Is a career in geology right for you? What does it entail? How long do you plan on working in your career? As you think about a career in geology, do you have all of the tools you’ll need? How do you get started?
To be a qualified geologist, you must start by obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Geology from an accredited institution of higher learning. Completing course work in earth science, math and physics will be an excellent way to establish an education base for your future career as a professional geologist. There are many options for colleges and universities that offer these types of programs. You may want to do some online research to find out which ones are currently hiring or have a strong history of helping graduates land jobs once they’ve graduated. You can usually find these programs by doing a simple search on a search engine.
After you have completed your bachelor’s degree, you can start looking into internship programs at local or international sites. Internships can help you get a foot in the door of a particular company while you perfect your skills and find your niche within the industry. It’s always a good idea to talk to your current geology teachers to see what sort of advice and information they have regarding finding a job. The Internet also has a wealth of job listings and resources that will prove invaluable to anyone’s career aspirations. Geologists often work with a large number of other specialists including sediment scientists, anthropologists, archaeologists and others who have a strong interest and/or knowledge in the area.
Once you’ve found a few positions or are ready to apply for a position, keep in mind that working in this industry can be very competitive. This is especially true if you live in a smaller community where there may not be a lot of job openings. Geologists must therefore take it upon themselves to make contacts and build up a network of colleagues locally and across the country. This can be done by attending regional meetings or conferences, staying in touch through personal contact, attending a few networking events and so forth. It takes a bit of creativity and commitment, but the rewards are well worth it.
Another consideration is the licensing process. A geyser must pass a state exam in order to legally practice. The requirements can vary from state to state, so it’s important to do some research to understand what you need in order to legally practice in your specific area. There are several different types of licenses you can get including a permanent license, a temporary one and a non-permanent one.
Geography is a fascinating field. Anyone who has the opportunity to step into this field and tap into its potential can make a great living. Just remember to start your career on the right foot by gaining knowledge and experience while you’re still in school. There is no doubt that the positions will continue to be in high demand throughout the coming years. If you have the drive and desire to be part of the field then getting a rewarding and high-paying position should not be that difficult at all.
