How to Become a Meteorologist at Any Age

How to Become a Meteorologist at Any Age If you or someone you know watches the Weather Channel for hours at a time, gets excited when weather watches and warnings are issued, or always knows what this and next weeks weather will be, it may be a sign that a meteorologist in-the-making is in your midst. Heres my advice (from a meteorologist herself) on how to become a meteorologist- regardless of your education level. Elementary, Middle, and High Schoolers   Find Ways to Focus on Weather in the ClassroomMeteorology isnt a part of a core curriculum, however, most science classes do include lesson plans on weather and the atmosphere. Although there may not be many chances to include weather in daily learning, one way to express your individual interest is to make use of any choose your own show-and-tell, science project, or research assignments by focusing on a weather-related topic. Be Math-MindedBecause meteorology is whats called a physical science, a solid understanding of mathematics and physics is important in order for you to grasp the advanced concepts youll learn later in your weather studies. Be sure to take courses like Calculus in high school- youll thank yourself later! (Dont be discouraged if these subjects arent your favorites...not all meteorologists were members of the math club.) Undergraduate Students   A Bachelors degree (B.S.) is typically the minimum requirement needed to obtain an entry-level meteorologist position. Unsure if youll need more training? One simple way to find out is to search the job boards of companies youd like to work for or do a Google search for job openings for a position you think youd like to do, then tailor your skills to those listed in the position description. Choosing a universityLess than 50 years ago, the number of North American schools offering degree programs in meteorology was under 50. Today, that number has nearly tripled. Those accepted as top schools for meteorology include: Pennsylvania State University (University Park, PA),Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL),and the University of Oklahoma (Norman, OK). Are Internships a Must Do? In a word, yes. Internships and co-op opportunities provide hands-on experience, give entry-level resumes a boost, and allow you to explore different disciplines within meteorology which will ultimately aid you in discovering which area (broadcasting, forecasting, climatology, government, private industry, etc.) best suits your personality and interests. By connecting you with a professional organization, a diversity of scientists, and perhaps even a mentor, an internship also helps build your professional network and network of references. Whats more, if you do a stellar job as an intern youll likely increase your chances of getting employed at that company after graduation. Keep in mind that you wont be eligible for most internships until your Junior year. Even so, dont make the mistake of waiting until the summer of your Senior year to get involved- the number of programs accepting recent graduates is far and few between. What sorts of opportunities should you, an underclassman, consider in the meantime? Possibly a summer job. Most weather internships are unpaid, so working in the summers prior can help ease that financial burden. Graduate-Level Students   If your heart is set on a career in atmospheric research (including storm chasing), teaching in a university setting, or consulting work, you should be prepared to continue your education at the masters (M.S.) and/or doctorate (Ph.D.) levels. Choosing a graduate degree programWhile returning to your alma mater is one option, youll also want to shop around for schools whose facilities and faculty support research that matches your interests. Professionals   The above advice is helpful to individuals planning their academic career, but what options exist for individuals already in the workforce? Certificate programsCertificates of Meteorology are a great way to gain training in weather without the full commitment of entering into a degree program. Not to mention these are earned by completing a fraction of the coursework required for degree programs (10-20 semester hours vs. 120 or more). Some classes can even be completed online in a distance learning manner. Well-known certificate programs offered in the U.S. include Penn States Undergraduate Certificate in Weather Forecasting  and the Broadcast and Operational Meteorology certificate programs offered by Mississippi State.  Ã‚   Leisurely Meteorologists Not interested in going back to school or participating in a certificate program, but still want to feed your inner weather geek? You could always become a citizen scientist. Whatever your age, its never too early or too late to grow your love and knowledge of weather!