Careers in Geography
Geography provides a broad training and education for students who wish to enter a range of careers as diverse as administration, business, cartography to tourism and planning. The list is almost endless although many of these work opportunities do not fall under the name "geographer". You therefore do not see too many advertisements for a geographer,but rather offers which include the skills of geography.
What is geography?
Geography is the integrated study of the earth's places, peoples, environments and societies. It seeks to understand the relationships and impacts between people and the environment by giving attention to these relationships in space and place, and over time.
There are two main branches of geography: human and physical geography:
(a) Human geography is studies spatial elements of human existence – the distribution of people across the planet, the use and abuse of that space (land, water and the atmosphere), and how places and spaces are developed and sustained. Human geographers work in diverse fields such as in development agencies, urban and regional planning, transportation, estate agencies, tourism and eco-tourism, and international relations.
(b) Physical geographers study patterns of physical processes such as climate, hazards, soils, water and water quality, oceans, landforms and vegetation. These studies are important to understand how situations and elements of the environment are changing, how they require increasing conservation, management and planning in our world in impacts and the use of resources are rapidly increasing. It is difficult to separate these kinds of activities from those of human geographers.
What skills are required?
Ability to recognize and observe spatial patterns and processes in reality
Proficiency in communicate
Ability to read and understand maps, graphs, charts
Ability to undertake scientific research
Aptitude for accurate details
Engage in decision-making and problem solving skills
Aptitude for statistics and mathematics
Ability to use computers to analyse electronic information
How do I know if I want to become a geographer?
Score yourself against the following statements (1 = strongly disagree, 3 = unsure, 5 = strongly agree). Keep a record of your score so you can evaluate yourself at the end.
1. I enjoy learning about places.
2. Do you like to see places and features on maps.
3. I choose the window seat when I travel in taxis, cars, buses, trains etc so that I can observe things on my journey.
4. I am interested to hear news about what happens in other countries.
5. I like to work outside, away from an office.
6. I am interesting in finding ways to solve problems.
7. I enjoy asking questions about the world in which I live.
8. I like to see how different things connect with each other.
9. I enjoy collecting and analyzing information about the world in which I live.
10. I like to see the "big picture" showing people and places are interconnected.
11. I am concerned about a declining environment.
12. I find it interesting to know how people can reduce their impact on the environment.
Add the score from each of your responses and compare with the table below
< 15 | Hmmm, perhaps you need to think about some other career possibility |
15 to 30 | You show a low interest in geography and should think about another careers |
30 to 40 | You are not really convinced although show a great deal of interest in being a geographer. Re-look at where you have scored at 4 or 5 and examine careers that relate more directly to these statements |
40 to 50 | Good – you should consider a career in geography. There is lots that interests you. |
50 to 60 | You have a bright future as a geographer! |
Careers in Geography
"What can I do with geography?”:
Representative jobs held by geographers include:
Biogeographer/Ecologist
Cartographer
Climatologist
Coastal Zone Manager
College/University Lecturer/Researcher
Community Development
Conservation Officer
Conservationist
Consultant in a range of geographical fields
Development Facilitator
Delivery Manager
Diplomat
Earth Scientist
Economic Development Planner
Environmental Educator
Environmental Impact Analyst
Environmental Manager
Environmental Planner
Foreign Service Officers
Geographic Information Specialist
Geologist
Geomorphologist
Hazardous Waste Planner
Health Services Planner
Hydrologist
Land Use Planner
Map Editor
Map Librarian
Map, Air Photo & Satellite Image Interpreter
Market Researcher
Meteorologist
Military Planner
Natural Resource Manager
Police
Regional Planner
Remote-Sensing Analyst
Social Ecologist
Social Scientist
Soil Scientist
Teacher (elementary & secondary)
Tourism Development / Tour Guide
Traffic Manager
Transportation Planner
Travel Agent
Urban/City Planner
Water Resource Manager
Useful links
www.aag.org/Careers/Intro.html The American Association of Geographers
http://geography.about.com/cs/careersingeograp/ Shows links to sites presenting careers in geography
www.careers.org/reg/cint-safrica.html A host site with lots of links to careers in general