hydrology, geohazards, and groundwater mapping and may use data from remote
sensing or employ GIS (Geographic Information System) techniques. Many employers
will look for field work experience in your training.
Back to top
2.3 How much education do I need?
Can I get a job with a bachelor's degree?
Usually a master's degree is required for major professional entry-level positions.
As in any profession, the best jobs go to the best qualified applicants. Students
contemplating a professional career in the geosciences should consider getting
an advanced degree. A Ph.D. is needed for advancement in college teaching and
in most higher-level research positions.
Back to top
2.4 What classes should I take?
The curriculum provided by a geoscience department provides the core for your
education and professional preparation. However, since the geosciences are physical
sciences, it is advisable to take additional science courses outside of geology,
as well as math, statistics, and business courses to help solidify your grounding.
Standard bachelor's degrees require 30-35 hours of advanced geoscience course
work. Master's degrees require an additional 30 hours of course work.
Back to top
2.5 What other skills do I need?
There are additional technical and non-technical skills outside the
strict geoscience education requirements that will enhance your development.
The most important skills are to learn how to learn, to experiment, to
gain diverse early experiences, and discover how to think analytically
and solve problems. Because of the nature of geoscience and technology
today, a strong basis in mathematics, statistics, and computers helps develop
your analytic skills.
In science, as in most disciplines, effective communication, especially
the ability to sell your ideas, is required to successfully complete your
work. The ability to express yourself orally and in writing is an essential
skill. Additional important skills include the ability to work with others,
understand business and economics and manage your own career.
Most geoscientists find themselves working with others. They may be
team members, clients, corporate management, investors or politicians.
Very little can be accomplished without the ability to collaborate and
work with and through other people. Seek opportunities to gain experience
working with others.
It is increasingly important that all geoscientists understand the business
that employs their services. A course in business, finance or economics
will be an asset.
It is also important for everyone to understand how to plan and manage their
own careers. The prospect that you will work for a single employer lifelong
is slim. You need to know how to create your own career path to achieve your
own career and life goals.
Back to top
2.6 Are there entrepreneurial opportunities
in the Geosciences? Are many geoscientists self- employed?
The geosciences have a long tradition of entrepreneurship, especially in the
exploration and discovery of natural resources. Independent petroleum geologists
have been a creative driving force in the progress of the petroleum industry
since its inception. The environmental industry is dominated by relatively small
consulting firms led by geoscientists and engineers.
In the wake of recent corporate and governmental downsizing in the 80's and
90's a large number of outplaced geoscientists entered the consulting fields
in their specialty area. Success in this area requires particular dedication.
If you are motivated to do this you need to seek out successful people and discover
what experiences you need in order to pursue this pathway.
Back to top
2.7 I am going to graduate school.
Where do I start?
Much of determining the appropriate graduate school is centered on your specific
interests and finding an appropriate faculty adviser. Most geoscience professional
societies and colleges provide information about various graduate programs.
After identifying appropriate schools, you should visit the campus, talk with
faculty members, and try to identify a specific faculty advisor. Note that the
graduate student - advisor relationship is important, and both the graduate
student and the faculty advisor should have generally compatible professional
interests and be willing to work together.
Back to top
2.8 How am I ever going to afford
graduate school?
Most geoscience graduate students receive some type of financial support. Many
graduate programs will not offer admission unless they can provide the student
with some sort of support. The most common types of graduate student support
are Graduate Teaching Assistantships, Graduate Research Assistantships, Fellowships,
and student loans. Most assistantships pay a subsistence level allowance, but
normally include tuition remission and access to the university facilities necessary
for your research. Though one will not become rich on graduate student support,
most people manage with the funding they are given.
Back to top
2.9 Should I focus my education
toward being a generalist in my field or should I consider being a specialist
early in my career?
You need to build flexibility into your career plan. That requires solid basics
in math and science as well as the geosciences to give the core foundation to
your education. Beyond that you would be well served to seek diverse experiences
in a variety of geoscience fields early in your career. There is time later
to specialize and integrate your experience as a mature professional.
Back to top
3. Job Opportunities
3.1 Are there jobs available for
geoscientists?
Yes, currently there are over 120,000 people in the United States working
as geoscientists. So jobs do exist. Be aware that employment trends can
vary both as a function of the general economy and the cyclical nature
of many earth-science industries. For instance, energy industry employment
of geologists declined during the late 1980s and early 1990s. But now with
stable oil prices, advanced technology, and changes in the global economy,
there is increased hiring in the petroleum industry. Over the near term
there will be a shortage of qualified people. This represents a complete
reversal of the hiring practices of the industry over a one year period
and illustrates how quickly fortunes can change.
Hiring in environmental geology is related to government policy and
enforcement of environmental codes. Hiring in engineering geology is tied
to the construction industry. Research jobs depend largely on government
commitment to programs like space exploration or ocean and atmospheric
studies.
The message is that there are cycles in all phases of the geosciences,
just as there are in aerospace and other fields. If you have a strong interest
in the geosciences you should not be dissuaded by short-term cycles. Rather
you should be aware of the driving forces of change that can influence
your career, and plan to be adaptable over your career.
Back to top
3.2 What sectors of the economy
provide the most opportunities for geoscientists?
The economic sector with the most jobs varies by geoscience subdiscipline.
Generally, industry, academia, and the federal government are the largest
employers of geoscientists. Most geologists work in industry, either in
mineral extraction, petroleum, or environmental firms. However, consulting,
academia, and state and local government agencies as well as the federal
government are viable options.
The message for you as an individual is to know what you want to do. Statistics
can tell you how most geoscientists are employed, but you are seeking just one
job out of the range of opportunities, or at least just one at a time. Look
at the Careers Stats section for more information about employment levels in
the different sectors of the economy.
Back to top
3.3 What are the future prospects
for the geosciences?
The future of the geosciences will be influenced by advances in technology
as well as the economic climate and the politics of governments. There are challenges
in the exploration of space, the oceans, as well as energy, raw material, and
environmental needs worldwide. Geoscientists will utilize advancing technology
to meet these challenges for years to come. For example, some engineering geologists
expect to see lunar bases built on the moon and remote sensing geologists expect
to explore the moons of Jupiter.
Back to top
3.4 Where do I begin my job search?
Your job search starts now, not just when you really need a job. It
starts by building a network of contacts, and gathering information about
what it is like to work in your chosen field. Your "job search" is one
step in the overall process of choosing and building a career.
There are several avenues that you can use to look for your first job.
Most jobs are found through personal contacts, not through response to
ads. Develop and use your contacts. Your academic advisor knows your work
well and should be aware of the general opportunities in your field. Contact
alumni of your department who are practicing professionals. Tell them what
you are looking for and listen to the information and advice they provide.
The professional societies offer employment services to members. Check
them out. Professional publications such as Geotimes, Science,
and Nature include classified ads for geoscience employment. Use
the resources of your university career centers. Also, do not forget to
use the Internet, especially for seeking job opportunities in large organizations
such as the federal government.
Above all, make every effort to gain firsthand experience in the field in which
you are interested. You need ways to find out what it is like to work in your
field. Part-time work, summer internships, work experience before you commit
to graduate school are all possibilities.
Back to top
3.5 What else should I know to pursue
a career in science and technology, and the geosciences in particular?
Know what is important to you. Examine your interests, what you do best and
like best and make an informed choice about a career. Find out about career
opportunities through your own process of research and discovery. Separate out
what you assume to be true from what you know to be true. Challenge your own
assumptions and well-meaning advice of others. It is your career.
Back to top
3.6 What are the best web sites
for information about careers in science and technology and the geosciences
in particular?
Visit the Links section of the AGI Careers web site, where an updated list
of appropriate career links is maintained.
Back to top
4. Salary Levels
4.1 How much can I expect to earn
as a geoscientist?
As with all professions, the starting salaries vary based on the level of education
and skills you have. They also vary with business cycles and economics of particular
industries. In the early 1990s, the range of average starting salaries for graduates
with bachelor's degrees was $21,000 to $36,000. Starting salaries for those
with master's degrees ranged from $24,000 to $38,500 and from $30,000 to $44,000
for those with Ph.D's. As a general guide, you may refer to the mean salary
statistics available here on the Geoscience Careers web site. In general, experienced
geologists with a bachelor's degree tend to earn about $40,000 per year, with
salaries averaging as high as $77,300 for doctorate-level geologists in industry.
The other geosciences have similar mean salary levels, and university faculty
generally average about $60,000 per year.
Back to top
4.2 How quickly can I move up the
ladder in a typical geoscience job?
In part, your upward mobility depends on the employment sector you select.
In the petroleum industry and most private-sector positions, early advancement
in rank can be expected every 2-3 years for your first 10-15 years of employment.
As in most cases, as you advance up the ladder in later years, there are
fewer opportunities for promotions.
However, the downsizing and restructuring of industry and government
have removed many layers of management. In many organizations, the "ladder"
is not what it used to be.
You need to do some self-discovery to find out whether or not management is
the area to which you aspire. Many companies have salary structures designed
to compensate increased value of technical professionals somewhat parallel to
the management ladder. You will find that you are expected to increase your
values and influence in the organization continuously throughout your career.
Becoming a supervisor/manager/executive is one strategy or pathway to increased
influence. Becoming a productive and influential technical professional is another
pathway. The key to building influence in your career is your ability to learn,
to absorb new knowledge, and apply it effectively in your work. The strategies
to do this are up to you.
Back to top
5. Quality of Life
5.1 Where are geoscience jobs geographically
located?
Geoscience jobs are available in many locations. Government jobs in
the geosciences are available in all sections of the country, especially
the western United States. Industry jobs are generally concentrated in
the South Central U.S., reflecting the influence of the petroleum industry.
A table of where geoscience jobs are is available on the Geoscience Careers
web site, under the employment statistics section of Career Stats.
Large international companies have interests and staff worldwide. The opportunity
to live and work overseas depends on matching your interests with those of potential
employers. Long assignments overseas are not as common as they once were although
the opportunity to travel certainly is. Travel experience and facility with
foreign languages and cultures are significant assets to people wishing to work
overseas.
Back to top
5.2 Can I really spend my whole
career in the geosciences?
Yes, geoscientists with a quality educational background and continuing
educational training are suited to address a broad range of problems and
issues. Geoscientists are, by their training, flexible and readily adapt
as the societal needs and demands on the geosciences change. For example,
over the past decade, with downsizing in the petroleum sector, many geoscientists
moved into the environmental sector.
It is important that you decide what you want to do. You control your own career.
If you make flexibility and solid basics a part of your educational plan, you
will be able to adapt to the uncertainty of change and sustain a career in the
geosciences indefinitely.
Back to top
5.3 How can I become more involved
in the profession?
Build a personal network of contacts including practicing professional
geoscientists. Join a geoscience professional society. The societies offer
current information on research and employment in their particular fields.
There are many professional societies in the geosciences - some broad,
others very specialized. Many societies offer substantial student discounts
on membership, journals, and meeting-registration fees. Try to attend professional
meetings if possible. Most major meetings will offer free registration
for students who volunteer to help at a couple of sessions; there will
still be plenty of time for you to sit in on other sessions as well. Contact
the particular societies hosting the meetings for information.
Seek summer and/or part-time work in the geosciences. Find ways to discover
what people do on a day-to-day basis. If at all possible go on field trips with
experienced professionals to see what and how they observe and describe geological
features and processes.
Back to top
©Copyright 1997 and maintained by the American Geological Institute
with support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
|
