Career Essay

Meteorology is one of the most interesting career fields because it is constantly changing along with the world. Meteorology is the study of the weather and the atmosphere on earth. This career is difficult, and requires a great deal of commitment. The field of meteorology can be rewarding, because through your research and forecasting, you can affect and help save many lives. Meteorology is divided into two separate fields: research and forecasting. Research is looking into how the weather and even the world is changing around us, whereas weather forecasting is predicting how and where current weather systems will affect the population in that specific area. A bachelor’s degree is required for almost any job in meteorology, however, in the research field, a Master’s degree is required. Having a good work ethic, and being able to work with a team is almost mandatory to have any job in meteorology. Meteorology is a tough career, but is also a science that I truly love.

The research and forecasting fields differ greatly in many ways. The research field is primarily looking at the future weather patterns, and trying to predict how they will impact the world. To predict future weather patterns, meteorologists use many models that they configure on computers to simulate what will happen in the future. Research meteorologists work as a group to increase their productivity. They find their data independently, and then present their information to their colleagues to obtain constructive criticism on how to improve their models. After the peer review, researchers obtain ideas to improve their work. Classes in chemistry and computers are very helpful to be able to work in this career field. You are required to get a Master’s degree, bu...

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... would love this job. The negatives are outweighed by the rewarding fact that with every forecast you produce, or with every bit of research you do, you are helping to save someone’s life.

Works Cited

Interview with Dr. Samson Hagos, Climate Physics Scientist, April 10, 2014.

Interview with Senior Master Sergeant Terrance Smiley, United States Air Force Meteorologist, April 13, 2014.

Interview with Dr. Chun Zhao, Climate Physics Scientist, April 10, 2014.

Summary. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 8 Jan. 2014. Web. Retrieved April 29, 2014 from

NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory. Career Options for Meteorologists. Department of Commerce, n.d. Web. Retrieved April 29, 2014 from