Field geologists study the Earth and its history, as well as natural occurrences like landslides and volcanoes. To become a field geologist, one must study physical and natural sciences in high school, take geology-based courses in college, and gain hands-on experience through internships and field work. Possible career paths include working as an environmentalist or for corporations. Field geologists must love the outdoors and have strong visual skills.
With most of their time spent doing hands-on work outdoors, field geologists have one of the most fascinating jobs in ecology. They study the Earth, what it is made of and its history. Geologists also study forces that act on the Earth and things that live there, such as landslides, volcanoes, and other natural occurrences.
A field geologist is someone who studies geology “in the field”. To become a field geologist, you must start studying physical and natural sciences in high school. Biology is one of the best courses you can take in high school to become a field geologist. Math and writing courses are also essential for a career as a field geologist. Even in courses not related to the field, high grades are still essential. A high GPA will make it easier to get into a top-level college after high school graduation.
When studying at colleges, try to find a school with experienced faculty, lots of hands-on training opportunities, and an internship program. During your college years, expect to take general studies courses such as composition, history, and any other requirements your specific program may have. Most of your classes, however, will be geology-based.
To become a field geologist, you’ll take courses in Earth minerals, natural processes, and technical writing. Many courses will have lab work that needs to be completed, providing an opportunity for hands-on learning. Earth history, oceanography, paleontology, geochemistry, and physical geology are common courses offered in most undergraduate geology programs. Many programs will require students to spend the summer doing field work, usually under the supervision of a professor, as a graduation requirement.
After graduating from a degree program, the next step you must take to become a field geologist is to find work in your field. There are a variety of possible careers in field geology. One option is to work as an environmentalist, protecting and studying the Earth as part of an effort to protect it. These positions are usually available through government agencies, special interest groups and local conservation companies. Another possible career path is working for large corporations, helping them work with or around challenging geological resources when developing new business locations.
Most geologists start in entry-level positions and then work their way up, performing tasks such as discovering fresh water supplies, determining how safe an area will be for construction, and discovering underground resources. To become a field geologist, you must love the outdoors and be a very visual person, able to tell a lot about a geological feature simply by looking at it. While it can be challenging work, many who choose to become a field geologist find it a very rewarding career.
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