Becoming a Meteorologist
Meteorology is a fun and exciting career choice! Meteorologists across the world get to predict some of mother nature's wildest weather. From hurricanes to tornadoes and from heatwaves to blizzards, this is one career choice that will keep you on your toes.
Meteorology is a tough college major. The courses are challenging, but with a little planning and dedication you can get through it. Your planning should start in high school. Meteorologists need to be good at math and science, so take all the courses that you can! If your school offers calculus and physics, take these two classes because they'll help you a lot once you get into college.
The basic requirement for becoming a meteorologist or a climatologist is a 4-year Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology or Atmospheric Sciences. Some teaching, research or management positions require a Masters of Science degree or a Ph.D.
Just to give you an idea, some of the classes that you'll be taking in college will be calculus, physics, dynamics, synoptics, and even computer programming courses. Meteorology is not an easy degree to get, but it one that is very worthwhile.
Whether you already know you want to become a meteorologist or if you're really not sure, the best thing you can do is to shadow or intern with local meteorologists. This is extremely important because it allows you to have a hands on approach and really get to see how we forecast the weather. Just a note, most internships aren't paid, but some of the forecasting techniques that you learn will be more valuable than money.
Here's some pictures that show you exactly what we do at the chrome-a-key wall. Click on the pictures to enlarge!
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The
top two pictures are of me at the chrome-a-key wall. This is the wall where I
do the weather. There are monitors on both sides of the wall for me to look at.
The side picture is of my camera. This is the camera that you see me in, when you're watching TV at home. I see my reflection in this camera, so I know where to point. |
