Geographers are masters of asking questions - how landforms evolve, how places differ, how people interact with their environment, how politics and culture are related to geography, what will happen in twenty years, and many more. The answers they discover bridge the gap between the earth and its people. Continue Reading
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Explore Career Geographers are masters of asking questions - how landforms evolve, how places differ, how people interact with their environment, how politics and culture are related to geography, what will happen in twenty years, and many more. The answers they discover bridge the gap between the earth and its people.
What are the typical responsibilities of a Geographer?
A Geographer would typically need to:
Geographers spend most of their time conducting fieldwork to collect information, data, and samples. As a result, they may encounter harsh weather conditions and diverse and rugged terrains. They also analyse the collected samples in laboratories.
Due to the diverse and vast choice of environments to research, it is common for Geographers to travel to different countries and remote locations, which means stretches of time spent away from home.
Geographers often work in multidiscipinary teams usually comprising a range of professionals, including cartographers, computer programmers, data analysts, information officers/managers, and project managers.
Most Geographers work during regular business hours, usually 9 am to 5 pm, when not engaged in fieldwork. Overtime may be required to meet deadlines. Fieldwork is likely to entail long and irregular hours, and your workday would also depend on the place, time of year, and weather.
Finding a new job might seem challenging. Geographers can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, and inquiring at staffing agencies.
Geographers are generally employed by:
Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Geographical Union (IGU), are crucial for Geographers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials.
Taking advantage of offered placement programs and internships during your studies to gain relevant work experience can be highly beneficial. Internships will help you gain experience, develop new skills, explore your interests, and become familiar with the practical aspects of geography.
Your career path in the field of geography will be highly dependent on your chosen subtopic of interest. Securing work experience in your preferred field will help you gain an insight into the work available and establish contacts as well.
Additionally, since employers value practical skills, fieldwork is recommended. If you are unsure about which subtopic appeals to you, consider shadowing different professionals to find out what interests you.
Try to find internships and job placements related to Geographic Information Systems (GIS). As competition for roles related to GIS is fierce, securing work experience in this field will help career progression.
Entry-level or government jobs for Geographers typically require the minimum of a bachelor’s degree, preferably supplemented with training in using geographical information systems (GIS).
However, many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree, particularly for managerial roles. You may opt to acquire your bachelor’s or master’s degree in geography, GIS, computer science, mathematics or statistics, software engineering, surveying, urban planning, or environment & sustainability. Given the extensive and multidisciplinary scope of geography, specialisation has become increasingly significant.
In addition to physical, human, or regional geography, most programs relevant to Geographers are beginning to include coursework in business, economics, or real estate, especially useful for those aiming to work in private industry.
Research or academic roles usually require a PhD or master’s degree with adequate and relevant work experience.
Certification demonstrates a Geographer’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. When acquired from an objective and reputed organisation, it can help you stand out in a competitive job market, increase your chances of advancement, and allow you to become an independent consultant.
While not mandatory for professional Geographers, a relevant certification in geographic information systems (GIS) may be beneficial as most positions require proficiency. You may also choose to be certified in economic development.
Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for promotion every two to three years.
While there is no formal track of progression, successful career development typically depends on choosing your subtopic of interest early on. Most Geographers pick a subtopic from their undergraduate degree to specialise in during their master’s degree. Areas of specialisation include GIS, remote sensing, environmental conservation, environmental management, oceanography, coastal & marine management, meteorology, water resources, and spatial analysis. Studies in these topics would allow you to work in related career areas.
Geographers may also diversify into teaching, surveying, urban/rural planning, or landscape architecture. Or they may opt for business or management studies to qualify for high-level management roles.
Geographers often work in interdisciplinary teams. Therefore, a typical career path is to progress to Team Leader, then Project Manager, and overall GIS Manager, among other roles.
Since the world is becoming more mobile, GPS (global positioning systems) and related applications, such as geotagging pictures, are becoming more and more popular. Geographers can use their knowledge of GIS and understanding of the world to aid the development and innovative application of these technologies.
Experience will allow you to launch your consultancy or work freelance. Typically, equipped with a PhD, you can work in research and higher education.
Potential Geographers with a master’s degree, specialised expertise, and knowledge of using geographic technologies, such as GIS, have the best job prospects.
Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Geographer build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity,
formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.
While most Geographers typically receive on-the-job training, large employers may provide structured in-house training to newly hired employees.
Due to the variety of subtopics in Geography, there will always be new information for you to explore and skills to acquire. You are likely to receive training in the latest GIS software packages from its developers. Given the technical requirements of their work, Geographers may also benefit from courses in programming and project management. Refresher courses in communication will help them disseminate information to stakeholders. You may also choose to enrol in CPD courses offered by relevant professional bodies.
A Wide Array of Choices
Geographers have a wide range of subtopics to choose from, and success in the career is highly dependent on your level of knowledge and skill in your chosen field. They fall into two main categories, Physical Geographers and Human Geographers, each further classified into subcategories.
Physical Geographer
They focus on the earth’s natural characteristics and behaviours, encompassing its atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere and lithosphere. Given the vastness of the earth and the immense complexity of its systems, physical geography has given rise to numerous subspecialties.
Some Branches of Physical Geography
Climatology studies weather patterns and atmospheric conditions, focusing on climate change and weather conditions of specific areas.
Biogeography examines native plant and animal species based on geographic patterns and focuses on animal migration patterns as shaped by habitation behaviours and historical events.
Geomorphology analyses how landforms have developed over time, focusing on erosion, tectonic plate movement, and sediments in the earth’s crust.
Oceanography studies the earth’s oceans and the organisms that populate them.
Human Geographers
They study human behaviours in terms of how humans interact with their environment and organise themselves and their communities. They also focus on human migration and the impact of human behaviour on the natural environment.
Some Branches of Human Geography
Economic geography evaluates the regional distribution of wealth and resources and the links between physical factors and economic development.
Medical geography examines the spread of diseases in different regions of the globe.
Military geography studies how physical conditions and transportation facilities influence military facilities and the deployment of troops and supplies.
Political geography analyses how countries establish their borders and engage with international bodies.
Urban Geography identifies and evaluates areas in terms of their suitability for land development and to grow infrastructure and population.
Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment
Freelancing Geographers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.
On the other hand, a full-time Geographer has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.
When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.
The earth is truly a diverse place to call home. For every geographic phenomenon that occurs, there is a professional who studies it in depth. Geographers constantly try to improve their understanding of what makes up the earth and how the living organisms who populate it change, develop and adapt to the impact of diverse phenomena. With aspects of geography all around us, the weather and climate changes, social inequalities, borders between countries, and retreating coastlines, it is a subject highly relevant to human life on this planet.
Sometimes geography happens just outside your front door. Keep your curiosity alive, your eyes sharp, your questions flowing, and keep up to date with emerging technologies. With world issues rooted in geography, there is a need for a new generation of curious, motivated and expert Geographers. Start to build your skills and knowledge in secondary school itself.
Geographers have discovered that the Pacific Ocean is shrinking. Asia and North America come closer by two to three centimetres every year.
What do Geographers do?
A Geographer would typically need to:
Accredited
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