Related Skills, Values, and Qualities Common Interests of Geology

Bachelor of Science: Geology Minor: Geology

Geology is a broad interdisciplinary science that involves the study of Earth and its history. Geologists gather and interpret data about the Earth for the purpose of increasing our knowledge about natural resources and Earth processes. They provide basic information required for establishing policy for resource management and environmental protection. Geologists may explore for new mineral or oil resources, work on environmental problems, do research, or teach and often divide their time between work in the field, the laboratory, and the office.

The Bachelor of Science in Geology program at KU was designed to prepare students with enough fundamental understanding of geology to succeed in graduate school, and to provide the practical field experience needed to succeed as career geologists. Course requirements parallel the subjects on the Professional Geologist licensing exam. Employers recommend one or more internships to be successful and competitive when entering this field.

Career types associated with Geology Common interests of Geology majors (Is this a good fit for you? Are you…) • Visiting science museums, nature centers, or zoos Investigative - “Thinker” • Developing hobbies and collections related to soils, Realistic - “Doer” rocks, coins, or other artifacts Social - “Helper” • Hiking, mountain climbing, camping, backpacking and other outdoors activities • Exploring and traveling Related skills, values, and qualities • Playing games of strategy or putting together or • Proficiency in reading, writing, thinking, questioning, solving puzzles analyzing and problem solving • Participating in Geology or science related clubs • Ability to conduct and explain scientific research • Reading science articles • Good manual dexterity and ability to operate scientific equipment For more information about the major • Ability to make appropriate decisions and solve quantitative problems Contact the Physical Sciences Department, 425 Boehm, 610-683-4447, or visit www.kutztown.edu/ • Aptitude for accuracy and detail Geology • Proficiency with computers • Ability to work with people of varied backgrounds KU Majors related to English Environmental Science, Geography, Marine Science

Courses Geology majors typically enjoy Investigative students may also be interested in: • Biology Anthropology, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, • Earth Science Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Economics*, • Economics German Studies, History, International Studies*, • Geography Mathematics, Multicultural Studies*, PA German • Social Sciences Studies*, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Sec Edu- Math/Science, Sociology, Spanish, and Women’s Studies*

* minor only

For More Information on Geology careers or to speak to a Career Counselor, contact KU Career Development Center 113 Stratton Administration Center * 610-683-4067 * [email protected] * www.kutztown.edu/careercenter • Enroll in the Career • Meet with CDC career • Enroll in the Career Success Attend your senior kick-off and Exploration Certificate. coach. • Certificate. other info sessions to prepare • Attend info sessions to learn • Attend info sessions to learn • Complete an internship and/or for job search/grad school. about career development about resume writing, and undergraduate research. Update your resume and and personal branding. externships. • • Attend info sessions about LinkedIn profile. • Take a career assessment to • Confirm your choice of major internships, interviewing, job Create cover letter drafts. identify and confirm interests. and consider options for • search strategies, and grad • Gain experience through • Get involved in campus clubs double major or minor. school. and organizations. • Research careers of interest. internships and/or • Build a LinkedIn profile and undergraduate research. • Develop basic workplace skills • Complete a job shadowing continue to monitor your online through jobs or volunteer work. (externship) experience. • Secure references for job/grad presence. school applications. • Talk with professors, family, • Seek meaningful employ- • Complete a mock interview. • Create your “30 second” and friends about career ment or volunteer work in a • Build skills through research ideas. field related to your major. commercial. projects, part-time employment, • Meet with CDC to develop • Conduct informational • Explore options for under- and volunteer work. interviews with professionals graduate research and job search strategies. • Participate in Careers Cafe & • Research employers. working in fields of interest. study abroad. networking programs. • Network with professionals • Develop a relationship with • Write a resume and have it • Attend internship & job fairs. your professors and faculty reviewed by the CDC. through events and social Take on a leadership role in a advisor. • media. • Manage your online student organization or work. presence. • Join a professional organization • Consider graduate school in your discipline. options and prepare for • Attend the senior etiquette admissions tests. dinner. • Participate in job fairs and on-campus interviewing. Sample Career Titles Geology majors can be found working in a wide variety of career fields. Here are just some career titles that may be of interest. Please note that some jobs may require further education and training. To learn more about these careers, visit http://online.onetcenter.org or www.bls.gov/oco.

•Aerial Photographer •Geo-Technical Engineer •Petrologist •Agricultural Engineer •Glacial Geologist •Planetary Geologist •Agriculture Consultant •Hydrologist •Pollution Control Specialist •Architect •Industrial Hygienist •Pollution Remediator •Astronomer •Instrumentation Technician •Project Manager •Cartographer •Laboratory Technician •Prospector •Computer Analyst •Marine Advisor •Sales Engineer •Cooperative Extension Agent •Materials Analyst •Sedimentologist •Economic Geologist •Mathematician •Seismologist •Environmental Consultant •Meteorologist •Soil Scientist •Environmental Geologist •Mineralogist •Stratigrapher •Environmental Lawyer •Mining Engineer •Structural Geologist •Forest Ranger •National Park Service Professional •Surveyor •General Manager: Petroleum or Mining •Oceanographer •Technical Writer/Communicator Company •Paleoceanographer •Urban/Regional Planner •Geochemist •Paleoclimatologist •US Foreign Service Worker •Geodynamacist •Paleontologist •Volcanologist •Geologist •Park Naturalist/Ranger •Waste Management Specialist •Geomorphologist •Peace Corps Worker •Water Quality Control Technician •Geophysicist •Petroleum Engineer •Water Remote Sensing Specialist •Geophysics Technician •Petroleum Geologist •Well Logging Specialist

Common Internship Sites and Employers Geology majors often find internships and employment in the following fields/industries.

• Colleges/Universities • Mining Companies • Construction Companies • Petroleum Companies • Consulting Firms • Railroads • Energy Companies • Research Laboratories • Engineering Firms • State/Federal Government • Marketing & Research Firms

Handshake is the primary online resource for preparing and connecting students and alumni with employers. www.kutztown.edu/handshake

Useful Websites for Geology Majors Whether you are researching related career fields, applying for internships or jobs, or planning to join a professional association, these websites are for you!

Industry Information & Job/Internship Professional Associations Search Sites American Geological Institute American Geophysical Union www.americangeosciences.org www.agu.org American Water Resources Association Careers in Federal Government www.awra.org www.makingthedifference.org Association for Environmental Studies and Environmental Careers World Job Bank Sciences www.environmentaljobs.com https://aessonline.org

National Park Service Geological Society of America www.nps.gov www.geosociety.org

New Scientist Jobs National Association of Environmental www.newscientistjobs.com Professionals www.naep.org Science Careers http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org National Recreation & Park Association www.nrpa.org USGS Coastal and Marine Geology Program North American Association for Environmental http://marine.usgs.gov Education www.naaee.org LinkdedIn Jobs www.linkedin.com/jobs

Building Your Resume for a Career in Geology

Building a strong resume for your career field starts long before you ever start your job search. Employers want to hire graduates who not only have the necessary educational background but also have experience applying that knowledge.

Learn more about your field and develop the necessary skills for employment by gaining hands-on experience through clinical practice.

Utilize summer breaks to acquire valuable experience via volunteer or employment opportunities related to your major.

Develop professionally through campus involvement and professional memberships. This illustrates responsibility, leadership abilities and time management skills.