Career Profiles Meteorologist
When most people hear the word meteorologist they usually associate it with weather reports. However there is a lot of work done before a weather report is presented to the public. There are men and women who study the atmosphere before compiling each report. It is those people who are commonly referred to as atmospheric scientists or simply as meteorologists.
According to theAmerican Meteorological societya meteorologist is a person with specialized education, using scientific principles to explain, observe or forecast the earth’s atmospheric phenomena or how the atmosphere affects the earth and life on the planet.
Before embarking on becoming a meteorologist it is necessary to make a self-evaluation. This profession would suit someone who enjoys the physical world, has a keen interest in weather, chemistry, physics, computers and a great maths education is critical. Once you have a genuine interest in becoming a meteorologist you will need to have qualifications that go with the job.
The first step for a student in considering a career as a meteorologist is to opt to study physical science courses and mathematics in high school. This will prove vital in the years to come.
This is a competitive sector that does not have a lot of entry level jobs so you will need to be highly skilled. A vast number of meteorologists hold at least bachelor degrees and more are now studying for Masters and doctoral degrees. For an undergraduate degree, you are expected to study some of the following courses: physical meteorology, weather analysis, forecasting and some other maths and science courses. It takes an average of four years to complete the degree. You can still become a meteorologist if you are have attained degrees that vary from physics, to chemistry and maths.
It is important that one looks for an intern position while still studying to increase the chances of landing a job. An advanced degree can be completed in one or two years. After completion the chances of landing a good job is enhanced.
Typically meteorologists do not just work in one area as there is a lot of specialization in the work. Following are the sectors where meteorologists can work.
The first field is that of weather forecasting which happens to be the best known. It is the study of temperature, humidity, wind conditions and air pressure to determine the weather forecast. Meteorologists usually work in weather stations or operation centres where weather information is collected using weather balloons, weather satellites and radars.
The second field that a meteorologist could work is in research. These meteorologists study the effects of global warming by collecting data and using powerful computer software programs to analyse the data. Researchers are also concerned about the patterns of abnormal weather which include hurricanes and tornadoes.
The third field that a meteorologist can pursue is an academic career. This involves teaching students meteorology at universities. To get such a job though you will need to have an advanced degree.
Fourthly there is now an increasing demand for meteorologists in industry and private consulting firms that would want to calculate risks for investments. The opening-up of a lot of television stations has meant that there is now an increased demand to employ meteorologists as against reporters who present the weather report.
Salaries of the meteorologist vary depending on a number of factors such as education and experience and place of employment. TheJobs in meteorologywebsite has more information on the expected salaries for a range of fields in meteorology in the United States.
For an entry level job in the National Weather Service a first year intern can earn a minimum of $28000 per annum. For the military the starting salaries are above $25 000 and increase year to year. A meteorologist who is employed by a Television or radio station can earn from $20000 to $100,000 depending on a number of factors.
There are a number of qualities that make a good meteorologist. These include the ability to be accurate, fast-thinking, good communication skills and excellent leadership skills. With the rise of concerns about the environment it is projected that meteorologists will be much in demand in the near future. If one has the passion for being a meteorologist it will prove to be a rewarding career.
