Employment of geoscientists, including geologists, is projected to grow 14 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. The need for energy, environmental protection, and responsible land and resource management is projected to spur demand for geologists in the future.
What skills should I develop?
- You will want to hone your field skills (measurement, observation, sketching) to collect data/samples.
- Learn to collect, manipulate and analyze data.
- Apply quantitative approaches to the analysis of data sets and problem solving.
- Understand how to utilize the principles of chemistry, physics, and biology to find solutions to geologic problems.
- Demonstrate an ability to communicate orally and in writing.
- Apply concepts learned from coursework/research to more broadly based problems.
What kind of societies and professional organizations do geologists have?
- International Union of Geological Sciences
- US National Committee For Geological Sciences
- American Institute of Professional Geologists
Summer Opportunities
- Many geology faculty have research grants which provide funding for students to work as a research assistant during the summer. Please talk to each of the faculty to find out what opportunities are available for next summer.
- Keck Geology Consortium (REU)
- Carnegie Institution Geophysical Laboratory
- Natural History Research Experiences
- U.S. Geological Survey Internships/Opportunities
- Basic and Environmental Soil Science Training (BESST)
- Duke University Integrated Marine Conservation Program
- Dynamic Urban Environmental Systems and Sustainability
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
- Lunar and Planetary Institute Program
- Hazards and Risks of Climate Change in the Pacific Northwest
- GSA’s GeoCorps Program
- Department of Energy
- NSF-REU Geology Programs
- Juneau Ice Field Research program
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution’s summer internship program