Geophysics is simply the study of the Earth by applying physics principles. Geophysics is the field of geoscience (Earth science) that in one way or another is related with other multidisciplinary natural and planetary science subjects such as environmental science, astronomy, Biology, geography, chemistry.
This post will describe the career path regarding geophysics, as there are interesting things you may want to hear. I hope we will be together until the end of this conversation.
How to become a Geophysicist?
Sometimes it gets overwhelming when it comes to knowing how you can become a geophysicist. To become a Profession Geophysicist you have to pursue a career of geophysics at least at undergraduate level, Bachelor's degree. You should have atleast higher education undergraduate Majors degree in geophysics, geology, geoscience, physics. Also if you have multiple degrees in Geophysics and geology is also a good way too, it will reach you where you want to go. This is an entry level qualification in most geophysical jobs.
However there are other fields of study that are relevant and their undergraduate degree career prepared them in one way or another to become specialized in areas of geophysics at Masters and PhD. Fields such as Mathematics, statistics, engineering, Computer Science.
Where do Geophysicists work?
Generally there are many employers and industry opportunities that are demanding geophysicists. However the demand is variable based on geographical area. This section would give the basic detail and reason of why you have to pursue a career in Geophysics.
Oil and Gas (Petroleum) Industry, in Upstream activities such as exploration of Petroleum deposits.
Mining Industry, in exploration of new mineral deposits in existing Mines. Also assessing the ground mine conditions.
Engineering construction Firms, assessment of engineering construction site conditions.
Environmental Firms, by using geophysical methods in projects regarding mapping and remediation of environmental pollution.
Geological Surveys of respective countries. And other Government regulatory bodies.
Consulting Firms, by providing technical consultation regarding geophysical issues.
Academics, Teaching of students at college and University levels. To become an academician you should be good in academic aspects and career advances to higher degrees such as Masters and doctorate (PhD) degrees in geophysics.
What are other titles for geophysicists?
There is no doubt that most of us know about the title geophysicist in general and in a unique way. However this title may vary greatly depending on industry and responsibilities these people have in their work. There are some industries at which the title geophysicist is not used frequently, while other titles may be used to mean the same thing or to indicate that geophysicists can do the same work on hand.
In the Oil and gas industry Seismic interpreters (seismologists) are also geophysicists who advanced and specialized their careers in the field of seismology and seismic interpretation. Most Oil and gas companies need a atleast a Master in Geophysics or relevant field such as Petroleum geology or physics to fit in this role. They spend most of their time indoors doing Seismic inversions using Computer Modeling, Performing seismic data analysis and interpretation.
Regarding Geophysical Advisor, this title may be the same as Technical Manager, where geophysicist is generally responsible for giving technical assistance and advice regarding various geophysical issues let say advising on which geophysical method is the best and cost effective to apply to regarding the problem on hand.
However geophysical advisor is a more specific title as it deals directly with providing geophysical advice while the term Technical Manager is more general title and managerial position regarding geophysical issues as any other field can have Technical Manager.
Oceanographer, is the general title that also may refer to geophysicists who investigate and work in Marine environment and study Ocean features. The subfield of Physical Oceanography studies Oceans using physical properties such as temperature, oceanic waves and current dynamics.
Geophysicists, spend time in investigation of the bathymetric (bottom) features of the Ocean by using seismic echo sounder, gravity or Sound Navigation And Ranging (SONAR). Since the field of Oceanography is wide, it is more convenient to advance in career by pursuing a Masters or PhD specializing in Marine geophysics.
Earth Explorer, the geophysicist title can also match with this title, provided that the investigation and exploration of the nature of the Earth is done by using measurement of physical properties and utilizing the Remote Sensing technologies such as Aero (Air) and satellite surveys.
Research scientist, when a scientist focuses his /her research career in studies such as crustal and internal structure of the Earth by using physical properties such as seismic waves, investigate volcanoes and predict volcanic activities by measuring physical properties such as thermal, temperature, magnetic Fields.
Also in depth exploration of research areas such as paleomagnetism that lead to discovering and proving of Plate tectonics theory, sea floor spreading, Continental drifting. All these areas a geophysicist with a Bachelor degree can work as Geophysical researcher. However the need for more career advancement in geophysics at PhD or Masters degree level is highly recommended.
Also these geophysicists spend most of their time in Field acquisition and then carrying out geophysical investigation in a geophysical Laboratory controlled environment either in testing theories concerning the performance of existing geophysical technology or developing new geophysical approaches. Most work at National Geophysical Research Institution of respective countries.
Meteorologist, since meteorology is a wide discipline that involves monitoring and studies of the atmospheric conditions such as wind pressure and direction, precipitation intensity, atmospheric temperature. Geophysicist can directly utilize his / her geophysical knowledge and skills to do tasks related to this discipline.
Geophysical Engineer, when geophysicist is applying integrating geophysical and engineering principles to solve challenges related to different engineering aspects. If the geophysicist solves the challenge related to environmental fields such as groundwater pollution remediation using Electrical Resistivity techniques to monitor and mapping groundwater pollution. Utilizing geophysical methods in measuring and assessing the strength and stability of engineering construction sites and materials
For example using seismic waves to measure the in situ density of rocks or using gravity method to monitor and mapping the subsurface cavities. It is related to Geotechnical engineering. Also geophysical Engineers can collaborate and spend time with other engineers in geophysical software and instrument designing projects.
Astronomer, since astronomy is a wide field of study that investigates and explores planetary and celestial bodies such as planets, stars, including the universe itself. Astronomy is directly related to physics, so since geophysics is also the physics of the Earth, you can advance in a geophysics career by pursuing a Masters and PhD and then specialize in areas such as Planetary geophysics, cosmology and geophysics. Then geophysicists can have the title of Astronomer.
Geologist, since geology is the foundation field that every geophysicist is required to have to become competent in his or her career. Most of the University curriculum for geophysics Majors must include basic geology courses. On the other side the same applies in geology Majors, including geophysics courses. Most geologists always by default have basic geophysical knowledge and skills. And this path made geologists to become more and more competent geophysicists if they advance in their careers at Masters and PhD degree levels by specializing in geophysics.
Physicists, there is no doubt that everyone knows that Geophysics is the Earth physics subject, since it applies the same principles and Laws as those applied in physics. So there is a good match between these two fields of science. And this match made Physicists eligible in geophysical jobs, since they have the same physics knowledge and skills as those of geophysics.
However these persons need some training regarding basic geology when they want to complete geophysical tasks competently. Physicists may advance their career at Masters and PhD levels while specializing in a specific field of geophysics.
What skills and knowledge do geophysicists need?
Because geophysics is an Earth science, then it requires technical skills and knowledge that are directly concerning it and from other subjects to indirectly support it. Geophysicists need to know the in and out regarding physics such as Magnetism, electromagnetism, electricity, waves, radioactivity, gravitation. Also geology ranging from basic petrology (rocks), structural geology, Mineralogy, stratigraphy, Earth dynamics to support them when studying the Earth.
They also need to know mathematical statistics, as they will use it in geophysical data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation.
Also the computer skills are essential as today most of geophysical projects are handled by using advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (Al). Geophysicists should know how to build computer models, utilizing geophysical softwares.
This should include computer programming skills using various Languages such as Javascript, python, C/C++ skills is also essential when it comes to coding and developing geophysical softwares.
Also geophysicists should know how to utilize remote sensing techniques such as interpreting Aeromagnetic maps, satellite images, hyperspectral images as geophysical instruments, tools and techniques relied on using Remote sensing technology.
Research skills are also essential as this will enable a geophysicist to carry out independent studies while making reasonable conclusions regarding his / her facts using research methods and following the scientific methods.
Like any other profession, geophysicists should also have soft skills to enable smooth workflow, skills such as communication will help during writing of effective geophysical reports, presenting his /her results to stakeholders in an understandable manner.
Also collaborative skills such as team working is also essential when it comes to discussion, and sharing ideas with other project members. Also attention to details is an essential skill required so as to produce good results while following the required instructions.
Time Management is also not neglected and taken as simple at all, since this skill may have an impact regarding performance during completing assigned tasks.
Apart from those skills mentioned above, there are other essentials such as,
Passion to travel, and work on nature for example exploration geophysicists may spend most of their time ranging from 3 to 6 months in Field environment while collecting Field data samples and supervising geophysical borehole drilling programs.
Also to have Physical Fitness (stamina) is also a good criterion regarding Field geophysicists since sometimes it may involve long walking hours in a rough environment while carrying geophysical equipment and supporting tools.
What do geophysicists need to improve in their careers?
Due to rapid changes in geophysical and other related industries with time to time, it is also essential for geophysicists to adapt to these changes by either gaining new skills or updating the previous geophysical skills. Geophysicists must consider the following so as to adapt to these changes. However this will depend on their personal goals and the industry objectives.
Earn Postgraduate education
As geophysical and other related industries such as Oil and gas need at least Master degree of geophysics or other relevant Fields, it is essential to consider further studies to pursue Masters and PhD degrees so as to be eligible to these industries. However a Bachelor degree in either geophysics, physics or geology may be taken as an entry level qualification in most Industries.
For example you can go using the path either from geology and then specialize in Geophysics or start with physics then specialize in Geophysics. Also you can start with physics then consider geology in Master's degree then specialize in geophysics at PhD level. Whatever the path you choose to go, all you need to consider is your final personal objectives and the industry you want to work in after further studies.
Also if your goal is to work in an academic and research Institution then to consider further studies Masters to PhD to Associate to Full Professor level is an essential for you to teach college and University students and carry out research works competently.
Consider other relevant Training
It is about Geophysics right! But this should not mean you should only block yourself within geophysics only! You have to consider other relevant and even extra training so as to boost the overall interpersonal skills and stay current on the track. You have to update your computer skills, including application of Al technology in the geophysical industry.
Also you can take other personal development training such as leadership training, personal Financial management. You can also update your research skills through various short courses and workshops. The good news is that in today's world there are plenty of opportunities to update these skills through online classes.
Boost your Practical Experience.
Experience! They used to say experience is the key! Yes this is the right statement, However sometimes having only experience without having relevant knowledge and skills is a blind following. Experience and relevant knowledge and skills are the two sides of the same coin of a successful geophysicist. If one is missed the coin is not complete. Knowledge and skills are still essential if you want to have a valuable experience.
If you are recently from college graduation, consider internship programs to boost the reality on how you have to apply your geophysical knowledge and skills in a real world geophysics environment. If you are still studying, consider your Practical training in the relevant Geophysics industry to observe the real world.
Take essential workshops to gain and update real world industry experience. You can boost the experience by using online classes that are tailored on how to do various real world tasks. There are plenty free courses online to gain a preliminary knowledge , but if you are serious enough with your career and in order to gain good relevance industry experience, sometimes you have to take Paid courses from recognized training course providers.
How do geophysicists apply for available opportunities?
Geophysics has multidisciplinary job opportunities depending on geographical area. However in all these having a good Curriculum Vitae (CV), is an essential first step when seeking the chance and industry placement.
You have to know how to write a good, detailed and tailored CV/ Resume as this tool may act as a leading magnet for most employers. Although there are many writing CV styles available to suit different organizations. However there are some essential parts you have to include in your CV so as to demonstrate your geophysical experience and the best fit to the available opportunity. You have to include sections such as your contact details, your education background, your experience section, extra curricular activities and training, and the referencing section.
Golden Tip: You can either craft and customize your CV to fit the opportunity you want to apply if you have a relevant CV writing skills. Otherwise you have to Register on various freelancing and job recruitment portals, make your profile and post your CV writing project to let those CV experts to write for you and make it available online so you get identified easily by respective employers.
If you already have a detailed CV / Resume, then it is time now you can create an account and upload your CV / Resume to get notified and ensure your have an online presence.
If you have valuable geophysical experience and skills you can have an account on freelancing platforms and mention your experience there, so that you can search and get some Geophysics freelancing tasks that you can complete and boost your new opportunities.
There are countless talks concerning advancing in geophysical career and Opportunities. But Let us end up here , in next posts we will continue our discussion regarding other issues starting with what are the challenges do geophysicists have?. I hope this post is Long enough for you to have a basic insight and take any action and reasonable consideration.
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