Studying the earth’s processes and how it affects the environment is very exciting as well as the earth’s materials and history. Geologists who focus on earth’s processes such as earthquakes, landslides, floods and volcanic activity are able to help reduce damage on properties and deaths by preparing maps that will mark areas where natural disasters may likely happen. There are also some geologists who help locate deposits of natural resources in the most efficient manner and monitor closely its availability. Geologists have a broad knowledge and understanding of the earth thus enabling them to perform tasks such as predicting natural disasters like volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, finding solutions for gradual changes in the climate and seeking natural resources that can be a substitute for non-renewable energy sources. Having a degree in geology can land you fulfilling and thrilling geologist jobs as an environmental consultant in a gas or oil industry or as paleontologists among others. In order to make your dream of having this kind of job, graduation from high school is the first step towards this ambition. Taking as many math and science subjects while in high school will work at your advantage if you are seriously thinking about pursuing a college degree in geology. In choosing the best college to enroll, you need to review the geology department of various colleges to check what type of geology they offer and so you can choose that college which offers the type of geology that you are interested in. An indication that a certain college offers an exemplary geology course is that many of their graduates are really working in the field you are interested then it is a good choice to enroll. While studying in college, it will be best if you apply for a summer work or intern in a company that do geological work. Early exposure to geologist jobs will help direct you towards your chosen field of specialization. Taking organic chemistry and other high-level math subjects and even not required science and math classes will widen your knowledge. Deciding to take a Master’s degree or a PhD will reinforce your undergraduate education and increase your chances of being hired in your specified field after graduation.
Accomplishing a geology degree is just the beginning towards that much desirable geologist employment you have been wanting. Non-profit organizations, private companies and government agencies are among the top employers seeking out talented and skilled geologists. Working in private companies such as those in the petroleum industries involve data gathering from holes bored inside the Earth and they try to determine where deposits of petroleum might be located. Most of the time geologists visit various sites to gather data and samples for analysis and evaluation thus travelling and staying away from families for days or weeks is part of their job description. This is called field work which is essential in geologist careers since through this work they can make important predictions that can affect architectural structures and human life. Some geologists prefer to work in the academe and become professor in geology to high school and university students. Professors teaching in the university do not only teach but are also required by the school to continue their own research and publish academic reports and journals. The growth in this area is much faster and greater because of the changing environmental laws brought about by changing environment of the earth. The salary range for geologists is from $32,000 to over $80,000 per year depending on the location of the work and the geologist’s educational attainment. Other salary averages of geologist- related jobs are as follows: natural resource specialist- $41,000; environmental specialist II- $56,000; physical scientist- $68,000; geophysicist- $72,000; and engineering geologist- $52,000.
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