Career Opportunities with a Major in Meteorology
Many jobs require a college educated individual. College graduates can use their education in a wide variety of occupations.
Meteorology is the science of the atmosphere. Modern meteorologists are involved in operational meteorology, meteorological reseach, applied meteorology and the media. This can include weather observing, forecasting, research, and dissemination of weather information to the public. Meteorologists also study global weather and climate, and investigate the influence that human beings exert on Earth's climate.
SKILLS RELATED TO METEOROLOGY
- Ability to organize, analyze and interpret data
- Sound decision-making abilities
- Proficient in oral and written communications with ability to explain complex meterological concepts to others
The following list is a representative sample of job titles for individuals with a Meteorology major. The list represents some, but certainly not all, careers which Meteorology majors may consider.
Some of these jobs also require education beyond a bachelor's degree.
| Broadcaster | Manager | Meteorologist |
| Satellite Image Manager | Researcher | Weather Forecaster - TV, radio, print |
| College Professor | Storm Chaser | Climatologist |
| Meteorological Equipment Repairer | Applied or Engineering Meteorologist | CAD CAM Designer |
| Computer Programmer | Consultant | Dynamic Meteorologist |
| Environmental Engineer | Environmental Health Specialist | Flight Dispatcher |
| Geologist | Geophysicist | Hydrologist |
| Instrument Technician | Oceanographer | Operational/Synoptic Meteorologist |
| Physical Meteorologist | Science Laboratory Technician | Scientific Hobby Supplier |
| Scientific Photographer/Artist/Writer | Statistician |
EMPLOYERS IN METEOROLOGY
- Airlines
- Armed Forces
- Atmospheric Research Centers
- Business Corporations
- Colleges/Universities
- Engineering Firms
- Government Agencies
- Local, State, and National Weather Services
- Manufacturers of Meteorological Instruments
- Newspapers
- Private Consulting Firms
- Professional/Technical Journals
- Radio and TV stations
- Satellite Research Centers
WEB SITES RELATED TO METEOROLOGY
Metro State Department of Meteorology Website
- Associations Unlimited
- Challenges of Our Changing Atmosphere
- Jobs in Meteorology
- Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences
- Meteorological Employment Journal
- National Geographic
- The National Weather Association Job Center
- The NOAA Weather Page
- Sciencejobs.com
- sci.geo.meteorology FAQ
- Yahoo: Meteorology
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS FIELD
- American Geophysical Union
http://www.agu.org/ - American Meteorological Society
http://www.ametsoc.org - National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration
http://www.noaa.gov - National Weather Association
http://www.nwas.org - World Meteorological Organization
http://www.wmo.ch/index-en.html
The above information is collected from alumni surveys of numerous colleges, professional associations, and multiple print and online resources.
