How to become A Geoscientist

When we save the earth, the earth saves us. A Geoscientist studies the earth’s various features, its geological composition, processes, history, and how it interacts with the surrounding biospheres. 

• Earth Scientist 

• Geohydrologist

• Geophysicist

What do Geoscientists do?

A Geoscientist would typically need to:

• Analyse what the earth is composed of, its structure and processes, and its various physical features; study how chemical elements occur in rocks and minerals and how they move into the soil and water

• Understand and use the information they gather to make well-informed decisions related to applications in industrial and scientific research

• Plan and carry out field studies to collect geophysical, geochemical and geological information; gather samples from field locations and analyse them through laboratory tests

• Use X-rays and electron microscopes for the lab analysis of rock samples to find out their chemical and physical composition 

•  Use simple tools, such as a hammer and chisel to gather rock samples or complex ones, such as ground-penetrating radar equipment to locate oil or minerals

• Use remote sensing equipment for data collection; analyse data using geographic information systems (GIS) and modelling software 

•  Monitor data acquisition to ensure consistent quality; interpret the data using advanced software to determine subsurface geology and the economic value of natural resources

• Analyse aerial photographs, well logs, rock samples and other data sources to locate and estimate the size of deposits of natural resources

•  Evaluate the potential quality of mineral and hydrocarbon resources

•  Make geological maps and charts; prepare scientific reports; present maps, charts and reports to clients, colleagues and other stakeholders

•  Develop geological models of the earth's subsurface for a better understanding of the geological structure, rock features and the distribution of the strata that holds oil, gas or minerals

•  Use the latest technologies for geological modelling & seismic processing

•  Work in multidisciplinary teams to create proposals; determine drilling locations in collaboration with drilling engineers using data and models

•  Oversee technicians and liaise with other scientists in the field and the lab

• Carry out projects that help protect and preserve the environment and clean up or reclaim land

• Develop expertise in any aspect of the earth, such as oceans

Geoscientists usually split their time between working in offices and laboratories and conducting fieldwork to study various aspects of the earth. They may also opt for self-employment or freelancing. Geoscientists may also need to work. 

While Geoscientists usually work full time and keep regular hours, their schedules may depend on the sector they work in and their employer. During fieldwork, they may need to work additional or irregular hours. 

You are likely to travel to meet clients or carry out fieldwork.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Geoscientists can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Geoscientists are generally employed by:

• Architectural, Engineering & Related Services 

• Management, Scientific & Technical Consulting Services 

• Mining, Quarrying, Oil & Gas Extraction

• Central & State Governments

• International Oil Companies

• Specialist Geophysical Companies 

• Petroleum Exploration Companies

• Mining Companies 

• Contractors & Consultants

• Water Industry

• Software Companies 

Professional associations and organisations, such as The International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), are crucial for Geologists 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 and qualifications.

• The need to travel to remote locations worldwide for fieldwork; physical and psychological exertion due to extended periods away from home

• Working in demanding conditions in remote locations 

• Long working hours 

• Working underground in wet and dirty conditions in the mining sector

Any academic program that a potential Geoscientist takes up typically requires students to complete project work, fieldwork, research trips, and a period of supervised experience, such as an internship, which are all valued by employers. Besides classrooms and lab courses, most degree programs offer summer geology field camps that give students insights into their prospective careers before graduation.

Certain multinational and large energy companies, particularly in the engineering, petroleum, environmental and water sectors, provide on-field experience through paid internships and summer vacation work on significant operational projects in geoscience.

While seeking industrial job opportunities, relevant work experience may be beneficial in the engineering, petroleum, environment or water sectors.

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working in Geoscience to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. 

Geoscientists typically require a bachelor's degree for entry-level jobs. Employers usually prefer a degree in geoscience/earth science, geology, geochemistry, geophysics or geotechnology. However, a degree in environmental science, engineering, or other physical, mathematical, and applied sciences is acceptable. 

Geology courses in mineralogy, petrology and structural geology are essential for Geoscientists. In addition, most programs require students to take courses in other physical sciences, mathematics, engineering, and computer science. Training in specific software packages can be an add-on for a successful geoscience career. 

A master's degree in geophysics or geoscience may improve your employability and long-term career advancement. You may also pursue a PhD. 

Develop your public communication skills and take high school courses in the sciences, mathematics, geography, English, and computers.

Certification demonstrates a Geoscientist’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, carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent, increase your chances of advancement, and allow you to become an independent consultant.

Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Individual government entities conduct the licensing process. It typically requires the passage of an examination in addition to the fulfilment of eligibility requirements, such as a minimum level of education, work experience, training, or the completion of an internship, residency, or apprenticeship.

Although a licence is not mandatory to work in most cases, a Geologist offering services to the public in certain locations may need to be licensed. Public services comprise civil engineering projects, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance activities.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high performance levels may be eligible for promotion every two to three years. 

In certain companies, you may start as a technical assistant and progress to a full Geoscientist role, from which you may head to senior scientific or managerial positions.

You may rise to a specialised technical role, then to Team Leader, followed by a senior managerial position.

Chances of progression increase with the flexibility to relocate as some large companies may post you overseas during the beginning phase of your career. Changing employers may also help you advance in your career.

You may choose to further your career by specialising in environmental policy development or hazard prediction. You could also move between related areas of geoscience, for instance, from geophysics to seismology or engineering geology. 

Self-employment is also possible with experience. You may work as a Consultant and offer services to other organisations, enter academic or industrial research or seek higher education teaching opportunities. 

Candidates with a master’s degree and strong knowledge in geographic information systems (GIS) have the best job prospects.  

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Geoscientist 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. CPD is important throughout your career to expand your expertise and stay up to date with technological advancements and developing work areas. 

In certain major oil and gas companies, engineering and environmental consultancies, new hires benefit from structured training programmes delivered through a series of projects or assignments. The training gives an overview of the business and aims to develop your expertise in general and specialist areas. 

Smaller companies may offer you on-the-job training that includes safety and survival training. 

Research posts in industry, universities or museums require a PhD or DPhil research degree.

Some Roles of Geoscientists

Geoscientists may choose an area of specialisation depending on their field of interest and where they wish to work.

Environmental Geologists seek solutions to environmental issues by observing and investigating natural calamities and human interactions with the land. They aim to forecast geological phenomena and the impact of human activity on the environment. 

Engineering Geologists counsel private and public companies on environmental and geological issues as pertinent to real estate development by evaluating the safety and stability of ground rock to build on.

Marine Geologists study the processes of subsea landforms, including the ocean floor, beaches, estuaries, coastal river areas, large lakes, shallow slopes or shelves surrounding the continents. Processes in these landforms include plate tectonics, volcanic activity and earthquakes.

Planetary Geologists study the geology of planets and their moons, asteroids, comets, and meteorites. They study the composition of the bodies of the solar system, planetary volcanism, impact craters, internal structure of the moon, and the origin of planets such as Pluto, Saturn or Jupiter. 

Geo Hydrologists study the properties and distribution of natural underground water reservoirs, their capacity for water storage, and the movement of water through the reservoirs. They investigate the cycles of drawing out water from the reservoirs for human consumption and replenishment by precipitation.

Economic Geologists study the formation and extraction of earth materials such as metals, minerals, construction-grade stone, coal and water that have economic potential and are used for industrial purposes in society. 

Petroleum Geologists identify possible oil deposits/traps and guide the process of oil discovery and production. They study sediment deposits in oceans, rock folds and faults. They also help locate potential oil traps and decide where to drill by locating prospects in sedimentary basins. 

Palaeontologists use fossil records to draw conclusions about ancestral climates and environmental conditions. Through analysis of the deposited layers of rock and soil, they decode clues to prehistoric times. Using evolutionary biology, they evaluate the factors that make species originate, evolve or go extinct. 

Geomorphologists study how landforms are sculpted or morphed on earth due to streams, landslides, glaciers, wind, volcanos, earthquakes, and tsunamis.

Geophysicists use gravity and magnetic, electrical, and seismic methods to study the earth's physical features, properties, internal structure, earthquakes and other environmental hazards. They also evaluate construction sites.

Geochemists combine their knowledge of chemistry and geology to help in natural resources exploration such as minerals, natural gas and oil. Geochemists study the various physical aspects of our planet earth, including composition, processes and structure. 

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Geoscientists 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 Geoscientist 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 yields diamonds that are not all transparent but can be of diverse colours, such as green, blue, yellow, orange, brown, purple, grey, black, milky white, pink, red. Red is the rarest!

For humankind, the earth is a whole universe in itself. Geoscientists endeavour to unravel the mysteries of our planet by studying the materials that it is made up of, the forces that act upon it, and the biology of our ancestors based on fossil findings. Their work is pivotal to other disciplines, such as climatology, civil engineering and evolutionary biology. 

Foster your communication skills and ability to handle technical instruments and equipment. Sharpen your observation powers and develop a systematic approach to problem-solving. Make sure you can work independently, but be a team player and take full responsibility for important decisions. At all times, stay aware of health and safety issues.