MENTORING FOR EARLY CAREER CAREER GEOLOGISTS

Early Career Geologists have several choices: (1) government service; (2) industry or consulting geology firms; and (3) teaching geology at the high-school or community college level. These options are all excellent and if one chooses to remain in graduate school and achieve a Ph.D. degree in geology, a university professorship is another option. Whatever path you choose, mentors can help you decide your optimum career path forward.

Who are your mentors? Your graduate advisor at the university, the Chief Geologist at your consulting firm, and mentors you meet at meetings or over Zoom. These mentors can assist you with preparing a resume, participating in field work, and finding your career. A few suggestions you might consider are to: (1) Take the ASBOG exam that leads toward state licensure as a professional geologist. It is important to take this exam early and do not delay or procrastinate; (2) Join a professional society such as the Geological Society of America, the Association of Engineering Geology, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, the American Institute of Professional Geologists, the American Geophysical Union, the Seismological Society of America, and the Society for Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists. Many are free or inexpensive for students; (3) Custom print business cards with your name, email address, and cellphone number. These are effective ways to connect with both your mentor and future employers and are much more professional than writing your name on paper; finally (4) Remember that “education never stops for geologists.” Always stay professionally involved with GSA and other geological societies, remember that geology field work is a splendid teacher, and Mother Nature has lots of geological outcrops for you to learn from.