Geology as a profession

Do you enjoy physical and intellectual challenges? Do you like to travel to interesting and even remote locations? Does working with others—who have diverse interests and backgrounds—to solve multifaceted problems intrigue you? If so, then you should consider a career in geology!

What is geology, anyway?

Geology is the science devoted to understanding the history of the earth, the nature of the materials that comprise it, and the physical and chemical processes that have shaped our planet since its birth and continue to do so today. Geologists study rocks, minerals, landforms, water, air, space, and life. Simply put, geologists ask questions about how the earth works. The goal of geologic inquiry can be to obtain pure knowledge about the earth; to search for new reserves of essential minerals, fossil fuels, or water; to understand and lessen the societal effects of geologic hazards such as earthquakes and floods; or even to minimize the environmental impacts of human activities.

The need for geologists

Every day, we see news reports about subjects such as global climate change, natural disasters, energy and mineral resources, pollution, waste disposal, and water issues. With a total population of more than six billion that continues to grow ever faster, we constantly increase our demands upon the earth for resources critical to our survival, deepen our impact upon the planet, and expand our potential exposure to natural and human-made hazards. As a result, there is an ever-growing need to better understand the earth on local-to-global levels, and thus for more people with geologic knowledge. Such knowledge is essential to maintain key aspects of our increasingly global society, including economic security and growth, environmental protection, international competitiveness, material infrastructure, and even national defense. Geologists and other geoscientists are needed at the forefront of efforts to address these issues.

Diverse career possibilities

Perhaps one of the most appealing aspects of geology is that it offers so many different possible career paths. Geologists are typically employed in many different arenas, including, but not limited to:

Moreover, because geologists are continually urged to recognize and assess the world around them and to see both the large- and small-scale aspects of a problem or solution, they acquire and hone skills that are highly valued in many disciplines.

So, if you are interested in knowing how our planet was formed, how it works, where important resources occur, and how the earth is likely to change in the future, you may want to become a geoscientist.