GEOSCIENCE WORKFORCE PATHWAYS: A HOLISTIC APPROACH AT PREPARING FOR CAREERS IN THE GEOSCIENCES

Awareness of the information and strategies for career preparation for many geoscience students begins when they choose their major in college or university. Many of the key benchmarks beyond classes include attaining practical experiences such as internships, leadership positions, or participating in research experiences. Faculty mentors and advisors help students recognize and articulate the skills that they have mastered while a student’s engagement at professional society meetings and other events builds their networks and adds to their social capital. Often students land their first job or first internship but fail to understand which competencies are most important for long term employment and advancement into higher level positions.

Students and advisors recognize the body of learning and experiences a student should pursue, but the scope and sequence are often much less certain. AGI along with its Member Societies, geoscience organizations, and employers are committed to illuminating pathways for success in various geoscience industries and sectors. These pathways begin with tips and strategies for how and when a student should gain critical skills, experiences, and competencies, then transition into entry level positions into the workforce and ultimately lead up to higher levels within the geoscience enterprise. While linear and well-defined during the early student years, these pathways diverge and create complex networks and avenues when transitioning to different positions as one advances to mid-level and senior level positions. These pathways along with other available resources from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, professional societies, research organizations, and federal agencies can broaden the geoscience workforce and help prepare the next generation of geoscientists understand what skills, avenues, and opportunities are available for a variety of careers.