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First, some facts. Of the Geology and Earth Science 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 348 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? On par with the average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 67%, Geology and Earth Science graduates have about the same likelihood of finding work in this field as 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, 35% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), which is right in line with the average across all fields.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 96% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2014 from Illinois State University with a Bachelor's degree in Geology and Earth Science. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONIntern Unimin Corporation Jan 2015 - Aug 2015 Staff Scientist  Roux Aug 2015 - Jun 2018 Project Scientist/Project Manager Roux Jun 2018 - Dec 2020 Senior Scientist/Project Manager Roux Dec 2020 - Aug 2022 Senior Consultant GEI Consultants, Inc. Aug 2022 - Present ABOUTDriven, goal-oriented project manager with a strong ability to connect with clients and consistently deliver a high quality work product across various technical practice areas. Communication skills, technical experience, and creative problem solving allow me to convey technical concepts to business-minded folks. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When analyzing the career trajectories of individuals with degrees in Geology and Earth Science, it becomes evident that the most common job roles they pursue generally align with their academic background. Notably, many graduates find employment as geologists, environmental scientists, and technicians, positions that directly utilize their specialized knowledge. For instance, job titles such as "Staff Geologist," "Environmental Scientist," and "Geotechnical Engineer" frequently appear in the profiles of these graduates, aligning well with coursework that emphasizes geological theory, field methods, and environmental assessment. Throughout the roles examined, it appears that many graduates are successfully applying their geological and earth science knowledge in practical settings, thereby affirming the relevance of their academic training.
However, not all career paths reflect such a direct connection to their degrees. A significant number of graduates have found themselves in roles that are only loosely related to geology and earth science, such as positions in customer service, sales, or hospitality. While these jobs may utilize some transferable skills—like analytical thinking or teamwork—they do not require the specialized knowledge that geology graduates possess. For instance, positions like “Customer Service Representative” or “Project Manager” often focus more on general management skills and client relations rather than geology-specific knowledge. This is a crucial consideration for prospective geology students as it highlights the reality that, while there are ample authentic career avenues in geology-related fields, others may lead to positions that have little relevance to the discipline.
In conclusion, while many individuals with degrees in Geology and Earth Science find fulfilling careers that directly utilize their knowledge, a substantial number engage in roles that lack a strong emphasis on geology. This reflects the diverse career paths available after graduation but also points to the need for graduates to be proactive in seeking opportunities that align closely with their academic training. For high school students considering a degree in this field, it is essential to weigh both the specific job roles that strongly connect to geology and the broader employment market, ensuring they have clear career goals before embarking on their educational journeys.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Geology and Earth Science graduates:
When we look at the career trajectories of recent geology and earth science graduates, the picture is as diverse as it is intriguing. Many of these graduates, particularly those from more recent years, tend to follow a path that closely aligns with their degrees, securing entry-level positions that make use of their scientific training. For instance, several individuals started as environmental scientists or geologists and have continued to build on that foundation by moving toward specialized roles such as project managers, research scientists, or higher-level geologists. It's encouraging to see that a significant number of graduates remain entrenched in fields related to earth science, especially in environmental consulting, geology, and research roles.
However, not everyone maintains a direct connection to geology or earth science. For instance, some graduates take paths that veer into unrelated fields, such as customer service or technology roles. A few early-career experiences, especially for those who graduated earlier, show a tendency to drift into different careers that may not utilize their geological training fully. While this might indicate the graduates' adaptability and the versatility of skills acquired during their studies, it raises questions about the alignment between educational outcomes and the job market demands. As we look at career spans, especially 5 to 10 years after graduation, some of the earlier graduates have successfully transitioned back into geology-related roles; however, others remain in non-science-related fields, which is less than ideal considering the investments made into their educations.
So, in honest reflection, while many geology and earth science graduates do appear to find fulfilling and relevant careers in their field, there's also a significant cohort that seems to face challenges in staying within the discipline. The trajectory highlights both potential pathways and pitfalls. Ultimately, a geology degree can lead to a rewarding career in the earth sciences, but it can also lead some graduates to positions far removed from the core of their studies. Independent of the variations, it’s clear that with a degree in geology, graduates have developed a skill set that is adaptable and valuable across various industries. The challenge ahead is to enhance pathways that keep graduates engaged in their field or directed toward related career opportunities.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Geology and Earth Science can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your interests and strengths. If you love the outdoors, rocks, and understanding how the Earth works, you might find it more enjoyable than tough. There’s a fair amount of science and math involved, especially with subjects like chemistry, physics, and calculus, which can be tricky for some. Plus, you’ll spend time on fieldwork and labs, which is awesome for hands-on learners but can be demanding too. Overall, it’s considered a moderate to challenging degree compared to some others, so if you’re up for a mix of theory and practical work about our planet, you’ll likely do just fine!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Geology and Earth Science.
Looking at the career paths of these Geology and Earth Science graduates from different universities, it's a mixed bag when it comes to their earnings. Some graduates, especially those in positions at larger companies or in specialized roles like Senior Geologist or Environmental Scientist, likely earn decent salaries. For example, graduates from schools like Texas A&M and California State University seem to be climbing the ranks in their industries, which usually translates to good paychecks. However, many others have taken more modest or inconsistent paths, moving between internships, part-time, or entry-level roles that don't offer the best financial returns right away. On the flip side, roles like a Project Manager or GIS Analyst typically offer more competitive wages, but some jobs listed, such as a "Delivery Driver" or "Lab Technician," might not be as lucrative. Overall, while many in this field can potentially earn a solid income, those starting out or in less prestigious positions may find themselves struggling financially in the early years of their careers. It really depends on how quickly they can gain experience, build their network, and find opportunities in higher-paying roles.
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 and Earth Science. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Geology and Earth Science (ordered by the average relevance score of their Geology and Earth Science graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: