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What kind of jobs can I expect to get with a Geology degree?

I recently switched to Geology major and want to know if there is a demand for this #geology

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Nick’s Answer

In the United States geology careers typically fall into four general categories - 1) Oil and Gas, 2) Minerals/Mining, 3) Environmental / Consulting and 4) Academia/Research. Some, like Oil and Gas and Mining, pay very well but often require advanced degrees (MS or PhD) and go through boom and bust cycles based on commodity prices and the economy. Jobs can range from field-based positions like mudlogging or mapping in the mines to working in offices analyzing well logs or seismic data, mapping stratigraphy, creating cross sections, to utilizing lab machines to analyze rock cores.

Environmental geologists typically work for consulting companies where they are paid to investigate and solve environmental questions or problems for clients like property owners (maybe someone has a leaking fuel tank for their home), to major clients or the government (investigating and remediating soil contaminated from former lead smelting plants). Some geologists, typically those with advanced degrees, also find employment in academic or government research positions.


The American Geosciences Institute releases an extensive report each year on the Status of Recent Geoscience students, which provides all kinds of information and statistics on recent geoscience graduates, their backgrounds, careers, and plans that can help give you an idea of where a geology degree can take you.

https://www.americangeosciences.org/sites/default/files/ExitSurvey_2017_Online_041018.pdf


One of the best parts of a geology degree is the sheer number of doors it can open and the many different places it can take you. I graduated with a geology degree in 2013 and would do the same thing if I had to do it over again.

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Ted’s Answer

In the US, the most prevalent job market for Geologists is in the environmental field. This entails collection of samples for field and laboratory analysis, analyzing the results, and preparing reports. You will commonly collect samples by hand, oversee drillers installing wells and/or collecting soil sample from depth. Entry level geologists can expect to spend >75% of their time in the field. Typically, environment assessments are for hazardous materials (gasoline, solvents, etc...). Depending on the company and location that you work for, you may travel out of town frequently or rarely. Locations can range from wide open fields to corner gas stations in busy cities. I hope this helps!
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