Geographer Career Information
Have you always been fascinated by the earth and its multiple facets? Are you concerned about the depleting resources on earth and feel strongly about doing something about the environment? Becoming a Geographer might be the perfect career option for you.
What a Geographer does
This is a career that is quite versatile, even while being very specific. Geography can be considered the study of the relationship between the environment and people. It also deals with the study of various factors such as climate, soil, vegetation, population, land use and industries worldwide and their regional demarcation. Geography thus provides numerous options to aspirants in this field.
Geographers use their studies and expertise to provide solutions to a wide range of issues. They find solutions to problems in urban and rural planning, agriculture and business. Some work in the field of environmental planning while others opt for teaching and research work. People in this field also actively conduct studies on climate change, biodiversity, deforestation, flooding and other such matters.
Job Opportunities
Geographers can find a plethora of job options across various industries. Depending on the specialization, people in this profession can work in business organizations, urban and rural planning firms, government departments, tourism agencies, non-profit organizations, developmental agencies involved in different environmental issues, real estate, national parks and many others.
Teaching in schools/universities is another option for Geographers, and there is a heavy demand for qualified Geographers in the education sector. Those wishing to work independently can become consultants or start their own tutorials or coaching institutes.
Career Prospects
The advent of satellite technology and then the prevalent use of geographic technologies like Geographical Information System (GIS), Global positioning System (GPS) and online mapping have made Geography a lucrative career option.
Geography professionals also have the option of going for extensive research in various related fields to or set up independent businesses after gaining some experience.
Abilities & Traits Required
Apart from the educational qualification, Geographers need to be balanced, scientific and have the ability to work with various kinds of people. Other requirements for this profession include good comprehension and intellectual capability, good health and visual ability, observation skills, sound psychomotor co-ordination for compiling maps, graphics, etc.
Training in Mathematics and Statistics is also important for a career in Geography to understand the various mathematical and quantitative research methods involved. Geographers need to be computer efficient and keep themselves updated about the latest technology.
Qualifications
The minimum academic qualification to become a Geographer is a BA Geography or BSc Geography. After this, aspiring Geographers can go for a Masters degree or choose a specialization and acquire a degree in it. You can obtain a Post Graduate degree, M.Phil or Ph.D. in specific areas such as physiography, cartography, town planning, oceanography, climatology, population studies and many more.
Salary
In the government sector, Geographers can start out with salaries ranging from Rs. 25000 to 35000 per month while those employed in private organizations can earn more and avail of various perks and benefits. This however, depends on the nature and size of the company, qualification, experience and expertise of the applicant etc. The earnings of Geography teachers can vary from around Rs. 30000 to 45000 a month.