What can I do with my studies in
EARTH & PLANETARY SCIENCES?
The information in this handout will provide you with ideas as to some typical careers/jobs that are associated with
your degree, along with alternative careers that may not be as directly related to what you have studied. This by no
means implies that these jobs are the only options you have. These careers are just samples of what you can do if you
have the appropriate skills and experience.
I can look for work now with my B.Sc. in Earth & Planetary
Science. Depending on my interests and experience, possible job
titles include:
Petroleum Chemist #2112
Geologist #2113
Geophysicist #2113
Hydrogeologist #2113
Physical Oceanographer
#2113
Soil Scientist #2115
Physical Sciences Laboratory
Technician #2241
Geomatics Technologist Surveying #2254
Land Survey Technologist
#2254
Geographic Information
Systems (GIS) Technician
#2255
Hazardous Waste Inspector
#2263
Pollution Control Inspector
#2263
Geographer #4169
Researcher
I can look for work now outside my area of study. Depending on
my interests and experience, possible job titles include:
Business
Management Consultant #1122
Benefits Officer #1432
Marketing Specialist
Quality Control / Quality
Assurance Specialist
Public Relations Consultant
#5124
Analyst #1121
Insurance Agent #6231
Science-based Investment
Advisor #1112
Market Researcher #4163
Human Resources Specialist
#1121
Recruiter #1223
Entrepreneur
Educator / Trainer #4131
Informal Science Educator
Venture Capitalist
Academic Advisor #4143
Education
Scientific Illustrator #5241
Writer #5121
Editor #5122
Reporter #5123
Journalist #5123
Technical Writer #5121
Broadcaster #5231
Publisher #0016
Producer #5131
Executive Producer #0512
Technology Transfer Officer
Patent Agent #4161
Communications
Web Developer #2175 /
Producer
Informatics Specialist #2171
Other
Policy Analyst #4161
With additional education/training or experience, I can become:
Resource Economist #4162
Astronomer #2111
Geophysicist #2113
Geologist #2113
Seismologist #2113
Ecologist #2121
Mining Engineer #2143
Urban Planner #2153
Cartographer #2255
Professor #4121
For career descriptions, profiles and job outlooks visit the
National Occupational Classification Website (http://www23.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/2001/e/generic/welcome.shtml), Job Futures
(www.jobfutures.ca), and Career Cruising (www.careercruising.com, username & password available by contacting CAPS)
If you wish to explore your interests, identify your goals, and discover how to make the most of your education, we
encourage you to sign up for the P.A.C.E. program (Program for the Advancement of Career Exploration). For more
information visit http://www.caps.mcgill.ca/programs/pace/
Feel free to come by the CAPS office to make an appointment with a career advisor to discuss your career options and
job search strategies.
Employers
Atmospheric Environment
Service
Metallurgical Industry
Non – Governmental Agencies
Computer Manufacturers
Engineering Firms
Entrepreneur Geophysics
Firms
Pollution and Waste
Management Firms
Geotechnical or Industrial
Laboratories
High Tech Companies
Hydroelectricity companies
Market Research Companies
Mining and Petroleum
Companies
Military
Educational Institutions
Universities
Environmental Agencies
Research Firms
Skills of Earth & Planetary Science Majors
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Interpersonal communication (oral and written)
Engage in ethical practice
Surveying and sampling
Problem solving
Able to observe, analyze, & interpret information
Decision making
Concern for and sensitivity to others
Establish control designs
Critical and inferential thinking
Define research problems
Review scientific literature
Observe data
Develop and write research proposals
Be familiar with current environmental laws
Identify and classify materials
Measures distances/ relationships
Prepare technical reports
Evaluate ideas
Field sampling
Use laboratory equipment
Assess risks
Define problems
Professional Associations
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Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP) (www.cap.ca)
ECO Canada - Environmental Careers Organization (www.cchrei.ca)
Canadian Public Health Association (www.cpha.ca)
American Astronomical Society (www.aas.org)
American Physical Society Careers/Employment Information (www.aps.org/jobs/index.html)
Physics and Astronomy Online (www.physlink.com)
Geological Association of Canada (www.gac.ca)
Canadian Society of Petroleum (www.cspg.org)
Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists (www.cseg.ca)
Geological Society of America (www.geosociety.org)
American Association of Petroleum Geologists (www.aapg.org)
Society of Exploration Geophysicists (www.seg.org)
American Geological Institute (www.agiweb.org/index.html)
Association for Women Geoscientists (www.awg.org)
McGill University Career & Placement Service
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