Geographer is a professional who identifies studies and analyses the distribution, configuration and character of the surface of the earth. It includes the study of factors such as physical features, climate, soil, vegetation, population, land use and industries all over the world with their regional differentiation. With the increasing use of satellite technology and Geographical Information System in almost all walks of life, the job of a Geographer is becoming a more promising career option in recent time than ever before.
But to be an expert geographer one has to be very hard working and dedicated. To be a geographer is not an easy task as they have to work in varying atmospheric conditions at different places that too endlessly for several months at a stretch sometimes.
Geographer Eligibility
Candidates should be 12th class pass with Geography as one of the subjects. This is a minimum educational qualification to become eligible for graduate courses there.
Geographer Required Skills
- Geographer should possess perceptive and probing mind, keen observation, analytical and logical thinking and computer skills.
- Geographer must be physically fit and be healthy to work in any situation and locale and keep updated data regarding the earth and the changes occurring.
- They should be able to present geographic information in a variety of forms such as essays, paragraphs, poems, visuals, models, films, PowerPoint presentations, speeches, games, puzzles, blogs and graphic organisers.
How to become a Geographer?
Aspiring candidates have to follow the given steps to become a Geographer.
Step 1
After completing 12th class with relevant subjects the aspiring candidate have to take admission in a three-year undergraduate course with geography as one of the subjects at this level. This admission in this course is available in almost all the art colleges on first come first basis. However, some colleges take an entrance test to provide admission to the undergraduate course in geography as one main subject i.e. (Geography Honours).
Step 2
After completing this 3 years of undergraduate degree course one can go for the master’s Degree / M.Phil. / PhD. At these levels, one can choose any specialized courses in Geography like Cartography, Urban and Town Planning, Regional Planning, Physiography, Climatology.
Step 3
After having these qualifications in hand one can look for a career in teaching at the high school or community college level, to be a cartographer or GIS specialist, or work in business or government.
Institutes offering Courses for Geographer
- University of Madras, Chennai
- University of Delhi (DU), Delhi
- Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh
Geographer Job Description
These are the professional responsible for finding important and vital information about the earth. In the present age of satellite technology and GIS, varied career options are open for a well-qualified and able geographer. They can work with various government departments and research institutes. Several private sector organization using GIS and remote sensing technology also require the service of a qualified geographer. Geographers can also join NGOs and other developmental agencies engaged in population studies, rural development and various environmental issues. The opening of so many channels like National Geographic and Discovery etc. completely dedicated to the geography have further increased the importance of these professionals as they can make their career in the field of mass media by joining these channels as expert analysts etc. Teaching in schools/ colleges/universities is also a good option for geographers. They can also work on various assignments independently and sell their finding and expertise to various institutions/organization working in the same field.
Geographer Career Prospects
Enormous employment opportunities are available for geographers not only in the public sector but also in the private sector now. Companies in the private sector are now recognizing the skill that a geographically-trained individual can bring to their use. Geographer Career includes one working as a planner, cartographer (map makers), GIS specialist, analyst, scientist, researcher and many other important positions in big organisations. Experienced geographers can also be found working as instructors, professors, and researchers at schools, colleges, and in universities.
Geographers Salary
Fresher can expect Rs.30,000 to Rs.40,000 and if one decides to join some overseas organization he can get anywhere near Rs.50,000 and more. After gaining some on job experience one gets as good as Rs.60,000 per month and more. Depending on their area of specialization, geographers may also be employed as forest managers or in agricultural or economic institutes or as demographers in government and research organizations. A geography background is also an asset for careers in travel and tourism, particularly for Travel Journalism.
How is Geographer Different from Geologist?
Geography is commonly divided into Human Geography and Physical Geography, the difference between Physical Geography and Geology is often confusing. Geographers tend to study the surface of the earth, its landscapes, its features, and why they are, where they are?
Geologists look deeper into the earth than geographers and study its rocks, the internal processes of the earth (such as plate tectonics and volcanoes), and study periods of earth history many millions and even billions of years ago.
