geology prospects

Geology is a multidisciplinary subject which promotes an understanding of the processes that shape the natural world and the way they affect and are affected by human activities. It draws upon both natural and social sciences to examine issues concerning the availability and sustainability of resources. Geology students are thus able to look at problems from a wide perspective. In recent years it has also become an increasingly quantitative subject which has enhanced its value in the wider world.
Geology courses not only give you specific knowledge related to your programme of study but also develop a wide variety of graduate key skills which are sought after by many employers. These include:

• producing, analysing and summarising information;
• applying knowledge and understanding to complex and multidimensional problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts;
• receiving and responding to a variety of information sources (e.g. textual, numerical, oral, graphical);
• communicating appropriately to a variety of audiences using written, oral and graphical methods;
• preparing, processing, interpreting and presenting data, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages;
• solving numerical problems using computer and non-computer based techniques;
• planning, conducting and reporting on investigations;
• undertaking field and laboratory investigations in a responsible and safe manner, paying due attention to risk assessment, rights of access, relevant health and safety regulations, and sensitivity to the impact of investigations on the environment and stakeholders;
• identifying individual and collective goals and responsibilities and performing in a manner appropriate to these roles.

Consider the skills developed on your course as well as through your other activities, such as paid work, volunteering, family responsibilities, sport, membership of societies, leadership roles, etc. Think about how these can be used as evidence of your skills and personal attributes. Then you can start to market and sell who you really are, identify what you may be lacking and consider how to improve your profile.

Jobs directly related to your degree

• Geoscientist - interprets geophysical, geochemical and geological data to develop models of the earth's subsurface with the aim of discovering commercially viable and exploitable reserves of natural resources, such as oil and gas.
• Wellsite geologist - studies rock cuttings from oil and gas wells to determine what rock formations are being drilled into and how drilling should proceed. Wellsite geologists identify critical strata from core samples and rock-cutting data and build up knowledge of the structure being drilled.
• Hydrogeologist - investigates the occurrence, circulation and distribution of water flowing through the ground. The role involves studying the quality of groundwater for both natural and man-made constituents and studying how contaminants move through the ground.
• Seismic interpreter - calculates the depth and outline of underground formations in order to make estimates of mineral or carbon deposits for use by energy or minerals extraction companies. Seismic interpreters play a crucial role in ensuring that investment in exploration and production is directed to the right locations.
• Mudlogger - collects and monitors information from drilling operations, such as drilling data, gas and samples, using a range of equipment and laboratory techniques including binocular microscopes, ultraviolet fluorescence and thin section analysis.
• Geochemist - analyses samples of soil, rock and other natural materials to monitor developments in the earth's composition and develop information about the age, nature and structure of specific geographical locations.
• Engineering geologist - concerned with the detailed technical analysis and broad scientific assessment of the impact of a development on its site and population. Engineering geologists assess the integrity of soil, rock, groundwater and other natural conditions prior to major construction schemes.
• Geophysicist/field seismologist - uses complex equipment to collect data on earthquakes and seismic waves, which move through and around the earth. A geophysicist's main responsibility is controlling data quality by monitoring displays and performing some initial interpretation. 

Jobs where your degree would be useful

• Minerals surveyor - provides valuation services related to mineral-bearing land, extraction sites and waste management sites. Minerals surveyors also advise on developing and managing mineral sites safely and within regulations and on restoring the landscape after extraction is complete.
• Geophysical data processor - uses computer technology to convert raw geophysical data (usually large volumes of seismic data) into a user-friendly format. This is then analysed to determine sub-surface geology and used to identify potential oil-bearing rock layers.
• Drilling engineer - develops, plans, costs, schedules and supervises the operations necessary to the process of drilling oil and gas wells, from initial well design to testing, completion and abandonment.
• Environmental consultant - works on client contracts in areas such as water pollution, air and land contamination, environmental impact assessment, environmental audit, waste management, environmental policy, ecological/land management and environmental management. 

Other options

The skills you develop on your geology course, such as problem-solving, lateral thinking, resilience, teamworking and communication are highly prized. As businesses respond to increasingly stringent European Union directives and environmental issues become a higher priority, new opportunities are arising in a wide range of sectors. Some graduates choose to enhance their qualifications by undertaking paid or voluntary work on short-term environmental projects in the UK or abroad. Whether or not you decide to continue in the geology field, a period spent gaining work experience or shadowing can help you make decisions about your future career and you will also find it motivating when you apply your expertise to solve problems in a different context.
A 2010 HESA survey of 2009 graduates indicates that six months after graduation, just over 40% of geology graduates were in UK or overseas employment. Of these, around 20% found jobs in retail, catering, waiting and bar staff, more than 14% work in scientific research analysis and development. Around 10% were employed in the commercial, industrial and public sectors and 10% in other professional roles. A further 9% took up employment in clerical and secretarial positions.
Many geology graduates enter professions directly related to their degree. Popular roles include exploration and production, water supply, environmental engineering and geological surveying.
Although some of the jobs listed here might not be first jobs for many graduates, they are among the many realistic possibilities with your degree, provided you can demonstrate you have the attributes employers are looking for. Bear in mind that it’s not just your degree discipline that determines your options. Remember that many graduate vacancies don't specify particular degree disciplines, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.