Earth Science Career Project

Career selection

Out of all the careers, there are in Each science, I believe that the one that interested me most is geophysics. So I decided to do my research on the job of a geophysicist.

Job of a Geophysicist

-Question: What does a geophysicist do?

A geophysicist is someone who studies the Earth using natural methods, such as gravity, and other methods such as magnetic, electrical, and seismic methods. They use physics, chemistry, geology, and advanced mathematics to study the Earth and its composition.

This includes the Earth's atmosphere, Earth's makeup, oceans and other components of the Earth

The job of a geophysicist (continued)With the use of special instruments and research methods, a geophysicist may also help locate natural resources such as groundwater and petroleum. Geophysicists who specialize in seismic activities may also help to develop methods for earthquake monitoring and prediction. As an additive, they may be required to do extensive field research in remote areas, or if they are in a foreign country.

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Responsibilities of a geophysicistQuestion: What are the responsibilities of a geophysicistSome of the responsibilities which geophysicists have are:

  • to pre-plan projects before going to the worksite
  • design data acquisition plans-decide on suitable seismic measurement and data processing techniques-observe reactions of recording equipment to detect irregularities
  • Use computers for data management
  • interpret and map 2D and 3D seismic data-measure reservoir volumes

Skills of a geophysicist

What skills are it best to obtain if you plan on being a geophysicist:

It is best to obtain these skills if you plan on becoming a geophysicist:

  • good numerical skills
  • flexibility and adaptability-the ability to clearly express ends/results and personal opinions/understanding
  • teamwork skills
  • commitment to the continual learning
  • the ability to work under pressure
  • project management skills
  • desire to travel
  • problem-solving skills

Skills required what skills do I obtain which may help me to be successful in this field: Of the many skills needed to gain success in this field, I obtain many of them.

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I have good numerical skills, can easily adapt to new circumstances, and can express my knowledge/"test' results in a clear and simple manner with great ease. Being the leader of a youth club helped me to obtain good leadership/teamwork qualities and appropriates skills for problem-solving. Time squeezing situations in my life have made me capable of working under intense pressure. Though I may not obtain all the skills necessary, I do believe that I obtain many of the major skills needed for success in this field.

Education/training required

What education/training is required to enter in this field According to the US Bureau of Labor (BLS), job opportunities in this field are best given to individual's with a master's degree in geophysics or in a similar field. In order to obtain this degree, an individual must first complete four years of undergraduate study, with majors in natural science, after high school. Then they must complete a master's degree programming in 2-3 years.

Institutions

Which institutions offer these degrees? Some Canadian institutions which offer an undergraduate degree for geophysics are:-UBC (UBC is also the "home' to the Mineral Deposit Research Unit (MDRU))-University of Toronto offers (bachelors in science honors-Geophysics) -Durham University UK (my uncle who I have interviewed studied from this university)

The need for Certi?cation?Like any other geoscience, geophysics is a regulated profession in Canada. In order to become a, geophysicists must have a bachelor's degree majoring in natural sciences, and a master's degree in geophysics. In addition to obtaining the university degrees required, geophysicists must obtain a license which has to be renewed every year. In simple terms, geophysicists must obtain a P.Geo license in order to practice/work. However, once an individual has received this certification, there is no need for recerti?cation. In birther words, once an individual has received a P. Geo license there is no need for that individual to "upgrade' his knowledge. However, as the law applies to different slice fields, he/she will have to renew their certi?cate on a yearly basis.

Job outlook

When deciding your future career, I think it is very important to look at the job outlook. In other words, what are your chances of employment in the future? The job outlook for a geophysicist seemed to be expanding. After researching, I found that employment of geophysicists is projected to grow 14% from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. The increasing need for energy, environmental protection, and responsible land and resource management continuously "fuels' the demand for geophysicists in the future. Even if humans were to switch to renewable resources of energy, there would be a need for geophysicists to check whether these new techniques are harming the environment, and if yes then to what extent and how can the problem be solved

Nowadays, scientists are looking for ways to switch from nonrenewable resources to renewable resources. Even if humans were to switch to renewable resources of energy, there would be a need for geophysicists to check whether these new techniques are harming the environment, and if yes then to what extent and how can the problem be solved. Also, Geoscientists will be involved in discovering and developing sites for alternative energies, such as geothermal energy and wind energy. For example, geothermal energy plants must be located near su!cient hot groundwater, and one task for geoscientists would be evaluating if the site is suitable.

Average hourly pay scale

Here is a graph outlining the average hourly pay scale depending on the individual's experience. Less than 1-year experience: approximate $251-4 year experience: approximately $275-9 years experience: approximately $3010-19 years experience: approximately $37035701051401 year less1-4 yrs.5-9yrs10-19 yrs20yrs +

Geophysicist Salary The salary for a geophysicist varies with experience. On the next page is a graph which outlines the average pay of a geophysicist with less than 10 years experience and more than 10 years experience. Numbers aren't exact. In other words, the salary varies. Only the average maximum values will be shown on the graph.A geophysicist, just starting out on the career (less than one year experience) would have a salary amount that would start at $50,000 and could go up to about $50,531. A geophysicist who has 1-4 years of experience in the field would have a salary anywhere between $50,500-$60,015. A geophysicist, with 5-9 years of experience, would have salary that would be anywhere between $70000 to approximately $84774. A geophysicist , with 10-19 years experience, would have an average salary from $90000 to approximately $104, 176. The average salary for a geophysicist with 20 years + experience can be anywhere from $100000-$120000

Geophysicist SalarySo here is the graph I mentioned on the previous page. One thing to note is that only maximum values of the typical salary are graphed. However, it must be kept in mind that the salary can vary. While researching, one other thing that I learned is that although salary is generally given considering the experience of the individual, in many cases, the years of experience may not matter. In other words, the ranges of salaries provided are just averages and not definite. The salary can vary depending on the quantity and quality of work, no matter how much experience you have.03000060000900001200001 yr or less1-4yrs5-9yrs.10-19yrs20 yrs+

Generally, there is a misconception. That is, because a person may have more experience in a certain, it is often assumed that he/she knows better than the one with less experience and would do a better job. Therefore they have a higher salary. The reason why I said this is a misconception is that I have seen otherwise. Taking a very simple, reality example here. My cousin (who frequently visits) has more experience in cooking than I do. She has been doing it for the past 5 years. I just started last year, but her parents prefer my cooking over hers. My practical life experience added to my research has convinced me that in many cases, experience doesn't matter. The quality and quantity matters more.

Work setting

The typical work setting of a geophysicist depends mainly on the field that they have studied in. It also depends on who, and where, they work for. They work individually. However, work in this field is mostly done cooperatively, as part of a group. Geophysicists may work for a large company, be a part of a smaller sector/company, academia, industry, and so on. Depending on the type of work, a geophysicist full-time job may be indoors, or outdoors. Many have indoor as well as outdoor jobs. Geophysicists who work in o?ces and laboratories can expect safe, comfortable working conditions and forty-hour workweeks in a month. They may work and co-operatively with other individuals who are also working in the same o?ce and company. their work is mostly done indoors, designing models for new projects, and interpreting results on a computer. Geophysicist whose main role gets them involved in exploration can expect di?erent working conditions, then those who design the models used for exploring. Their job causes them to work co-operatively as a group, and have no definite work setting. Their projects can take them all over the world. Unlike those who design the models sitting at their computers in the o?ce, these kinds of geophysicists have no regular hours of work. Their work is hard, and they endure physical hardship often without the comfort of home and family. Their work, however, can be very diverse and interesting.

Here are the sources, where I found the information:

PROMOTIONAL ITEM (Strong hopes for extra marks from my teacher here)

Interview with a geophysicist

I decided to interview was my own uncle. He lives and studies in the UK. It is quite evident that he studied in the UK, as one of his answers he said that he did A levels in math and so on. Finding a geophysicist to interview was easy, but arranging the interview wasn't as easy. There were daytime differences, and due to the fact that he is still working, finding a suitable time to sit and chat on the email was hard. One other thing I should mention, which made the interview part a bit easier, is that I was able to copy and paste his answers. There was no need to type it out. (that is not my uncle)

Me: I did a research project regarding Geophysics as a future career. I thought it'd be useful to ask you a few questions because you work in this field, and because there are bonus marks in my project assignment for an interview with a geophysicist. It is the final project of the course and I can't afford to miss out on any marks. Could you please help me?

Uncle: Of course my dear

Me: Ok let's start. Are you ready?

Uncle: Ready whenever you are

Question: What do you do as a geophysicist? As the name implies, a geophysicist is someone who studies the physics of Earth. By physics I natural processes, and the overall composition of the Earth. They do this by using di?erent methods that involve gravity, magnetism, and seismology. You must understand that all geophysicists use all of these methods to study the "physics' of Earth. However, the jobs of any individual geophysicist vary. Depending on what type of geophysicist an individual is, the information collected from these methods would be used in di?erent ways. Depending on their major, they may use these methods to find oil, and other valuable energy resources and minerals, or they can use it to gain an understanding of the physical properties of Earth and predict the chances of natural disasters. Geophysicist can also help you find the perfect site for construction. I am a Principal Geophysicist., and I major in the seismic interpreter. The company I work for majors in the oil industry. This is surprising, because of the majority of the time, I find myself interpreting seismic data from di?erent stations. This often leads me to think that no matter where you major as a geophysicist, your role is a "mixed' one. You'll be doing a little bit of everything in the field, so don't think that just because you have a major in something you'll be working in just that ?eld.

Me: My research helped me to learn that while some geophysicists may work alone, the majority are required to work in groups, as part of an organizations etc. Do you work alone, or do you have teammates to work with?

Uncle: Well considering the field I work in, it is required that I work as a team member in a group. My team not only consists of geophysicists, like myself, but also includes geologists, reservoir engineers, and drilling engineers. Having a team with education in different fields that may apply to this field makes my work all the easier.

Me: What is the qualifications needed to become a geophysicist? In other words, what quali?cations do you have which helped you obtain the position you have today?

Uncle: I did my A levels (highschool) in maths. The majority of the courses I had taken in my A levels were mostly mathematics and natural sciences. After I had completed my A levels, I went on to complete a BSC in Geology, and geophysics from the University of Durham. After I completed my degree and completed almost 2 years of supervised practice, I received my P.Geo certi?cate and got certified to work as a geophysicist on my own. After a few years of working in the field, I returned to my studies and completed my Ph.D. in marine geophysics from Durham university.

Me: Wow that must have been quite the effort!Uncle: It definitely was, but it was definitely worth it!

Me: Uncle, apart from all the qualifications that you worked hard for and earned, what other skills do you feel are necessary to be successful in this field?

Uncle: The need to be energetic and enthusiastic i very important. You also have to be able to think, and read3D structure. This ability is vital in order to correctly interpret 3D structures. Your communication skills must be nearly top-notch in order to communicate the interpreted results. My role in the field requires that I am able to solve complex problems. In this case, it is important that you have problem-solving skills.

Me: Can you tell me what type of organization you work for?

Uncle: I work for the Couch oil company. As implied, my company is involved in the oil and gas industry

Me: Are geophysicists always employed under large companies?

Uncle: Not necessarily. Many geophysicists work for large companies, but not always. Many geophysicists work for smaller companies, acquisitions, and contractors. Again, it all depends on the individual, his/her qualifications, where, and for whom he/she is willing to work.

Me: Do you travel much?

Uncle: I guess you could say that most of my travels have been overseas. Currently, most trips I have made are from London to Trinidad. A lot of my time is also spent in Norway. Lately, my time is spent in Going from London, to Norway and Trinidad

Me: Do you have work shifts, or is there a daily routine?

Uncle: I do most of my work sitting at my office desk. My work hours are based on office hours. Generally, I work 4 days a week, from 8 in the morning to 5.

Me: What do you enjoy most about your job?

Uncle: I think that when a new well is discovered, that is the time I am unable to control my joy. This gives me the opportunity to test my skills and experience. I love to interpret the results and to communicate the results to my fellow team members. It helps me to realize how good my interpretation skills are.

What advice do you have for anyone willing to come into this field?

Uncle: My advice would be to get appropriate work experience that would be helpful in this field. If you have any opportunity, like taking a summer job even if you haven't completed your degree yet, you should avail the opportunity. Don't deny it. Keep in mind that no matter how small something maybe, it can help a lot.

Me: What are you future dreams?Uncle: my only other wish for the future, except for the ones I have already mentioned, is that you have success in the course. If you wish to take geophysics as a major field, I wish you success, and I hope to work with you pretty soon.

Updated: May 19, 2021
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Earth Science Career Project. (2019, Nov 30). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/earth-science-career-project-essay

Earth Science Career Project essay
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