To become a mining geologist, you’ll need to figure out what kind of education and work experience you’ll need. In general, looking at job descriptions to see what potential employers are looking for can help you plan for a career as a mining geologist. Other people who can help you plan your career are guidance counselors in high school or college, potential employers, and other mining or geology professionals. People frequently learn how to become mining geologists speaking with people who are currently employed in the field.
Job advertisements can frequently provide useful information on how to become a mining geologist. Job duties, education requirements, and other information, such as required certifications or work experience, are typically listed in an ad. For example, a mining geologist might be required to have prior experience with specific computer software and mining systems one employer. Detailed job descriptions are frequently available through online employment agencies or guidance counselors.
You can learn whether employers require applicants to have a college diploma looking at job descriptions. Employers often have different school requirements for entry-level mining geologists than for senior geologists, but in general, employers expect less education for entry-level mining geologists than for senior geologists. A mining company, for example, requires junior geologists to have a bachelor’s degree in geology and a few years of field geology experience. A master’s degree is required for a senior geologist at the same company, though a doctorate in geology is preferred. A geologist must have a bachelor’s degree and two or more years of field experience, or a master’s degree and one year of experience, according to another company.
You can seek advice from a school guidance counselor if you are attending or planning to attend college. Choose a school that focuses on the sciences, such as geology and earth sciences, when choosing a school. If the school offers a job placement program or a work-study program that counts as work experience, that is advantageous. Computer science, mathematics, and communication are some of the school courses that will help you become a mining geologist. Mining geologists frequently communicate with superiors, other company employees, and government agencies, both orally and in writing.
Shadowing a working geologist is one of the best ways to learn how to become a mining geologist. Occasionally, employers will allow prospective students to shadow a mentor on the job. Other businesses allow people to work as apprentices. It is possible to work at a mining company while attending school in some cases, and some companies will pay for an employee’s education entirely or partially.