Geography

Career in GEOGRAPHY

"Without Geography, You're Nowhere."

- Jimmy Buffett.

Take a look outside your window right now. What do you see? 

A leaf floating down from a tree exotic to your region. Dew still sticking to the freshly cut blades of grass from the morning mist that shrouded them. Dark clouds rolling in from the far horizon. The smell of soil in your nose. 

All of this is geography in its pure form.

Most people have this pre-conceived notion that geography is only learning about geographical features and memorizing places around the world. But in reality, it’s so much more than just a degree people opt for. 

Geography is the study of the physical characteristics of the Planet and its atmosphere, as well as human activity and its consequences, such as population and resource distribution, land use, and industry. We study Geography to understand basic physical systems that affect everyday life and how it has played important roles in the evolution of people, their ideas, places and environment. 

Andrew C. Katen once stated “History rhymes, but geography endures.”

History, in fact, does not repeat itself. However, it does seem to be recurring. With geography, on the other hand, the chances to learn are limitless. As people continually change, it causes the environment around us to change, which makes geography an ongoing event that will occur without fail until the end of time. 

For example, the population is ever dipping and rising because of the number of births and deaths. As a result, more and more space is being taken up to accommodate the vast number of humans on Earth. Geography is concerned with not only maps, compasses, and landforms, but also with people from various cultures and their interactions with the environment. Many geographers believe that geography is the study of how people adapt their surroundings to their culture.

 

Scope of Geography

 

"The study of geography is about more than just memorizing places on a map. It's about understanding the complexity of our world, appreciating the diversity of cultures that exists across continents.”

         - Barack Obama.

Keeping this in mind, there are a lot of courses where you can study geography in earnest and make a solid career out of it. Not to forget, the field of geography hosts a plethora of fascinating professions as well.

 

Best 5 Careers in Geography 

1. Geographers

Geographers research the origin and use of different regions of the Earth's surface, as well as the relationships between physical and social phenomena. They lead research on physical aspects of a district, including land structures, atmospheres, soils, plants, and creatures, and direct exploration on the spatial ramifications of human activities inside a given region, including social attributes, financial exercises, and political association. 

2. Cartographers

Cartographers gather, break down, and decipher geographic data gave by geodetic overviews, aerial photos, and satellite information. They research, study, and devise maps and other spatial information in digital or realistic form for legal, social, political, instructive, and design purposes. They work with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and plan and assess calculations, information structures, and UIs for GIS and mapping frameworks.

3. Space scientists

Space scientists or atmospheric scientists examine barometrical marvels and decipher meteorological information, assembled by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and figures for public and different uses. They include climate investigators and forecasters whose functions require the detailed information on meteorology. 

4. Commercial Pilots

Commercial pilots evaluate the flight of fixed-winged aeroplanes or helicopters on non-scheduled air carrier courses.It requires a Commercial Pilot declaration and incorporates charter pilots with comparable certification, air emergency vehicle and air tour pilots. 

5. Travel guides

Travel guides plan, organize, and conduct long distance travel, tours, and expeditions for individuals and groups who want to explore the far reaches of the planet and explore uncharted territories for a period of relaxation and melancholy. 

 

Besides the career paths stated above, there are countless others that have not been given the due credit that they deserve like Archaeologists, Geoscientists, Hydrologists, mapping technicians, teachers, college professors, Forest officials, etc. Most people in the 21st century don’t know half of these professions even exist.

The past has already affected the present, and it will unavoidably affect the future. Humans and their lifestyles have had a major effect on the world we live in today. The world's population is rapidly increasing, putting a strain on our natural resources.

Michael Palin once exclaimed, “Geography is the subject which holds the key to our future.” 

That indeed stands true as you can gain a new prospective and information about the world around us which is quite the page turner in today’s generation. 

 

In a world where engineering, law and medicine has held the mantle on being the most sought after professions, be something different in giving your passion a chance to unfurl with these professions in mind. 

 

Courses in Geography 

BSc Geography/BSc (Hons) in Geography:

  • BSc Geography programme is focused on Physical Geography.

  • The B.Sc (Hons) degree is much more advanced than the B.Sc (General) degree, and academically, the B.Sc (Hons) degree is a more standard degree than the general B.Sc  degree. A B.Sc (Hons) course is recommended if you choose to research one of the key sciences in depth (e.g., chemistry, physics, mathematics, etc.).

Duration: 3 years

Eligibility: After 10+2

 

BA in Geography/BA (Hons) in Geography:

  • BA Geography, the curriculum is focused more on Human Geography. A bachelor's degree in geography concentrates on contemporary facets of nature, including the Earth and its human and natural dynamics. The course shows students how the world we live on has changed significantly since man first set foot on the planet.

  • BA (Hons) in Geography is similar to BA in geography, but is more detailed.

Duration: 3 years

Eligibility: After 10+2

 

M.Sc. Integrated Geography: The integrated course is a degree program that combines two degrees into a single degree that is awarded at the end of the course. After completing Class 12th, a student may register in a four- or five-year M.Sc. Integrated course. The (B.Sc. + M.Sc.) course is similar to the M.Sc. Integrated course.

MA in Geography: A Master of Arts in Geography is a postgraduate course in Geography. It is a two-year program that provides a systematic and in-depth analysis of the earth's physical features as well as human behaviour. It can be pursued after graduation in Geography.

MSc in Geography: Master of Science in Geography is a 2 year postgraduate degree course. Geography is the study of environmental sciences and physical geography. It can be pursued after bachelors in Geography.

MA in Applied Geography: M.Sc. Applied Geography or Master of Science in Applied Geography is a postgraduate Geography course. The application of geographical expertise and skills to the solution of real-world social, economic, and environmental problems is known as Applied Geography. The course covers remote sensing and spatial analysis (GIS) and is perfect for those who want a broad overview of the topic with the opportunity to specialize.

MSc in Applied Geography and Geoinformatics: The curriculum provides you with a sound basis for performing interdisciplinary complex assessments of local, national, and global problems. It also allows you to concentrate your efforts in a particular geographical area. You are given pre-determined "competency tracks" that provide you with advanced research-based competencies for specific vocational functions.

M.Phil./ PhD in Geography: If one is interested in research and academics after completing a master's degree, they can pursue an MPhil in Geography or a PhD in Geography. If you want a more advanced degree, you should obtain a GIS master's degree.

 

FREE COURSES

The below courses provide a good overview on the study area

An introduction is provided in the below video

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s take a look at some commonly asked questions by students.

You should limit which part of geology you appreciate concentrating first. Do you like maps and the guide making part? Do you like creating transportation systems? Do you like the natural habitat, or manufactured environment? Is there anything you might want to combine geography with like geology, history, or human sciences? When you can center your thoughts into a potential plan, at that point you can contemplate about where to study.

Geography students are loved by companies for their relentless nature, research oriented skills and analytical way of thinking. Along with these skills, if they are accompanied with a considerable amount of knowledge in their chosen subject matter. They are perfect for a lot of jobs as enlisted below:

  • Cartographer

  • City or urban planner: 

  • GIS (Geographical Information System) specialist

  • Transportation manager

  • Climatologist

  • Environmental manager

  • Freelance writer

  • Tourism entrepreneur

There are various scholarships accessible for students depending on where you are intending to apply. If you are thinking about studying abroad as a choice, all colleges have scholarships accessible which you can choose to apply for while applying to your course.

The career path you pick may rely upon whether you have studied physical geology or human geology. Whatever career path you go after, it's prudent to attempt to get work experience in your preferred field, to increase an awareness of the jobs accessible and to shape contacts. Fieldwork is a valuable method of building up your practical skills and picking up hands-on understanding. Your college may also give you chances to finish work placements.

Yes, they can easily get employed in the private sector since it is ripe with opportunities. Their skills attract a wide range of employers. There are various professions that you can follow up on if you are interested in joining the private sector:

  • Urban Planning

  • Geography professor

  • Land surveyor

  • Real Estate


Curated by Team Tucareers.com