Careers in Meteorology

Book excerpt: Interest in weather and extraordinary weather events—as evidenced by the growth industry of weather-as-entertainment television programming and amateur storm chasing—is growing. Interest in the atmospheric sciences, especially meteorology, and especially among young people who have the most at stake in our rapidly shifting atmospheric future, is at an all-time high. This book reveals the surprising array of career paths open to those students who are interested in meteorology and the even more diverse range of employers—from the local TV or radio station to government agencies like NASA and NOAA, from professional sports leagues to airline companies, from the military to private industries, such as insurance, utilities, and fisheries. The high school and post-secondary educational requirements as well as typical career paths and avenues to advancement are all outlined. This comprehensive, all-inclusive, one-stop guide to the field will set weather watchers on the path to an enriching and rewarding career in meteorology.