To become a climate scientist, one must complete a science-related degree program and potentially an advanced degree. Employers prefer applicants with a background in meteorology, atmospheric science, or related fields, and experience in the field is often required. Certification courses and continuing education are also necessary, and internships may lead to job offers.
A climate scientist or climatologist studies atmospheric changes and long-term weather. Someone who wants to become a climate scientist must complete a science-related degree program, and in some cases, completion of an advanced degree may also be required. Additionally, people employed in this field may have to complete courses offered by industry associations or government-supported entities.
Many employers prefer applicants for climatology positions to have studied meteorology, atmospheric science or related topics while in college, although some bodies will accept applications from students whose main topic of study was another branch of math or science. To be accepted into one of these degree programs, someone who wants to become a climate scientist usually must earn above-average grades in subjects such as physics, chemistry, and mathematics while in high school. People involved in this field generate weather maps and create forecasts with computer software. In that case, someone who wants to become a climate scientist might benefit from taking an upper-level class in computer science or technology.
Government entities and educational establishments employ large numbers of climatologists, and these individuals are responsible for studying climate change and weather systems that may impact cultures, coastal communities, and other industries and communities over time. Many employers prefer to hire people who have completed Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Ph.D. programs to fill these research roles. While some employers accept candidates who have completed doctoral programs in meteorology, others are looking for candidates whose postgraduate degree involved a specific component of the science, such as hydrometeorology or oceanography. In some cases, a college graduate may be able to work as an assistant climate scientist while studying for a Ph.D.
There are professional meteorological associations in many countries and these bodies administer courses and certificate programs designed to equip people to work in this field. In many cases, someone who wants to become a climate scientist must gain some experience working in the field of meteorology before enrolling in one of these sessions. Additionally, many certification courses are reserved for those who have completed graduate programs in climatology or a related topic. After completing the certification process, an individual may be required to periodically attend continuing education classes for the certificate to remain active.
Before completing college, some students participate in internship programs during which they are able to follow professionals working in this field. Typically, interns are unpaid; these sessions usually coincide with breaks between academic semesters. In many cases, students who perform well as interns receive conditional job offers that are contingent upon these individuals completing their college degrees.
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