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Research Guides

Centre for Career and Personal Development Degree Profiles

These degree profiles look at potential jobs, key skills & atributes, associations & professional development and great books which relate to each degree and its potential career path.

Geology

Geologists study the history, composition, and physical aspects of our planet. The entire world will be your laboratory, as geology is the most outdoor-oriented discipline of the basic sciences.

Key Skills & Knowledge

Communication skills – clearly and effectively inform, explain and instruct both the scientific and non-scientific community; prepare technical reports; write research papers and proposals

Computer skills - Knowledge of computer applications; key software applications

Technical - Operate technical instruments; Knowledge of Physical Methods of Exploration Relying on Gravity, Magnetism, Electrical Conductivity, Seismic Shock Wave Velocities

Specialized Skills – Field mapping, core logging, data integration and visualization, microscopy

Organization - Data, time and resource management

Problem solving skills - Approaching topics and problems from various perspectives; understanding the components of complex problems; analyzing multiple dimensions of a problem; identifying problems and developing solutions

Proficiency in mathematics - Mathematical modeling; Concrete & abstract mathematical concepts

Research skills - data collection; process and synthesize vast amounts of data and apply where relevant; define research problems; develop research models and proposals; Conducting field observations & taking appropriate measurements

Sample Job Titles

Please note some of these positions may require further training, certification or education. Check out the occupational profiles to review the full details for the occupations that interest you at alis.alberta.ca/occinfo

  • Agricultural Consultant
  • Agrogeologist
  • Assayer
  • Astrogeologist
  • Cartographer
  • Climatologist
  • Energy Policy Program Advisor
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Environmental Quality Specialist
  • Exploration Geologist
  • Geodesist
  • Geodynamicist
  • Geographer
  • Geological Consultant
  • Geologist
  • Geomagnetist
  • Geomorphologist
  • Geophysicist
  • Geoscientist
  • Geostatistician
  • Groundwater Technologist
  • Health Inspector
  • Hydrogeologist
  • Hydrologist
  • Industrial Waste Inspector
  • Instrumental Technician
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Lobbyist
  • Materials Analyst
  • Metallurgical Technologist
  • Mineralogist
  • Mining Consultant
  • Oil Sands Recovery Researcher
  • Paleontologist
  • Park Naturalist/Ranger/Forrestor
  • Petroleum Geologist
  • Petrologist
  • Pollution Control Specialist
  • Project Manager
  • Prospector
  • Science Museum Educator
  • Scientific Photographer
  • Sedimentologist
  • Seismic Worker
  • Soil Scientist
  • Stratigrapher
  • Surveyor
  • Teacher
  • Technical Writer
  • Urban/Regional Planner
  • Waste Management Specialist
  • Water Quality Control Technician
  • Water Remote Sensing Interpreter
  • Well Logging Specialist
  • Well Site Geologist

Potential Industries

  • Agriculture
  • Architecture
  • Business
  • Community Development & Investment
  • Consulting Firms – Geological Consulting
  • Conservation
  • Construction
  • Educational Institutions
  • Energy
  • Environmental Consulting/Protection
  • Ethics and Business Conduct
  • Forestry
  • Geodynamics
  • Geological Surveying
  • Geographical Information Systems
  • Governance
  • Government Departments - all levels
  • Health & Safety
  • Hydrographic Services
  • Hydrology
  • Mining
  • Natural Resources
  • Oil and Gas
  • Patent Law
  • Public Health, Safety and Welfare
  • Remediation
  • Research Institutes
  • Resource/Sustainability Management

Did you know?

Formal Career Assessments like the Strong Interest Inventory and the Myers Briggs Type Indicator can be helpful tools for your career development.  These assessments have been used for decades to help individuals choose a major, explore career options during and upon completion of a degree and to further understand yourself in relationship to the world of work.  Inquire with Career Services if you are interested in these formal assessments.

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