Careers in Geography
Geographers work in a range of professions, including planning, consulting, conservation, in government agencies, for NGOs, in business, education, and as researchers. Geographers' spatial thinking skills and interdisciplinary training allow us to analyse problems broadly yet systematically. We are exposed to research in both human and physical fields, and are trained in a range of methods to use different data sources, from field based work to using archival materials to taking core samples to using GIS. We also look at the relationship between cutting-edge research and theory, and how these can be applied to 'real world' contexts. This means that we understand the spatial consequences of policy decisions, economic relations, and/or environmental systems at multiple scales.
Below are some helpful resources for students, parents and the general public that provide more information about what geographers do, where they work, as well as profiles of geographers.
Geographical Societies have information about their members and careers in geography, including:
The Association of American Geographers has an extensive open-access series of webpages about Careers in Geography, including information about what geographers do, where geographers work, profiles of geographers, why study geography, job postings, and Career News, spotlight articles about the important work that geographers are doing in society today.
The Royal Geographical Society (UK) has an excellent Careers With Geography webpage. Their Geography Today page features Geographers in the news. Making the Case for Geography includes case studies where Geography is making an impact in the world today. Geography NOW includes articles about Geographer's work in policy-relevant issues.
The University of Southampton's webpage also has information about Careers After a Geography Degree.
Professional Geography organisations also offer resources about careers in geography.
The National Geographic Education Foundation has a range of videos and resources, including: What Can you do with a Geography Degree?, Geo-Literacy, and Real-World Geography, with profiles of conservationists, oceanographers, artists, educators, and others who describe how their geographic education has made a difference in their careers.
Below are some helpful resources for students, parents and the general public that provide more information about what geographers do, where they work, as well as profiles of geographers.
Geographical Societies have information about their members and careers in geography, including:
The Association of American Geographers has an extensive open-access series of webpages about Careers in Geography, including information about what geographers do, where geographers work, profiles of geographers, why study geography, job postings, and Career News, spotlight articles about the important work that geographers are doing in society today.
The Royal Geographical Society (UK) has an excellent Careers With Geography webpage. Their Geography Today page features Geographers in the news. Making the Case for Geography includes case studies where Geography is making an impact in the world today. Geography NOW includes articles about Geographer's work in policy-relevant issues.
The University of Southampton's webpage also has information about Careers After a Geography Degree.
Professional Geography organisations also offer resources about careers in geography.
The National Geographic Education Foundation has a range of videos and resources, including: What Can you do with a Geography Degree?, Geo-Literacy, and Real-World Geography, with profiles of conservationists, oceanographers, artists, educators, and others who describe how their geographic education has made a difference in their careers.