Geology is a degree for people with all kinds of interests, looking to get into lots of different careers. It’s a great choice for someone looking for a job with gemstones. It’s a perfect degree for someone looking to make a difference in energy consumption and find alternatives for oil and petroleum, or ensure their continued safe use. The kid who used to play with dinosaurs and is still fascinated with dinosaurs? A perfect way to make a lifelong dream come true.
Geology is the study of the earth – the past and current trends of composition and physical materials of the planet – but covers some very specific and special topics and subjects. Because of this – because studying the earth means many things and can have many applications, from studying weather to digging up fossils to looking at minerals under the earth – there are dozens of different careers that geology majors can hold, all with skills learned from this one major.
Jobs in geology continue to be promising, as the need for renewable and safe energy, hazard weather plans, and global environmental safety grows in importance. Jobs in this field can make upwards of $102,000, depending on the particular job, but most average around $82,000. Most jobs allow fieldwork, where workers do hands-on work in research and analysis, which works well for those who like non-traditional jobs, where. While they must have analytical and technical skills, they are often required to work away from an office setting.
Who Hires Geology Majors?
Many different organizations hire those who have studied geology, such as:
- Engineering Firms
- Environmental Firms
- Mining Companies
- Energy Consulting Agencies
- Universities
- Federal and Military Organizations
Those who work for these different places hold different positions, contributing to various aspects of geology. Some have to do with education or environmental management or energy or history, but all contribute to the overall science of the earth.
Field geology allows for the creation of maps and study the potential geological activity in any given area. Environmental geology works with many different areas of the environment, including soil and water. Those working in this area are usually involved in the clean up and testing of these materials to check for any kind of toxins after any kind of accident or to simply make sure an area is safe and up to code for residents. Hydrogeology – a large branch of geology – works specifically with water and studies not only how water moves from place to place and makes itself available to communities, but also works to increase supply of water and minimize possible pollution. Petroleum geology helps to identify sources of oil and gas for continued sources of energy and their safe harvesting. Paleontology – the branch of geology that studies fossils and has historically been responsible for helping museums put dinosaurs on display and explaining their historical backgrounds – is a great field for those looking to work in universities or in academia.
There are certainly no shortage of geology jobs. In fact, the growth of the industry dictates that most graduates of geology will acquires a job in their field. Because of the nature of geology jobs – working with many parts of the earth, studying its dynamic history and its inner working, it often leads to working in diverse and exciting atmospheres. This can lead to very satisfying and successful careers.