How to Become a Geologist06 Oct
A geologist studies the earth’s surface and what is under it right till the core of the earth.
A geologist has to know all about the earth’s crust and what lies beneath. His knowledge and expertise in invaluable when the earth has to be mined, when drilling work has to be done, whether it is for oil or water, for environmental issues and for mapping purposes. The work is hard and the training is harder – so you have to have a lot of patience and the ability to put in the work and study necessary to become a geologist.
The Work
A geologist may study a particular part of the earth to find out which mineral or metal or stone it is rich in. Or he may be working on finding out more about the history of the earth itself, how old it is, how it was formed and how it was shaped and extrapolating about its future. He may be called upon to find out how safe certain land is build upon, given environmental repercussions and the possibility of earthquakes.
Some geologists may specialize in volcanic activity, others in checking fossil records and still others in finding out more about the conditions of land in other planets or how the universe was created.
The geologist will have learn with computer models and do a great deal of work on the computer using specialized software to verify his findings and also look into the past and future of whichever land mass he is studying. Thus the area of study of a geologist is vast and within that you have to find your niche.
Academic Qualifications
A basic grounding in subjects like physical science, chemistry, physics, math and science is important at the school level. A graduate degree in geology or geophysics is only the first step. You will have to study further to do your masters and doctorate, which is of great importance if you want a teaching or research job.
During the course of your studies you will have to go on field trips to understand the intricacies of your subject and get first hand experience. When you train with experienced geologists you will also find out which field of geology you really want to make your own. Some of the fields are mineralogy, chemistry, hydrology, hazardous waste management, cartography and physics. You may also want to study engineering, hydrology, environmental studies, urban planning, paleontology all of which may be linked with geology.
You need to be persistent, patient and put in long hours of study in this field. You have to pay attention to details, be extremely organized and methodical in your work so that you can come to the right conclusions. However, you must also learn to work as a member of a team, this work is not for somebody who likes to work alone.
Jobs
At lower levels you may be able to get a job after a graduate degree, particularly in oil and gas companies. In fact if you get some experience it will help you a) decide which field you are interested in and b) help you when you study further.
Jobs are available in many industries and the government as well. Among other places, you can work with
- businesses
- corporations
- institutions
- universities,
- governments
- non-profit organizations
- oil and gas companies
- mining companies
- construction companies
- research organizations
Earnings
The median salary of a geologist ranges from $50,000 to $100,000. This varies a great deal on the kind of work you do, who your employer is and how much experience you have.
The job prospects are extremely good and growth in the field is increasing. There are more jobs for geologists than people to fill them, which makes it an attractive field to consider.
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