Earth and Planetary
Sciences |
The list below contains a sample of
some of the common career paths chosen by earth science majors.
The skills you develop as an undergraduate (communication, analytical/problem
solving, and technical) may be used in many different occupations.
However, most earth science majors tend to seek work in the field
of science. |
| COMMON CAREER PATHS: |
Geotechnical
Soil testing
Construction site analysis
Earthquakes
Coastal management
Environmental
Climate
Water resources
Water and air pollution
Waste disposal
Energy and Minerals
Research
Exploration
Production
Storage and waste
Geothermal |
Ocean
Ocean chemistry and ecology
Marine and coastal resource management
Planetary
Spacecraft missions
Space industry
Planetary data analysis
Government
Mapping
Resource evaluation
Hazard assessment
Conservation studies
Teaching
High School
Community College
University |
| SAMPLE EMPLOYERS: |
Government
Bureau of Mines
Office of Surface Mining
Department of Energy
Environmental Protection Agency
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
Bureau of Land Management
U.S. Geological Survey
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin.
Department of Defense
Nuclear Regulatory Agency
Bureau of Reclamation
National Aeronautics and Space Admin.
National Park Service
|
Petroleum and Natural Gas Companies
Hard-Rock Mining Companies
Coal Companies
Railroad Companies
Consulting Engineering Firms
Construction Companies
High Schools, Colleges and Universities
Nonprofit Organizations (e.g., Sierra Club) |
JOB WEBSITES:
Earth
Science World
InfoOil Careers
Geotimes
Geology Jobs (extensive list of web sites)
Earth
Works
CSI Recruiting
Oil
and Gas
Government
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS: (includes job opportunities)
American Geological
Institute
American Association
of Petroleum Geologists
Geological Society
of America
American Geophysical
Union
Society of Exploration
Geophysicists
American Congress
on Surveying and Mapping
American Geographical
Society
American Meteorological
Society
JOB PREPARATION STRATEGIES:
- Develop public speaking skills and writing skills
- Obtain lab and field experience via coursework and internships
- Take a course in mapping and surveying, obtain GIS experience (ES 107)
- Develop strong computer skills
- Obtain an internship, summer or volunteer work in different geological fields (ES 98, 188, 198)
- Learn about federal, state and local government job applications process
- Join a student branch of a professional association
|
