Graduate Careers in Geosciences
As geoscientists are concerned with the Earth and natural materials there tends to be distinct trends in employment, directly related to the discovery, exploitation and demand for minerals, metals, water etc. The hydrocarbons industry (oil and natural gas) is the main employer of geoscientists at all levels, although demand here is especially cyclical due to changes in world economy and political stability. Growth areas at the moment are environment-related – hydrogeology; waste disposal; pollution control; and land quality/remediation. Read on to find out more about graduate careers in the geosciences.
Job roles within the geosciences
This is a huge area and covers a vast range of job opportunities. The largest single employer of geoscientists in the UK is the British Geological Survey (BGS). The BGS is responsible to government for the geological survey of the British onshore and offshore areas; the provision of a national geoscience information service; and related scientific activities. There are many other smaller government agencies, some connected with the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), that offer geoscience opportunities eg the British Antarctic Survey, the Environment Agency.
There are several main sectors that can be identified:
Hydrocarbons
Hydrogeology
Engineering/ground conditions
Extraction (quarry, mining, aggregates) Environment
Exploration techniques (geochemistry/geophysics/field mapping) Academia (research and teaching, also includes curating and museum work)
Academic requirements
The minimum requirement for professional geoscientists is a first degree. However on its own this will also enable you to follow a geotechnical career, which includes well-logging, obtaining and processing geophysical data, preparing geological maps and sections; laboratory testing of soil and rock samples; and teaching support.
For a professional post, it is now common for employers to ask for a postgraduate qualification such as an MSc or PhD as well. Extensive travel, often overseas, is often a feature of life as a geoscientist.
What can I do with my geoscience degree?
There are three options for you to consider as you reach your final year:
- direct entry to geoscientific employment
Initial employment for first degree graduates provides entry to the profession but may not offer long-term prospects. Jobs include monitoring drilling activity, well logging, and work in seismic field crews. This can give good experience and may lead to more senior positions and management roles, but most career geoscientists enter with higher degrees. While a first degree provides the basics, it does not teach specialist skills. In addition, there is considerable competition for jobs which means that BSc candidates will find themselves at a disadvantage during selection compared to candidates with further qualifications.
- further education at postgraduate level
If you graduate with a good honours degree (first or upper second class) you should qualify for a place studying for either an MSc or PhD. Many taught one-year MSc courses are available in specialist subjects such as hydrogeology, petroleum geology etc. A PhD or DPhil research degree is normally required for a research appointment in industry or for a university or museum post.
- other non-geological careers
More than half of all geoscience graduates will enter a non-geological career. The skills gained, such as numeracy, problem solving, working as a team etc give an excellent base for a wide variety of careers. Many geoscience graduates enter professions such as accountancy, banking and teaching.
Graduate careers in geosciences are varied, interesting and dynamic. If you are interested in a graduate career in the geosciences then visit The Geological Society www.geolsoc.org.uk for more information.
