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Geographer

Geographers study patterns resulting from the relationship between human activities and the Earth's surface.

 

Tasks & duties

Geographers may do some or all of the following:

  • design surveys or questionnaires to gain data for geographic analysis
  • analyse statistics or other geographic information
  • advise industry, government organisations or other groups on issues such as urban planning, tourism, land and marine use, and the environment
  • conduct fieldwork
  • prepare maps, graphs and other types of geographic information
  • prepare and present research findings
  • meet with clients to discuss research outcomes
  • develop and run geographic information systems
  • teach geography at university or school

 

Skills & knowledge

Geographers need to have:

  • knowledge of the physical environment
  • a broad knowledge of related subjects such as geology, sociology, history, psychology and statistics
  • research skills, including the ability to analyse and interpret information
  • map-reading skills
  • oral and written communication skills
  • people skills
  • planning and organisational skills
  • computer skills

Fluency in a foreign language is also becoming an advantage in many areas of geography.

 

Entry requirements

To become a geographer you need to have a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Social Sciences, a Bachelor of Science majoring in geography, or a degree in an associated field such as planning or resource management. However, many employers prefer geographers to complete further study, such as a Doctorate.

 

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is needed to enter further training. Useful subjects include geography, sociology, history, geology, economics, maths, politics, Maori and languages.

 

Training on the job

Many skills are gained on the job and professional development is available through the NZ Geographical Society.

 

Useful experience

Useful experience for geographers includes research or statistical work, environmental or field survey work, or work involving consultation with the local community. Exposure to a range of places or countries may also be useful.

 

Related courses

Human Geography

 

For more information, please refer to Career Services.

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