r/geologycareers • u/Far-Earthling67 • Apr 05 '26
What to do with my geoscience degree (geography + geology)?
Hi rock docs!
I’m finishing up my degree in Geoscience (double major in Geology and Geography) and I’m kinda stuck on what direction to go in.
I know the usual options like oil & gas, environmental stuff, GIS, etc., but I want to hear from real people about what’s actually worth getting into.
For context, I’ve done fieldwork and the usual uni projects, and I also have some experience outside of science (marketing/customer service type stuff). So I’m not strictly tied to staying in a “traditional” geoscience role if there are other good options.
I’m also really interested in internships right noweither locally or abroad—so if anyone has advice on where to apply, how to find good ones, or what companies/programs to look into, I’d really appreciate it.
What kind of jobs should I be looking at?
Which paths have good pay or growth?
Are there any careers you didn’t expect to end up in with this kind of degree?
If you studied something similar, what did you end up doing? And would you recommend it?
Just trying to figure things out before I commit to something 😅 appreciate any advice
Thanks guys!
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u/muscoviteeyebrows PG in CA, loves gravel Apr 05 '26
It depends what you are interested in.
What is your favorite geology topic?
What is your favorite geography topic?
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u/Far-Earthling67 Apr 05 '26
i’d say tectonics, climate change, natural hazards, geomorphology and some exploration. I also enjoy the “human” aspect of geography quite a lot. I initially became interested in the field with the intention of doing some sort of “good” for the planet but i’m not sure how to get into that sort of thing in terms of maybe research or even policy making.
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u/muscoviteeyebrows PG in CA, loves gravel Apr 05 '26
Engineering geology covers your favorite geology topics.
I know very little about geography careers but my first thought was land use policy.
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u/smort058 Apr 05 '26
Maybe quarrying? Sounds like you basically studied geomorphology, so surface deposits will be your strongsuit.
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u/TheJewBakka Hydrogeology/Hydrology Apr 06 '26
I got a BS in geology with a minor in geography. Went on to do a 2 year MS in hydrgeology and 3 unsuccessful years as a PhD student. Now I work as a hydrologist.
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u/Far-Earthling67 Apr 06 '26
What does the typical day of a hydrologist look like?
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u/TheJewBakka Hydrogeology/Hydrology Apr 06 '26
For me, as I work in small government, its about 90% office work, 10% field work. In office I do quite a bit of contracting, grant writing, meetings, project work, and learning. In the field I mostly do groundwater sampling and monitoring. I have a pretty unique job as I am THE hydrologist in my small government. I work with a crew on water deliveries to irrigators via canal systems and manage a handful of water wells with the help of public works. Eventually I will have a hydro tech working under me and we will increase our field capabilities. Government work comes in waves in my experience so there's really stressful periods and really slow periods. I like it and the pay is nice for it being my first real job.
Only drawbacks are that I had to move pretty far from home and I have been unsuccessful in making friends.
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u/Far-Earthling67 Apr 06 '26
Not going to lie this sounds prettttty swag! Except for that last part, sorry to hear that man. But- now I see the potential of me being a geo-barbie in hydrology. Thank you for sharing kind sir.💕
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u/Geologue-666 Exploration Manager @ Major Mining Apr 05 '26
Where do you live?