A career as a Meteorologists

Meteorologists are scientists that study the atmosphere and related consequences to a variety of different fields. The study results include collecting data on climatic change and the impact of pollution and deforestation among other things on the environment.

This job is especially important because the information gathered by meteorologists is critical to all live on this planet. Data gathered by meteorologists are used by several other fields as well such as airlines, ships, agriculture and more.

This is an important field of work and the data processed by Meteorologists is critical to the functioning of our planet. Data for weather forecasts are gathered by Meteorologists and the Meteorological department, this data as gathered by observing, understanding and as a result being able to forecast weather.

Career Prospects:

People who have studied Meteorology can choose to work for the government, private organizations or teach the subject. This is not a glamorized field of work although it is very important, generally people who work as meteorologists have joined this field of study motivated by some personal interest in the subject.

Depending upon the field of specialization a meteorologist can earn different amounts. Scientists can choose to work with either the civilian government, military or private organizations which may include nongovernment organizations [NGO] as well.

Education Required:

The education required to become a meteorologist is studying science in the final years of school, this followed by meteorology degree. This is a basic education for becoming a meteorologist; if a person chooses he or she can follow this up with post graduate level degrees. There are a number of colleges and universities in India offering courses on the subject, after a basic degree a person can then pursue a specialized course if they choose.

The various fields of specialization relate to agricultural meteorology, hydro- meteorology, aviation related meteorology, nuclear related meteorology, maritime related meteorology and weather forecasting. A meteorologist can select to study and specialize in any one of these fields; depending on the field they have chosen they will receive employment accordingly.

General work profile:

The general work profile of a meteorologist includes working outdoor as well as lab work and analyzing data. Typically a meteorologist needs to be prepared to work in the field gathering data as well as analyzing statistics and data gathered from satellites and other equipment.

A meteorologist needs to be proficient in operating equipment such as anemometers, radiosondes, rain gauges, to name a few as well as a host of other equipment electronic and non electronic for the measurements of humidity, temperature, wind speed, when direction, pollution and a variety of other statistics that need to be gathered to accurately understand, study and predict climatic conditions.

Earning Potential:

The salary of a meteorologist can vary however at a starting stage they can expect to earn approximately 15,000 rupees to 20,000 rupees. On a senior level a meteorologist can currently expect to earn approximately 75,000 rupees per month. People working in more specialized fields for either the military or nongovernment organizations can earn on a different level. The figures provided here are just estimates of the current earning potential.