Have you ever wondered what will happen to Japan’s topography if the volcano on Mount Fuji erupts once more? Have you considered the importance of protecting the natural habitat of Galapagos Island, where some of the species from the Mesozoic era still exist? Have you ever considered who finds the spot to dig for oil and gas deposits in the ocean or land rigs? Geography is a vast field that studies the earth, its atmosphere, its elements, and how they impact the species living on it. Geographers have exciting and adventurous roles that are mostly outdoors. If you want to understand the world that we live in and make an impact by protecting what’s precious and rare in it, then strap on your hiking boots for an interesting career in geography.
Geographers don’t all potter around the desert, sifting sand and sorting rocks to identify fossils. Neither are they only staring at seismographic readings to spot hints of earthquakes or reading weather charts alone. Their role in understanding the world, how it has evolved, how its natural resources can be used, and how we can mitigate or avoid the risks from natural disasters is immense. Here are a few careers that those studying geography pursue:
They analyse geographical data and translate it into digital formats to study key features of the land and the changes that occurred in it.
You can work with travel magazines, TV channels, and more to create content for television, blogs, journals, newspapers, and other web portals about travel-related topics.
Evaluates sites, buildings, and land to understand their feasibility for construction. They work closely with real estate developers, builders, and the government for land appraisals for various parameters.
Geographic Information System (GIS) specialists collect and analyse geospatial data and field data, develop maps, and maintain GIS databases in specific cities, towns, or other areas.
They evaluate land to create residential and public development plans. They analyse the needs of the community or region and its current structure and layout to determine the best use of this land.
They research to prevent or eliminate environmental dangers from land, air, and water pollution. They develop plans and formulate policies while working closely with policymakers. They pass legislation to protect the community and the environment.
They create plans to prepare for and respond to natural disasters. They collaborate with leaders and public safety officials to design safety protocols, implement them during emergencies, and assist people and towns after disasters.
There are various courses available for those interested in geography at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as well as for research. Some courses you can study are:
You will study fossils, soil, rocks, different terrains, oceans, environmental change, environmental impact, mining, minerals, etc. You can choose your area of interest and branch out to become an expert in the field.
Geographers are associated with universities and research institutes as this is where most research occurs. Some places where graduates with a background in geography work are -
They work as researchers, expert presenters, writers, and hosts for TV programmes, documentaries, weather channels, news channels, newspapers, etc.
They work with the weather department, environment protection agencies, land survey departments, and more to study weather change, climate change, environmental impact studies, conservation, and more.
They work as Petroleum Geologists, GIS specialists, and engineers in the field.
They work as town planners, zoning inspectors, transportation officers, research officers, natural disaster managers, and more to study the land, soil, and environmental features and make recommendations for development.
They work with NGOs and conservation agencies such as WASH specialists, water conservationists, environmentalists, marine conservationists, and disaster managers, among others.
Geography graduates can work with elite space research institutes such as NASA and ISRO and participate in the exploration and study of soil and rock samples, meteorites, and more from outer space. With a background in geography, you can pursue a career in many allied fields. Delve into the subject and find a place where you can apply your knowledge and talent.
