Hot Tip -- by Susanne Albrecht

It's an exciting time to pursue a career in earth sciences.

Today's environmental challenges require the expertise of the people who know the earth best: earth scientists. These scientists help develop solutions to problems such as an increasing world population that is dependent on a scarce supply of natural resources.

It's important that earth scientists have a broad understanding of environmental issues because everything in the environment is interconnected. For example, if soil becomes contaminated then water will become contaminated. Water contamination will affect plants and animals. Therefore, anyone studying an area such as soil must understand other areas such as water, plants and animals.

Aspiring earth scientists may want to ensure that their education has sufficient breadth. Here are some suggestions in regard to post-secondary programs:

1) Obtain training in geological courses as well as chemistry, biology, math and computer science. Don't forget to take courses such as literature and history that will help you think creatively.

2) Ask yourself where you see yourself working within earth sciences. Would you like to work in a university, an oil and gas company or the government? Don't be afraid to investigate other work environments.

3) Take advantage of the field work opportunities that may arise shortly after you begin post-secondary studies. Field work is an excellent opportunity to get your hands dirty by delving into the many areas of earth sciences. Try to keep an open mind: if you enjoy studying fossils, why not try studying earthquake waves?

4) You may want to find a specialization in addition to gaining a broad understanding of environmental issues. For example, the Alberta government is changing legislation for how oil and gas wells are reclaimed. By 2005, a specialist such as an agrologist or a hydrologist will need to sign reclamation and remediation reports for all land. In addition, specializing may result in increased responsibility and pay.

Whether looking at earth satellite images or rocks through a microscope, earth scientists have a unique and valuable perspective on the earth. They are often at the forefront of making crucial decisions about the future of the planet. These decisions are best informed by an education that encourages thinking "outside the box."

(Susanne Albrecth is a career advisor at the Calgary Youth Employment Centre.)