Environmental geographers are concerned with how human beings use the earth and impact the environment.
Become skilled in related computer technology. Take biology and chemistry courses for environmental management positions. Take electives in plant science, forestry and wildlife management for careers in recreation and forestry management. Join environmental organizations on campus and in your community. Seek environmental-related experience through internships, summer or part-time jobs. Learn federal government job application process. Earn a law degree for work areas such as environmental law and policy.
Cultural and human geographers study the aspects of geography that relate to different cultures. They especially focus on cultural origins and movement and cultural characteristics of regions.
Develop an open mind towards the language, history, customs, and culture of other countries. Learn how to conduct library research, make field observations, and interpret artifacts. Learn a foreign language for field observations in other countries. Participate in cross-cultural groups and organizations. Develop excellent communication and teamwork skills in order to work with historians and archivists in recreating the geography of the past. Obtain related experience in your area of interest through volunteer or paid positions including internships. Become skilled in related computer technology. Learn federal, state, and local government job application process.
Geographers utilize a variety of technologies to generate maps, store, analyze and interpret map information.
Take courses in surveying and measurements, photogrammetry, computer systems, database management, technical mathematics, drafting, statistics, optics, remote sensing, art, and graphics. Learn to be detail-oriented. Gain experience reading maps and interpreting data sources including geological surveys and satellite images. Seek related experience such as a part-time job or internship, to develop technical skills. Investigate federal, state, and local government job application process.
Planners ensure that communities develop in an orderly way and that they have the services necessary to support them.
Develop teamwork and communication skills. Participate in student government. Take courses in public administration or public finance. Observe city/county advisory meetings. Seek internship or work experience in a local government office, as they are a large employer in this area. Learn federal, state, and local government job application process. Obtain master's degree in planning. Earn a dual degree in planning and law. Research the certified planning credential obtained through the American Institute of Certified Planners.
Physical geographers study earth processes such as climate and weather. They also evaluate the impact of natural hazards such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes.
Develop strong analytical and communication skills. Take courses in physics, chemistry, soil science, and agriculture. Take courses like weather systems, atmospheric dynamics, thermodynamics, and physical meteorology for more job options in meteorology/atmospheric science. Gain experience through part-time jobs, internships or volunteer opportunities related to climate, weather or natural hazards. Be willing to relocate to regions that have job availability.
Economic geographers study the distribution of resources and economic activities within a certain region. They may use this information to advise organizations on where to build new facilities.
Develop strong communication skills. Take business courses such as economics, advertising, marketing, finance, and statistics to increase marketability in the field. Earn a business minor. Learn to see all sides of a problem, including economic, social, political, and environmental. Observe city/county/advisory meetings. Obtain business or planning-related work/volunteer experience to build contacts and increase marketability. Consider earning a master's degree in planning.
Geography teachers may specialize in one or more areas of the discipline or incorporate it into a social science education program.
Develop strong communication skills, both oral and written. Seek volunteer or paid experiences, such as camp counselor or tutor, with target age group. Research state standards for certification. Obtain certification/licensure for public school teaching. Obtain multiple certifications for increased employability. Specialize in an area such as quantitative research techniques, computer mapping, or natural resource management. Join National Council for Geographic Education. Complete a master's degree for community college teaching or a Ph. D. for college/university teaching and research. Maintain a high grade point average and build strong faculty recommendations to prepare for graduate school.
Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (1995, Revised 2003, 2007) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA Employer
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