Workforce Report Released Summarizing the Geoscience Career Master's Preparation Survey

The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) has released a report assessing the academic experiences of Master’s candidates in geology, geography or hybrid geology-geography programs. The study titled, “Geoscience Career Master’s Preparation Survey” sought to understand students’ experiences, their career goals and interests, and how well they are being prepared to enter into non-academic positions.

Students surveyed mostly wanted to pursue government or industry-related positions, and that individuals ranging from research advisors and faculty, to significant others and family members influenced their career decisions. Assessments of a student’s exposure to certain skill sets, known as competencies, were compared against those identified by scientific and professional societies as baseline skill sets needed for professional practice. In addition, the survey polled non-academic professionals’ valuations of these same skills, and how important each are to professionals’ current positions in the workforce.

The result of this study provides valuable insight into how workforce-ready this subset of students is upon graduation. This study was done collaboratively between the American Geosciences Institute and the Association of American Geographers, and was funded by a National Science Foundation. A printed copy of the report can be purchased through amazon.com or a free PDF of the report may be downloaded from AGI’s Workforce website at www.americangeosciences.org/workforce/reports.