Jump Start -- by David Jurcevic

Here's the monthly look at some training, education, job hunting and networking opportunities, along with career-related information from other media:

Have you ever wondered about the ground that lies beneath you? How did it get there? Or even how old it is? The earth does not possess an unchangeable surface. Its own movement, natural forces, and the fact mankind is constantly changing the environment make this area of study paramount to our everyday lives and survival on this planet. If any of these thoughts have ever crossed your mind you might want to consider pursuing a career in the field of earth sciences.

The reasons for studying the earth's crust and its history are variable. Most often people will use this knowledge for mineral exploration or to help find resources like oil and gas. There are also opportunities for determining the suitability of various construction projects, providing input on environmental impact studies and clean-ups, and even the chance to study evolution and ancient environments.

In Alberta most of the earth science positions will relate to energy production. Individuals in these positions spend most of their time in an office environment with occasional fieldwork. Most occupations, however, require a minimum of a diploma or degree. In some cases a master's or PhD is preferred. (Visit the Industry Profile for a list of some careers in this field.) A degree in geology with a specialization in a specific area will cover most of the positions in the field.

When starting an education in this field it is suggested that a wide array of basic courses be taken in order to get an overall feel for the industry. Previous courses of study should include physics, chemistry, and math. Individuals will need to be able to operate a variety of instruments and have aptitude for math and science. The ability to visualize drawings in the third dimension as well as the fourth, time, are also important skills to develop.