Geoscience Careers
This set of survey results examines the motivations, concerns, and expectations shaping the career paths of those in the geosciences. It explores the tangible rewards geoscientists derive from their careers, such as the benefits to society and personal fulfillment, as well as the occupational challenges such as job security and work-life balance. It also explores the factors influencing career choices, from educational backgrounds, professional development, and choice of potential employers. Insights from participants across different career stages reveal common themes, including the importance of personal and technical skills, the impact of student debt, and the costs and rewards associated with pursuing geoscience careers.
Benefits and rewards
The most common tangible benefits of earth science careers mentioned by participants across cohorts were societal and environmental impacts along with personal satisfaction and fulfillment. Intellectual and academic growth were also noted by over 20% of early and late career participants, while financial benefits were highlighted by 25% of early-to-mid career respondents. Additionally, a quarter of mid-to-late career participants noted career opportunities and job security, while a smaller portion of early-career participants (14%) and less than 10% of other cohorts mentioned favorable work environments and lifestyles of geoscience careers.
Participants also noted rewards similar to these tangible benefits, including the positive contributions to society, the environment, and scientific knowledge. They also emphasized the intellectual growth offered in earth science careers through learning opportunities, engagement and intellectual challenges. Participants also noted their personal fulfillment from pursuing earth science careers and highlighted the professional recognition and growth opportunities within the field. Also noted were the social aspects, community involvement, and relationships developed through this career path.
Risks and Challenges
Occupational risks identified by cohorts included potential physical dangers and hazards encountered while working in the field, job availability and security, and challenges related to maintaining work-life balance. Other commonly mentioned risks included the public perception and reputation of the profession.
When asked about work-life balance, most participants highlighted the difficulties in achieving this balance, with some emphasizing the importance of time for family, friends, and personal activities, and others noting the impact of work schedules. Approximately 15% of early-to-mid, mid-to-late, and late career participants were positive about being able to achieve and maintain a healthy work-life balance in an earth science career.
In terms of student debt impacts on geoscience students, early and early-to-mid career participants noted the financial burdens from their academic programs, while late career participants’ views were more varied, mentioning the financial impacts, recommending solutions, and sharing their opinions, both positive and negative, about whether the debt load was worth the pursuit of the degree and career.
Career preparation
Comments on educational backgrounds and the future of earth science research often focused on specific degrees, fields of study, research areas, and specializations. Mid-to-late career respondents also highlighted interdisciplinary approaches and technological advancements in earth science research and education. Frequently mentioned earth science topics included geology, geophysics, and hydrology.
Career trajectories
Regarding future career interests, early career participants expressed interest in government roles, specific geoscience careers, and teaching. Early-to-mid career respondents were drawn to teaching, specific geoscience roles, or research, while mid-to-late career participants favored government jobs, and late career participants showed interest in specific geoscience careers or retirement.
Across cohorts, multiple factors influenced the choice of a potential employer, with location, logistics, compensation, and benefits being the most common. Early and early-to-mid career participants noted the importance of company culture, and early career participants also emphasized the importance of the job characteristics. Mid-to-late career participants also noted the ethics and values of the employer as well as the ability to maintain a good work-life.
Personal attributes and soft skills were identified as critical for a successful career in the earth sciences. Other factors frequently mentioned by participants included technical skills, professional development and networking, and external factors and support.
When asked about their dream job, most participants indicated occupations related to science, research, or teaching with desired salaries of $100,000 or more, predominantly located in the US. Early career participants expected annual occupational-related expenses between $250 and $2,000, which included costs related to professional licensure, certifications, continuing education, professional society dues, and research publications. Early-to-mid career participants expected to spend between $250 to $5,000 annually, while mid-to-late and late career participants expected annual costs ranging between $1,000 and $5,000. Regarding the cost of education to attain their dream job, approximately half of early and early-to-mid career participants expected costs less than $20,000, while over half of early, mid-to-late, and late career participants and just over 40% of early-to-mid career participants estimated costs between $50,000 and $200,000.
Mid-to-late career responses are not shown due to low response rates.
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