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First, some facts. Of the Geology 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 227 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 71%, Geology graduates have a slightly higher 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, 49% 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 Geology graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 52% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2019 from Temple University with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Geology. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONTeacher Assistant University of Pennsylvania Sep 2020 - Dec 2020 Freelance Editor  Cactus Communications Aug 2020 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster's degreeUniversity of Pennsylvania 2020 - 2022 ABOUTFirst and foremost, I am a scientist and educator. I love taking complex information and reforming it so that it is easy to digest. For the last 6 years, I have done just this. I have worked with elementary school students teaching environmental science in an after-school program, college students teaching fundamentals in geology, chemistry, and physics, and Philadelphia community members educating them about our watershed, water quality, and pollution. It has been more than rewarding, especially when students tell you that you've made a difference in their life and education.While pursuing my education at Temple University, I decided to turn my focus to geology and geomorphology. I attended field camp at the University Centre in Svalbard and fell head over heels in love with Arctic (cold-climate) geology, specifically coastal erosion and landslide risk and mitigation.I recently graduated with my MS in Applied Geosciences from the University of Pennsylvania with a concentration in environmental geology. In an ever-changing world, I believe it is essential to tackle problems exacerbated by climate change and create and disperse understandable information regarding the risks to the exposed population and the general public. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the job trajectories of individuals with a geology degree, it becomes evident that there are common patterns in terms of the types of jobs they pursue and the relevance of those positions to their educational background. A significant number of graduates have gone into roles such as geologist, environmental consultant, and geological technician, which are directly related to their studies and utilize the skills and knowledge acquired during their education. Many of these roles involve applying geological principles in practical settings, such as fieldwork, data analysis, and project management within environmental contexts.
However, not all careers undertaken by geology graduates are strictly relevant to geology. For instance, several individuals have gravitated toward positions in management, sales, or field support that may only tangentially relate to geology. Examples include roles such as project manager, sales associate, or risk analyst, where geological knowledge might be beneficial but is not typically required as a core qualification. In contrast, fields such as environmental management, hydrogeology, and wellsite geology showcase the direct application of geological skills. In these roles, graduates are actively engaged with soil, rock formations, and other geological materials, demonstrating a strong connection between their education and their professional work.
In conclusion, while it's clear that a good portion of jobs held by geology graduates are relevant directly to the discipline—particularly in environmental and geological consulting—there is also a notable representation of careers that stray into other domains. The variation reflects a broader trend where skills gained in geology, such as analytical thinking and problem-solving, can be adaptable and transferable to various other sectors, albeit with reduced relevance to the core content of their degree. It’s essential for students studying geology to recognize these diverse pathways and how their degree can empower them in various fields beyond traditional geological roles.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Geology graduates:
When we take a look at the career paths of recent geology graduates, a pretty diverse picture starts to emerge. Generally, many of them kick off their careers with roles that are directly related to geology—like internships or entry-level positions as geologists or field engineers. For example, several graduates become wellsite geologists or start as interns at energy companies, which is a common entry point. This trend is encouraging because it suggests that these grads are finding jobs that utilize their degrees right off the bat.
However, as we dig a bit deeper into the five- to ten-year mark in their careers, the landscape becomes a bit murkier. While some graduates continue to progress in traditional geology roles, others drift into positions that aren’t directly related to geology or even completely unrelated fields. For instance, roles like project managers in different industries, teachers, or technical positions in completely different sectors pop up. This might suggest that while certain individuals find their niche in geology, others have to pivot due to various factors like job availability or personal interest changes. It also hints at the versatility of a geology degree, which can lead to opportunities in other fields.
In conclusion, while quite a few geology grads find solid, relevant jobs that align with their degrees early on, others appear to navigate through various roles that may not have anything to do with geology by the five- or ten-year mark. This split means that, ultimately, some geology graduates thrive in their field, while others may struggle to find their footing, showcasing the unpredictable nature of career paths post-graduation. Overall, if you’re thinking about majoring in geology, it's worth considering both the promising entry points and the potential for career wide-ranging paths that might not always be tied back to the specialization you initially pursued.
Honestly, a Bachelor's degree in Geology can be a bit of a mixed bag in terms of difficulty. On one hand, if you enjoy the outdoors, rocks, and science, it can be a lot of fun and might feel easier for you compared to other majors. You'll get to do some fieldwork, learn cool stuff about Earth’s processes, and dive into subjects like minerals and fossils. On the other hand, there are definitely challenging parts, especially when you hit the math and chemistry courses that are often required. So, while it’s not the hardest degree out there, it does require some dedication and a willingness to dig into complex concepts. If you're passionate about it, you’ll likely find it enjoyable, but be prepared for a few tougher classes along the way!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Geology.
When looking at the job histories of these geology graduates, it seems that for many of them, their career paths have led to decent opportunities, especially in industries like petroleum and environmental consulting. Graduates from highly recognized institutions like Texas A&M and Stanford have landed positions with energy companies and environmental agencies, which generally offer competitive salaries. For example, those who started their careers as interns often climbed to roles such as project managers or senior geologists, indicating they likely saw salary increases along the way.
However, not every grad walked into a lucrative role right after school. Some took jobs in education or less specialized positions that tend to start with lower pay. It's also worth noting that some, like those in academia or governmental roles, might earn on the lower end compared to their peers in the private sector. Overall, it looks like most of these grads have opportunities to make a decent living, though the financial success can vary widely based on location, specific field, and the economic situation of the industry they choose to work in.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Geology. This may or may not be useful:
