Meteorologists study the atmosphere and create weather forecasts for various entities. Training begins with a meteorology-related degree program, followed by on-the-job training. Employers require science or meteorology classes, and job responsibilities and academic requirements vary. Training involves shadowing experienced meteorologists, using computer programs, and interpreting data. Meteorologists may make presentations on television or radio and are trained to gather and disseminate information effectively.
Meteorologists study the Earth’s atmosphere and create weather forecasts for travel companies, government agencies, television networks and other entities. Typically, meteorology training begins when a high school graduate enrolls in a meteorology-related degree program, and in some cases this course is followed by enrollment in an advanced degree program. After college, on-the-job meteorologist training involves new recruits learning to use certain types of software and interpret satellite data.
Many employers require applicants for meteorologist positions to have studied science in college, although some companies will accept applicants who have studied math or physics as long as those people have taken some college meteorology classes. The exact job responsibilities of people employed in this field vary, as do the academic requirements for each role. Government agencies are often concerned with keeping up with climate change, in which case a candidate for one of these roles may have to complete an advanced course in climatology. Shipping companies are primarily concerned with weather conditions at sea; in that case, meteorologists applying to these companies may need to study marine meteorology. In some cases, employers prefer to promote from within, meaning an existing employee may be required to pursue a master’s degree that focuses on one aspect of science before moving into a more specialized role.
Beyond college, meteorologist training typically begins when a new recruit shadows an experienced meteorologist. He is shown how to use computer programs that collect and process atmospheric data. These people also learn various techniques for interpreting graphs that detail weather patterns and atmospheric disturbances. As in many branches of science, meteorologists try to predict future events and are usually concerned with creating theories rather than producing tangible facts. Therefore, those new to the position may be asked to analyze data referring to past weather forecasts and patterns to see how weather systems generally develop in certain areas.
In many cases, meteorologists are required to make presentations on television, radio or in front of committees that make decisions about changing travel routes or evacuating coastal areas during storms. In addition to science, meteorologist training often includes classes during which new recruits are taught how to gather and disseminate information effectively. Meteorologists are trained to use interactive devices that project weather maps onto screens and television networks often require meteorologists to undergo some broadcast training during which they are taught to stand and address the public, making it easier for them to understand predictions.
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