QUESTION: HOW DO I KNOW IF I SHOULD MAJOR IN GEOGRAPHY?

ANSWER: EXPLORE YOUR INTERESTS AND TALENTS!

If you are interested in:

· where things are located

· why they are where they are

· The evolution of the landscape

· how people interact with each other and their environment

· how different places are connected

If you like:

· Exploring new landscapes

· International travel and trade

· Foreign languages

· Finding out about how different cultures do things

· Maps

If you are fascinated by:

· New technologies

· Gathering and analyzing information

· Using maps to show information

· Developing and applying technology in the service of humankind and environmental well-being

If you are concerned about:

· The natural environment

· Protecting the earth’s resources

· Planning the best possible use of our land

· A sustainable existence

Then Geography is the right major for you!

QUESTION: WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN GEOGRAPHY?

ANSWER: THE WORLD IS YOURS!

Geography is about going places, literally and professionally. A degree in geography provides you with theoretical and applied skills that a wide range of employers find attractive. Depending on the skills you develop, courses you take, and experience you gain, a bachelor’s degree in geography can prepare you for entry into the fields of planning, regional development, education, geographic information systems, journalism, business, trade, tourism, resource management, or government.

Some examples of jobs that geographers get:

Community Activist Demographic Analyst

Director of Industrial Development

Environmental Manager

Geographer at NOAA

Land Use Planner

Location Analyst

Map Curator

Natural Historian

Teacher

Tourism Developer

Transportation Planner

State Recycling Coordinator

Remote Sensing Specialist

Cultural Resource Specialist

Geographer for U.S. Forest Service

Urban Planner

Many student continue their education beyond a bachelor’s degree. Advanced degrees that combine well with a bachelor’s in geography are an M.B.A., M.A. in Geography, M.A. in Planning, M.A. in Environmental Science, M.A. in International Studies, among others.

As you think ahead to graduation and getting a job, keep in mind the following tips:

• Do an internship! This provides skills and contacts that can help you land a real job in your field
• Compile a portfolio! Along with a focused, relevant, and brief resume, portfolios help you showcase your skills to employers.
• Make sure you take some courses that provide marketable skills in your field!
• Get to know your professors! They can write letters of recommendation for jobs and graduate schools.

A wonderful source of information for geography majors, career planning, and job possibilities is found on the Association of American Geographers website, at http://www.aag.org/Careers/Intro.html. Check it out!