Geoscience Careers

What do employers value about ESS Graduates?

Their ability to:

  • Interpret and critique scientific texts, presentations and primary literature
  • Speculate on the meanings of data and make informed decisions with incomplete information
  • Communicate scientific information to both scientific and general audiences, verbally and in writing
  • Present scientific ideas arguing from evidence
  • Design and perform experiments
  • Construct mathematical models in order to test scientific hypotheses
  • Construct, evaluate and interpret both qualitative and quantitative data
  • Work in international contexts
  • Understand complicated spatial and temporal relationships

In which fields do graduates find work?

  • Research
  • Education
  • Media and Communication
  • Consulting
  • Operations
  • Program and Project Management
  • Engineering and Environmental Consulting
  • Healthcare Services
  • Information Technology
  • Mining
  • Petroleum
  • Finance

Graduate Opportunities

An Earth Sciences degree equips you with the critical thinking and research skills for a variety of academic next steps, including graduate programs in:

  • Earth Science
  • Environmental Science
  • Planetary Science
  • Civil Engineering
  • Geophysics
  • Sustainability

Exploring Opportunities

Learn about yourself

  • Register for the External Shadowing Program to connect with professionals in your career area of interest. During a half or full day job shadowing placement, you’ll begin to clarify your goals and better understand your career options.
  • Find a work-study position that connects the skills you’re developing through your education with professional experience. Attend a career centre workshop to explore career possibilities, understand your skills, and plan for your career or further education. Visit the Career and Co-Curricular Learning Network for more information.

Connect with Alumni

Options in Academia

While you’re a student, get the support and make the connections you need to transition into your dream career:

  • Talk to your professors
  • Attend information nights
  • Take advantage of geologist certification support and training
  • Build your skills and understand your possibilities at a career night or the Prospectors and Developers Conference
  • Get involved with student chapters of professional associations including the OGS
  • Volunteer at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Annual Conference
  • Get hands on research experience through international field courses, and by working with professors.

Earth science and geosience organizations