THE GEOLOGIST IN TRAINING (GIT) AS A HIDDEN OPPORTUNITY TOWARDS PROFESSIONAL GEOSCIENCE CAREERS (Invited Presentation)

The pathway from geoscience student to working as a professional in the discipline often appears ill-defined for many students and recent graduates. Unlike the engineering professions, the geosciences do not have a uniform and universal professional pathway; however, with the key role the geosciences play in public safety, health, and trust, professional licensed geoscientist opportunities exist in 39 states. Ultimately, in these states, a professional license to practice as a geoscientist requires possessing a degree, experience, and passing an exam, like the experience of engineering.

But also, like engineering, 22 states offer an intermediate step to help new geoscientists to gain professional recognition in a Geologist-in-Training or similar credential. We examine the basis for licensure of geologists and how it maps to legal and policy frameworks in licensure and reciprocal states and why it is a critical credential all geoscientists need to consider. Key for new graduates to understand how the Geologist in Training (GIT) fits within the various state licensing programs. We will examine the processes for earning the GIT, the rights and responsibilities of GITs, and how it functions as a gateway to full licensure.