Meteorology is a field that’s always growing and changing, but if you’re looking to start a career in it, you’ve come to the right place. Meteorologists are responsible for gathering and analyzing data on weather patterns and conditions in order to predict future weather events.
Meteorology Entry Level Jobs
Meteorologist: If you have an interest in the weather and enjoy working with numbers, this is a great first step into meteorology. Meteorologists use their knowledge of physics and math to gather information from satellites and other sources about current weather conditions and use that information to make predictions about future events. Many meteorologists work for television stations or on staff at universities.
Weather Data Processor: Not all meteorologists are trained in the same way; some might have degrees in atmospheric science or geography while others may have studied meteorology after earning a degree in another area such as geology or physics. Some meteorologists may also take courses related to climatology or oceanography depending on where they’ll be working after graduation from college programs like these ones offered by schools like SUNY Oswego or University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee which both offer Bachelor’s degrees in Meteorology/Oceanography (BSMET).
Meteorology Entry Level Jobs
A meteorologist is a scientist who studies the atmosphere. They analyze patterns and changes in weather conditions that are important to announce for public safety and interest. They usually work in research laboratories, but they are most visible on news networks, spending time reporting in the studio and on location during weather events.
In this article, you’ll learn about what a meteorologist is, what they do and how to become one.
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What does a meteorologist do?
A meteorologist studies science and mathematics and applies logic and reason to understand the atmosphere and forecast changes in weather phenomena that affect the planet.
Some meteorologists predict day-to-day weather changes and events, others look at larger trends in climatology. Some meteorologists study the impact of pollution on the environment, while others survey physical changes to the environment to better understand the atmosphere.
For many people, the term meteorologist evokes the image of a broadcast journalist talking about the day’s weather on a news channel.n reality, the meteorologists you see on TV may not be credentialed professional scientists.
Typically, weather people are news anchors with a background in journalism and communications, although some broadcast meteorologists with formal scientific training do exist. Their job is to understand, interpret and announce weather conditions and events as a public service. Most meteorologists work behind the scenes in laboratories or offices, compiling, analyzing and studying information about the atmosphere that they deliver to the National Weather Service, which becomes a resource for broadcast meteorologists.
How to become a meteorologist
If you want to become a meteorologist, follow these steps:
- Decide on a career path
The term meteorologist is used widely to describe weather forecasters who work on television. If you aspire to be a television anchor who reports on the weather, you will need a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or a related field.
However, being a credentialed meteorologist who studies atmospheric phenomena requires a scientific career path. That means getting a bachelor’s degree in a scientific field and supporting it with a master’s degree and, in many cases, a doctoral degree.
Those who plan to take the scientific path should strive to understand complex topics like physics, chemistry and mathematics, and will need to pursue coursework in all of those areas.
The two career paths mentioned develop differently. After college, news meteorologists should seek work with broadcast companies and look for positions as an anchor or in production. Scientists will be able to find jobs conducting research in academia, government institutions, the military or even the private sector.
- Get a degree in meteorology or atmospheric sciences
Meteorology requires excellent computer proficiency and relevant physics, chemistry and mathematics knowledge. Aspiring meteorologists must acquire a Bachelor of Science degree in meteorology or atmospheric sciences. Many pursue a master’s degree after achieving their bachelor’s. Meteorology specialties include weather forecasting and broadcasting, atmospheric science and climatology. - Develop technology skills
Technology and advanced computer skills are important to becoming a meteorologist. This profession is likely to encounter data and databases, scientific devices, hardware and software for measuring weather conditions and possibly even broadcasting equipment. Having advanced technology proficiency is vital to succeeding in meteorology. - Gain experience
No matter which of the two career paths you choose, taking on an internship is advisable. Universities can assist you in getting an internship shadowing a meteorologist through their career services department. Students taking the scientific path will have many varied opportunities to intern with different organizations while they are pursuing an education.
- Update your resume and apply
Once you’ve done all of the above, you can begin applying for meteorologist jobs. Before you do, make sure your resume is updated to include your most recent education, skill development and experience. You can tailor your cover letter to the job you are applying to by using keywords from the job description that reflect how you work.
