Talking Science

It is common to make small talk at the gym, hair or nail salon, cocktail parties with new acquaintances or seasonal neighborhood gatherings.  Inevitably someone asks “What do you do for work?”  As a geologist, you have probably perfected your answer to include a few details of your day-to-day job to help folks not working in the industry understand your work.  Considering that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are about 32,000 geologists in the USA versus the over 2 million engineers, you are probably the first geologist this person has ever met. 

The ability to learn and grow within any profession is critical to a long and vibrant career.  Professional associations were founded to support their related industries and the individuals who work within them.  Involvement in a Professional Association can help you learn and grow in your personal and professional life.  When researching applicable Professional Associations for your field, it is wise to learn about the associations and the various benefits provided.

1.Professional Development
Growing in your career path personally and professionally is the primary reason many individuals join professional associations.  Associations provide timely information relevant to the state of the profession through journals, magazines, and other professional publications online and in print.  Association members generally receive benefits for publishing articles in their association publications with the added benefit of boosting their company, work or research and personal brand.  Access to case studies and research is not only available in print but most associations host live webinars and conferences (virtual and in-person) that present targeted information focused specifically on key aspects of the profession. 

Original Blog Posted December 2020
Your Professional Career Box Score

I would like for all my geology colleagues to take just a few minutes and ask yourself a somewhat reflective and philosophical question. The answer of which may help you to define and realize the goals of your career, allowing you to maximize your professional potential. That question is; “What will the box score of your professional career read like?” Many of you senior geologists that are career focused will have already considered that question and are working hard to fulfill your career and professional goals. But some of you are likely to be focusing on your family, their education, work and many other of life’s demands that all of us deal with. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, especially when your children are young and I highly encourage you to make the most of the “golden years of parenthood.”