Explore careers related to this merit badge. Research one career to learn about the training and education needed, costs, job prospects, salary, job duties, and career advancement. Your research methods may include—with your parent or guardian’s permission—an internet or library search, an interview with a professional in the field, or a visit to a location where people in this career work. Discuss with your counselor both your findings and what about this profession might make it an interesting career.
Geology careers are much broader than “person who studies rocks.” Some geologists work outdoors mapping formations and collecting samples. Others work in labs, at computers, at construction sites, in museums, on drilling projects, or with environmental teams protecting water and land.
Career Ideas to Consider
You might research:
Environmental geologist
Hydrogeologist
Engineering geologist
Petroleum geologist
Paleontologist
Seismologist
Volcanologist
Geologic mapper or survey geologist
Museum collections specialist
What Your Research Should Cover
The requirement tells you exactly what to gather:
Training and education needed
Costs of that path
Job prospects
Salary range
Typical job duties
Career advancement opportunities
Good Research Methods
A strong answer uses more than one source. Combine a career video with a professional website, college information, or an interview if possible. Then organize your notes so you can explain not only the facts, but also whether the job sounds interesting to you.
Career Research Template
Organize your notes before meeting your counselor
Career name
What the person actually does
Education and training path
Typical work settings
What sounds appealing to you
What might be challenging
Official Resources
20+ Geoscience Careers & How Much Geoscientists Make $ (Why You Should Study Geology!) (video)Geology Jobs: What You Can Do With a Degree in Geology (video)
The next page explores the non-career path: how geology can become a hobby or healthy long-term lifestyle.