By Bodie McCosby – AEG Early Career Ambassador ’22-‘23

Navigating the first stages of your career can be a daunting endeavor. What will the first year look like? What should you expect in terms of industry standards, best practices, compensation and benefits? What even is there to do with a geology degree? The steps into your career in environmental and engineering geology are many and varied. But fear not, for if you have found yourself reading this, rest assured that you are in the right place. Whether you are a student, a recent graduate, or a transplant from a related or entirely different field, the Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists (AEG) is the ideal home base to guide you through your early career needs.

This blog originally appeared on December 1, 2020 and has been reissued.

Of all the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and math), geology may be the one science where it is perhaps the most instructive and imperative to do your most significant work outside of an office or lab. As the study of the Earth and its processes, you will benefit greatly from time spent in the field, observing, measuring and studying the movement and interplay between soil, rock, water, environmental factors and engineered works.

photo by WGodwin, 10.11.14

Your studies and experiences during college are invaluable in preparing you for a future in the geologic sciences. But academic training, however thorough, can never fully prepare you for life as a professional working in your field.

Of all the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and math), geology may be the one science where it is perhaps the most instructive and imperative to do your most significant work outside of an office or lab. As the study of the Earth and its processes, you will benefit greatly from time spent in the field, observing, measuring and studying the movement and interplay between soil, rock, water, environmental factors and engineered works.

Field work is an opportunity to practice a variety of techniques that will greatly assist you in your career. You will learn how to effectively take notes and measurements, hand-draw maps and sketches, use GIS or drawing software to create digitized versions of your mapping, take relevant photos to record your observations, synthesize findings and create a thorough field report.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a bright future for a career in the geosciences, with employment prospects expected to grow by 5% over the next 10 years, which is faster than the average job growth for other professions.

What is Causing the Growth in Geoscience Careers?

What is a geoscientist? Geoscientists (also often called geologists or geophysicists) study the physical aspects of the earth to inform practical applications in engineering, energy production, water conservation, hazards and more. They may work to find and preserve natural resources like groundwater, metals, and petroleum. Geoscientists often perform laboratory and field tests to monitor the environment and investigate sources of pollution, including those that affect health.

Some qualities that are essential for a career in geosciences include: