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Geologists work to understand the history of our planet. The better they can understand Earth’s history the better they can foresee how events and processes of the past might influence the future.

Molly Nelson ’19 studies Italian and archaeology
Molly Nelson ’19 studies Italian and archaeology

Prepare for Jobs and Internships

Information, tips, and strategies to help prepare you as an undergraduate.

Industry Sectors

  • Energy: Geologists working in the area of energy use various methods to determine where energy sources are accumulated. They may pursue work tasks including exploration, well site operations, and mud logging.
  • Environmental Geology: Geologists in this category may focus on studying, protecting, and reclaiming the environment.
  • Geologic Mapping: Geologists interested in geologic mapping collect, process, analyze, translate, and disseminate earth-science information through geologic maps.
  • Hazards: Geologists in this area focus on the detection of hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, floods, and tsunamis, as well as the effects of these hazards on the landscape.
  • Minerals: Geologists who study mineralogy or mining geology are interested in locating the accumulations of minerals or metals within the earth’s crust. They may pursue work tasks including exploration, well site operations, mine design, reclamation, and groundwater management.
  • Planetary Sciences: Geologists involved in planetary sciences may participate in processing and analyzing data from various missions to bodies in our solar system, assisting in finding potential landing sites for exploration vehicles, mapping neighboring planets and their moons, and conducting research to better understand the origins, evolutions, and geologic processes operating on these bodies.
  • Education: There are opportunities for academic careers in geology at museums, colleges/universities, and elementary/secondary schools.

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Information, tips, and strategies to help prepare you as an undergraduate.

General Information and Strategies

  • Within the many facets of geology, there is often an overlap of job functions. However, many geologists find advantage in becoming more specialized.
  • Gaining experience is very important, and there are many opportunities for students to obtain volunteer, part-time, summer, field camp, internship, and/or co-op experiences in various geological areas.
  • Possess a love of the outdoors, an interest in nature, and a desire to travel.
  • Develop physical stamina to work and conduct research in remote areas under various conditions.
  • Obtain experience in mapping and surveying. Develop skills with measuring equipment as well as laboratory equipment and processes.
  • Acquire a business background to help in managing projects and assessing economic costs and benefits.
  • Join groups directed toward improvement of natural resources, environment, and pollution control including professional organizations related to your interest area(s).
  • Develop exceptional computer skills.
  • Learn a foreign language for work in other countries.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential. The ability to market your skills and write proposals is necessary to maintain steady work. Grants may be necessary to start and continue projects.

Graduate School and Certification Information

  • A bachelor’s degree may be sufficient for entry-level industry positions.
  • A master’s degree is often preferred for state survey work, the oil industry, and for advancement in the field.
  • Employment prospects are best for those with master’s degrees, familiarity with advanced technologies such as computer modeling, and willingness to relocate.
  • Maintain a high GPA and secure strong faculty recommendations for admittance to graduate school.
  • Research licensure and certification laws by state for pursuing registered geologist credentials.

Alumni Advice

Advice from alumni who work in this industry.

headshot of Alison MacNamee ’12

Alison MacNamee ’12

Current Title and Organization: Geologist, Hess Corporation

Major at ºÚÁÏÍø: Geology

Advanced Degrees: Master's Degree in Geological and Earth Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin

What do you currently do?

I am currently in training as a geoscientist at Hess Corporation—an independent energy company focused on the exploration and production of oil and natural gas. My job is to develop a broad technical skill set as I rotate through different company assets. My responsibilities have included mapping depositional systems in offshore Brazil, analyzing well logs for rock physics models, and mapping structures in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico to explore for prospective oil accumulations.

What was your first position out of ºÚÁÏÍø and what did you do in that role?

After Colgate, I became a graduate research and teaching assistant at The University of Texas at Austin. I pursued a Master’s degree in geological sciences by conducting both field and lab-based research in geo/thermochronology, structural geology, and tectonics. I also worked teaching classroom courses and the university’s undergraduate geology field camp.

How can students prepare themselves while at ºÚÁÏÍø to work in your field?

There are many ways to prepare for a career in the energy industry while in college. I would encourage students to challenge themselves with a variety of courses in geology as well as math, chemistry, physics, and biology. Try to gain exposure to software applied in the industry, for example, by taking a course in GIS. Seek out professors for advice and opportunities to participate in research projects to learn how to acquire data and develop critical thinking skills. Participate in professional geological and geophysical organizations, and attend conferences. You will have the opportunity to meet industry professionals and potential graduate school advisors, as well as to gain presentation skills. There are also many internships in the industry available to undergraduates that you can learn more about from these professional networks or from your professors.

What extracurricular activities, associated with your profession or not, were you involved with while at ºÚÁÏÍø?

While at ºÚÁÏÍø I was involved with research projects conducted in the geology department both over the summer and during the school year. I worked as a teaching assistant for multiple geology labs and field camp, and as a Residential Advisor in the dorms. I also enjoyed time on the rugby pitch and on the cross-country trails where I ran and skied.

Find Opportunities

  • – a great site that lists paid summer research and internships, scholarship opportunities, post-baccalaureate programs, and short term opportunities
  • - use drop down menu to sort from a variety of vacancy types
  • - A program designed to provide students with opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school.

 

  •  â€“ Use drop down menu to sort from a variety of vacancy types.
  •  â€“ Online resource for STEM jobs.
  • Visit  for information about companies and careers. The site provides the industry context needed to identify your best job opportunities. Use the Research Companies tab to browse popular industries, or search for key terms using the search bar. You will need to create an account using your Colgate email address to view this content.

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Geology Adviser