Geography students learn about the physical properties of the earth, including climate, soil, and topography, and how humans relate to the earth. They also study physics and social sciences. Geography majors include geoscientist, geographer, and cartographer. Learn more about the multiple careers in the field and what you can do with a geography degree.
What is Geography?
As a geography student, you will study the world and how people interact with it. It’s largely a science, but you can get information on other topics as well, including politics and sociology. If you are interested in studying geography, you have two avenues to choose from:
Physical geography: studying the earth and its natural elements; Volcanoes, earthquakes, atmosphere, climate, landscapes, and erosion;
Human Geography: How We (Humans) Interact with the Global Economy, Tourism, Population, Globalization, and more. It’s likely a Bachelor of Arts (BA).
But you don’t have to focus on just one, you can opt for a combined course.
Why Start a Career in Geography?
Careers with a geography degree offer the opportunity to work online or offline. Geographers, surveyors, and mapping technicians spend time on-site, collecting data and studying the earth. Academic careers involve more work and less time outdoors, analytical thinking and attention to detail. Some geography professionals work alone, others as part of a team, which means students need to develop the ability to work individually and interact with others. Geography Major also requires a deep understanding of the earth and how humans interact with it.
What do the geographic courses cover?
Which geography courses you take largely depends on whether you have chosen a degree with a focus on physical geography or human geography, although in the Bachelor’s degree, it is often possible to cover aspects of both before deciding on a degree Societies: how they function, develop and what challenges they face.
So if you choose to study a human geography degree, you can cover topics such as population change, cultural and religious practices, various aspects of globalization, weather systems, earthquakes, and rock formations, right down to what happens on the ocean floor.
You will find them titled as Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc), or at graduate level Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Science (MSc) BA and MA options often correspond to a geographic focus, while BSc / MSc is in Physical Geography, but this is not always the case so always check course details.
Skills Acquired
Studying geography gives you insights into a variety of practical, social, economic, and ecological topics. Geography provides an opportunity to address some of the major problems facing modern society, from climate change and natural disasters to overpopulation and urban sprawl.
Besides basic geographic skills, such as fieldwork and planning and diagrams, and with the help of social surveys and interpretive methods, you will also develop a variety of key skills relevant to many geography courses, such as those that focus on population geography, you will become human geography. Quantitative analysis Degrees teach you quantitative skills that are rare in the social sciences and are particularly sought after in professions where social science skills are of crucial importance.
Some skills you will gain include:
- Skills in research and data collection, mathematical and computational analysis, and evaluation.
- IT knowledge, for example, computer mapping and the use of databases and spreadsheets.
- Oral and written communication skills, including report writing and data presentation
- The ability to understand abstract concepts and articulate them to a wide variety of audiences
- Planning and problem-solving skills
- Creative thinking and the ability to recognize the moral and ethical aspects of discussions
- The ability to work independently and also in the team, brainstorming and consensus building, self-motivation and independence, time management, and adherence to deadlines.
What can I do with a Geography degree?
The study of geography prepares you with its possibilities for practical learning and its interdisciplinary and holistic natural and social science approach for many professional fields in the private sector and government, non-profit organizations, research, and higher education.
For example, a geography degree prepares you to become an environmental consultant, work in industry, join or set up a nonprofit, embark on a career in international development, or improve your education to work for the U.S. Geological Survey among others. Because few geography degree jobs are labelled “geographer,” this article describes some of the job titles and career paths of geographers.
Typical Jobs in Geography Degree
There is a wide range of jobs for a graduate in Geography, you can work in the public or private sector, or a non-governmental or charitable organization, specializing in an area related to Housing, Real Estate, Land Management, Environment, or International Development. Alternatively, you can get a teacher training course, take a law conversion course, or apply for the Fast Stream Civil Service or NHS graduate program.
Traditionally, employers such as home builders have only been willing to hire geography graduates for land management positions if they have attended an industry-recognized graduate school.
With further qualifications or training, the following professions are available to you: commercial, residential mapmaker, environmental surveying, geologist, exploration facility Manager Geographical Information Systems Manager, Geomatics / Surveying Engineers, Landscape Architect, Nature Conservation Officer, Recycling Officer, Tourism Officer, City, and State Planning, Travel Agency, Waste officer, Water protection officer e.t.c.
- Environmental Consultants: Environmental consultants work to ensure that their commercial or government clients are compliant and addressing a wide variety of environmental issues. This is a varied task that usually focuses on using desk-based research and fieldwork to determine whether an area of land, air, or water is contaminated and what impact it would have. Environmental counseling offers the opportunity for a structured career path with the potential to specialize in an area of interest. Work experience would be very beneficial to taking on this role with potential employers, including government and water organizations.
- Cartographer: Cartographer careers include designing and producing various types of maps, as well as producing related charts, graphs, spreadsheets, and travel guides. Your role as a cartographer can also include the restoration of old maps and historical documents. Today, the field also often relies on a variety of advanced technologies such as geographic information systems (GIS) and digital mapping techniques. In general, you do not need a postgraduate degree or previous knowledge for this role, but it can be helpful to have acquired a specialized degree in a subject such as remote sensing and/or to gain practical experience.
- Climate change analyst: Climate change analysts evaluate scientific data and climate research to create models and predictions about what could happen to the earth’s climate in the future. Climate change analysts need to understand the political and scientific aspects of their work, although roles tend to focus on one or the other Some of their typical work activities include: Analyze data to inform stakeholders, Article writing and speeches, Examine fuel economy and suggest alternatives, Examine environmental management policies on climate change, Provide analyzes for policy briefs on sustainability, energy efficiency, climate change, and other related topics, Development and implementation of educational programs on the effects of climate change, Preparation and submission of proposals for research projects, Funding of initiatives to mitigate climate change, Preparation of applications for grants and funding and Implementation of laboratory and field tests
- Geomorphologists: Geomorphologists study how rivers, mountains, oceans, air, and ice shape and change the earth’s surface. The role involves a lot of fieldwork and research. It involves the study of the land around us. Due to the diversity of geomorphology, it is possible to specialize in one area and only study rivers, sand, planetariums, tectonics, or wherever your preferences lead. The nature of this role often involves spending extended periods of time in remote locations, writing reports of findings, Mapping of areas before and after field measurements, Use computer models to determine changes in the landscape, Transfer of geomorphological knowledge through research work, and conferences and Implementation of evaluations of natural and disturbed systems
- Surveyor: The title surveyor can cover many different professions. Surveyors, land surveyors, construction surveyors, land surveyors, commercial surveyors, residential surveyors, and others fall under this heading and do slightly different work. You need to decide what action to take and this often depends on the type of lift you are performing, Determine the feasibility for a particular use, Carry out environmental impact assessments, Advice on-site development and management within the framework of safety guidelines and guidelines, Carry out assessments, Provide site-based research advice on how to get the most out of the available area, Write Contractual Documents, Write reports and create maps to summarize results from field measurements
- Landscape Architect: Landscape Architects create natural and built environments that are aesthetically pleasing and practical in both urban and rural areas. Surroundings. What does a landscape architect do? Landscape architects and designers advise, plan, design, and monitor the creation, renewal, and development of outdoor areas such as gardens and recreational areas as well as residential, industrial and commercial areas. They can help protect and preserve the environment. A landscape architect’s work includes Create plans, designs, and drawings with computer-aided design programs with other professionals such as architects, surveyors, town planners, and civil engineers.
- Nature Conservation Officer: Nature conservation officers manage, protect and improve areas of ecological importance through nature conservation work, public relations, and scientific support Many graduates start their careers as volunteers and go into employment as soon as they have gained a lot of experience. Typical areas of responsibility include: organizing events to raise awareness for nature conservation such as lectures, workshops, and guided hikes, support for volunteer activities and nature conservation projects, Develop and implement policies geared towards sustainable development Increase awareness of nature conservation in the community (e.g. schools), General administration, Monitoring of biodiversity, Preparation of conservation reports, plans, promotional materials and exhibits, Fieldwork, General maintenance projects, Development of attractions for visitors, Preparation of funding applications.
- Recycling manager: Recycling officers usually work for local authorities (town halls). They develop and implement guidelines to help people make recycling easier, advise the public, and organize events and programs to promote recycling. Other typical tasks are: Managing contractors, responding to inquiries and complaints from the public, Manage community recycling initiatives, Visit local recycling centers, businesses, schools, and community organizations, Manage budgets, Monitor facilities, Keep records, Recruit, support, and train volunteers, Stay on top of current best practices and laws and Prepare reports and plans, promotional materials and exhibits.
- Wildlife compliance officer: A wildlife compliance officer conducts inspections, gathers information, and investigates suspected violations that may harm the environment or endanger wildlife. It will enforce laws for the protection of plant and animal species and for the protection of threatened species nationally and internationally in cooperation with other federal ministries.
- Market Research Analyst: A market research analyst is someone who collects market information and presents it in a way that is understandable for customers or colleagues. All research conducted by market research analysts results in dense reports and complicated spreadsheets that capture information about the market and future opportunities (examples include: reports on sales trends and consumer demographics, preferences, needs, and buying habits). Not all customers have time to read them. Analysts explain the research in such a way that it works for the customer.
Conclusion
Geography degrees, especially those specializing in human geography, are a great way to develop skills and knowledge useful for a career in politics or the nonprofit sector at your university or to take on leadership roles in companies.
Likewise, volunteering for environmental organizations gives you an advantage in the non-profit sector. If none of the geography careers listed above suit you, there are still plenty of options. (https://idigtexas.com) Skills gained during your undergraduate studies would also be useful for careers in a variety of other industries, from commercial and public sectors to transportation and tourism.
References
- https://www.bestcolleges.com/careers/humanities-and-social-sciences/geography/
- https://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/careers-advice/what-can-you-do-geography-degree
- https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/geography
- https://www.southampton.ac.uk/geography/undergraduate/careers/career_opportunities.page
- https://www.colorado.edu/geography/undergrad-program/what-can-i-do-geography-degree
- https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/subjects/what-can-you-do-geography-degree
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