Diana M. Wilcox
December 7, 1999
English 111 section 14
Meteorology as a Career
I’m really fascinated by weather and earth sciences. I have always wanted to be in a field that consists of anything dealing with the environment and environmental sciences. Through a job search, I found a pretty good job that is related to my major. The job title is a long-range weather forecaster.
In order to become a weather forecaster, certain requirements must be met. Strong analytical skills are prerequisite. A strong background in all levels of mathematics to include basic math, algebra, trigonometry, geometry, calculus, differential equations and statistics is similarly required. Science courses including biology, chemistry, geology, physics, and oceanography are also a must. Entry level courses won’t suffice; one must take the most advanced courses available in order to meet the challenges of high level research (Shelley).
Mastery of the above course work and experience actually observing the weather are the basic requirements for becoming a meteorologist. A Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology or the Atmospheric Sciences or certification that core courses have successfully been completed grants you the title "Meteorologist" by the American Meteorological Society. Additionally, post graduate work to include research, teaching, or management positions earn a Masters of Science or a Doctoral degree in the field (Shelley).
Several colleges and universities offer degrees in meteorology. Most prestigious among them are the University of Chicago, Florida State University, Penn State University, and the University of Colorado. I also found out that if you are really interested in this field you could go to your local National Weather Service Forecast Office and meet with other Meteorologists. You can also get lists of the colleges that offer degrees in meteorology from the American Meteorological Society or the National Weather Association.
Availability of positions in this field is a constant. Weather remains a mystery and challenge to man that will always require knowledgeable and skilled people. The effects of weather involve the saving of human life from threats such as hurricanes and floods. The ability to predict weather events with some degree of certainty also translates into untold billions of dollars to stock and commodity brokers, insurance providers, the transportation industry, and energy/power providers.
Pay and compensation in this field are very good also. An entry-level forecaster for The Weather Channel, for instance, earns over $35,000 per year. I could make a decent living for myself with that kind of money, and that is just scratching the surface. National Weather Service meteorologists earn upwards of $50,000 per year and department heads earn even more. TV weather forecasters in large and lucrative markets, earn from $30,000 per year to as much as $500,000 per year.
When I went to conduct my interview, I had no clue that this would be so informative, and that the people in the meteorology field were willing to share so much detail about what they do. Even more fascinating was my visit with my dad to a meeting of the Hampton Roads Chapter of the American Meteorological Society. There we met with about thirty other weather professionals, and discussed current and future weather conditions. After I left from the meeting, my father and I went home and I interviewed him. This is what I found out. I asked him why did he choose meteorology as a career?
He stated that at the very outset he did not choose meteorology, it chose him. He enlisted in the Air Force actually to enter the intelligence field or to become a photographer. His aptitude scores, background in science, and desire for a challenge led those who assign people to various career fields to match him to a shortfall in weather personnel.
A typical day for a long-range weather forecaster consists of analyzing current weather data, comparing current conditions to computer model based predictions, comparing that information to climatological records and finally predicting what weather we can expect over the next two weeks to 13 months. It sounds easy but it really is not. These forecasts are prepared for an area extending from Norfolk, Virginia south to Jacksonville, Florida and west to Atlanta, Georgia as well as all of the West Coast from Washington state south to San Diego, California.
According to Mr. Wilcox, a weather forecaster must also have the ability to communicate very well. Written studies must be technical, accurate, coherent, and complete. These written communications are delivered at multiple levels from fellow meteorologists to department heads and high-level research scientists. These reports must also be versatile in that they must be communicated in casual format as well as formal formats. Additionally, oral communications are extremely important. Weather forecasters prepare briefings to varied and diverse groups ranging from elementary school children to emergency management professionals or professional symposia to other meteorologists.
Computer skills are very important as well. Database programs, spreadsheets, word processing programs and specialized weather programs are but a few necessities required. Computer modeling and preparation of weather graphics are also "must have" skills. The ability to use various computers (desktops, laptops) is important, as well as peripheral devices such as scanners, printers, and multi-media projectors. Computers are primarily a tool used to compile and maintain databases, to prepare and present multimedia presentations, and to prepare correspondence. Data must be accessed from text and graphical model weather data and various scientific databases in order to analyze and prepare long range weather forecasts. Also real-time satellite and radar weather data is obtained via the use of computers.
In about ten or twenty years ahead in a professional life as a meteorologist, I would like to move on to something bigger and better. In that time, I can see myself being my own boss, working healthy hours, and out in the front line studying every detail about a particular weather event or phenomenon or explaining why I think the weather is the way that it is. I would master very important skills that will guide me on my way down the path of ultimate success and happiness.
Works Cited
Shelley, Kristina. Significant Points. Accessed on 8 Nov. 1999. <http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos051.htm>
Wilcox, Thomas. Personal interview. 8 Nov.1999
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