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First, some facts. Of the Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 63 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 63%, Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology graduates have a slightly lower likelihood (-4%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 38% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 50% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2019 from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor's degree in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONTeacher Assistant Neuqua Jan 2020 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster's degreeLoyola University Chicago 2019 - 2021 ABOUTLoyola University Chicago MS graduate with an interest in campaign development, strategic marketing, and crisis management. I also enjoy data and analytics, and am GAIQ certified through Google Skillshop. I am also a member of CADM Chicago. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Analyzing the career paths of individuals who graduated with degrees in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology reveals a mixed bag of job relevance to their academic backgrounds. The most common types of jobs held by these graduates vary significantly, with many pursuing careers that diverge from their specialized training. On one hand, there are several examples of individuals working directly in meteorological roles such as meteorologists, weather forecasters, and researchers within governmental agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These positions are ideal for applying the skills and knowledge obtained during their studies, making them highly relevant.
On the other hand, a significant number of graduates ended up in jobs that have little to no connection to atmospheric sciences. Roles such as store managers, administrative assistants, and even teaching positions dominate the landscape for many of these individuals. While some of these jobs may boast transferable skills like communication or data analysis, they do not utilize the core competencies gained from an atmospheric sciences education. For instance, positions in retail management or customer service require skills distinct from those developed in meteorology, highlighting a disconnect for many graduates.
Interestingly, among the more recent graduates, there seems to be a slight shift toward more relevant positions, particularly those linked to meteorological research and public service roles. For example, roles like Graduate Research Assistants, meteorologists in various news outlets, and even positions related to climate resilience indicate that newer graduates might be aligning more closely with their educational backgrounds. However, there remains a notable portion who find themselves in administrative or unrelated service jobs, reflecting the broader challenge many degree holders face in translating their specialized education into employment directly tied to their fields of study.
In conclusion, while there are individuals successfully leveraging their degrees in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology in appropriate meteorological roles, there are numerous others who are finding themselves in career paths that do not make use of their educational background. This reflects a complex job market where possession of a specialized degree does not necessarily guarantee employment in related fields, leaving many graduates exploring various unrelated sectors for career opportunities.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology graduates:
When we look at the career paths of graduates from Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology programs, we see a popular mix, especially related to meteorology and weather services. For many, the first job after graduation often lands them in more practical, entry-level roles that can seem disconnected from their field of study. For instance, some of the profiles show graduates taking on positions like store managers or even concierges in hospitality. It might not seem like a direct line from meteorology to retail, but it’s indicative of the broader job market and the challenges that graduates might face when trying to find that ideal atmospheric science position right after school.
However, as we look a little deeper, particularly around the 5 to 10-year mark after graduation, many do find their way back to relevant careers in meteorology or related fields. For example, graduates from places like Mississippi State University and University of Oklahoma transitioned nicely into roles as meteorologists at various media outlets while others secured positions at the National Weather Service or similar government agencies. There’s definitely a pattern where perseverance pays off. Over time, some of the early setbacks appear to diversify graduates’ skill sets, allowing them to return to more specialized positions. This group reflects a blend of roles that require a level of expertise they cultivated in their degree programs, such as advanced research positions or advisory roles in environmental contexts.
In summary, while the initial job landscape may not be perfectly aligned with their academic training, many graduates manage to pivot back into meaningful roles in atmospheric sciences as they build experience and confidence in their careers. However, it is also evident that not all pathways are straightforward or directly relevant, which reveals that success in the field may require both resilience and adaptability. For high school students considering a degree in this area, it's important to recognize that finding the right job might take some time, but opportunities to engage with the field do develop with experience.
A Bachelor’s degree in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your interests and strengths. If you love science and math, you might find it more manageable, but be prepared for a fair amount of physics, calculus, and lab work. The concepts can get quite complicated, especially when you dive into topics like dynamic meteorology or thermodynamics. That said, if you're passionate about weather and the environment, the hard work can be really fulfilling. Overall, it’s on the tougher side compared to more general degrees, but if you have a curiosity about how the atmosphere works, it can be a rewarding experience!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology.
Looking at these graduates and their job paths, it really seems like the money they're making varies quite a bit. Some, particularly those who have moved into managerial or specialized meteorological roles like the ones at NOAA or teaching positions, likely have decent salaries. For instance, the meteorologists at the National Weather Service or those working in high-visibility roles at major networks could be earning a solid income, while others, especially in more entry-level retail or internship positions, might be struggling a bit more financially. It seems like if you stick with it and move into the right niche or managerial role, you could be making some good money, but starting out can be tough financially for many of these graduates.
On the flip side, some of the job trajectories look a bit concerning when you consider things like teaching assistant roles or positions in retail management that might not pay well. For those who graduated more recently or with less directly related experience, the struggle to find well-paying roles in the field of meteorology could be real. Overall, it looks like if you’re career-savvy and flexible, you can make a decent living, but there are definitely some hurdles along the way where income might not match your degree. Just remember, networking and experience can be game-changers in this field!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology (ordered by the average relevance score of their Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: