National and provincial parks boards, fertiliser manufacturers, mining companies, educational institutions, commercial farms, self-emplo

What is a Meteorologist?

Weather happens every day and in every corner of the world. So, if you have an interest in weather and its patterns – Meteorology is the career path for you!

Meteorologists forecast the weather on a day to day basis. They usually forecast up to seven days ahead. This includes studying all aspects of the weather, for example: expected minimum and maximum temperatures, rainfall, winds, and any other severe weather warnings.

Meteorologist can work in many areas:

• Forecaster

The Central Forecasting Office in Pretoria gets weather information from around the world. The Forecaster then studies this data. From that, they predict the weather for that region.

• Broadcaster

Broadcasters analyse the weather patterns then report on the weather for television, radio etc.

• Researcher

Researchers study weather patterns for national weather bureaus, government and environmental protection agencies.

• Climatologist

A Climatologist works for The Weather Bureau and collects and stores all the data in an effective databank.  Seasonal studies on climate change have become increasingly important. This service is provided by the Weather Bureau and some other organisations.

• Teachers / Professors

Some meteorologists teach students to be meteorologists by imparting their experience and skills.  A few academic positions are available for meteorologists at universities.

• Forensic Meteorologist

Investigate claims for insurance companies basing their information on past weather patterns.  This will be used to assess the impact on the business.

• Consultant

Consultants advise companies on weather conditions so that the business concerned are able increase productivity by developing products to suit these conditions.

• Archive Meteorologist

They research, study and verify data and report on storms of the past.

What does a Meteorologist do?

• monitors weather patterns for specific regions
• collects and compares seasonal weather patterns
• studies the patterns and forecasts weather on a daily basis
• collates data and shares it with the media
• advises organisations, businesses on weather conditions so that they can make informed, productive decisions
• gives weather warnings so precautions can be taken

Are you . . . ?

• interested in the weather?
• interested in collecting data?
• scientific?
• decisive?
• pragmatic?
• good with communication skills?
• a hard worker?
• a team player?

How do I become a Meteorologist?

You need a BSc degree in meteorology to become a Meteorologist. A lot of people like to do the Honours degree too.

Some even specialise in Aeronautical Meteorology Forecasting. The University of Pretoria is the only place in South Africa that offers all these options.

• UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA
  

 http://programmes.up.ac.za/index.php?programme=19147

A short course is also available at Pretoria University to do: Aeronautical Meteorological Forecasting. Click here for more information

If you have done a BSc without specialising in Meteorology, you can go to South African Weather Services and do a 6 month course that will bridge this gap.

Minimum requirements: Senior Certificate with matric exemption.

Compulsory school subjects: Mathematics and Physical Science on the higher grade.

A driver’s licence is also essential, sometimes even compulsory.

• SOUTH AFRICAN WEATHER SERVICE

http://www.weathersa.co.za/component/content/category/12-learning

PLACES TO WORK:

• Weather bureaus
• Forecast stations at airports and airforce bases
• Television
• Government agencies

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Wind Energy Developer or Cartographer

Is becoming a Meteorologist the right career choice for me?

30.01.2015 – Posted on Facebook

What is a Cartographer?

The job of a Cartographer is to collect, analyse, and interpret geographic information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data.

A Cartographer researches, studies, and prepares maps and other spatial data in digital or graphic format for legal, social, political, educational and design purposes.

What does a Cartographer do?

• collects information about specific features of the earth, using aerial photography and other digital remote sensing techniques
• revises existing maps and charts – making all necessary corrections and adjustments
• compiles data required for map preparation, including aerial photographs, survey notes, records, reports, and original maps selecting aerial photographic, remote sensing techniques and plotting equipment needed to meet required standards of accuracy
• outlines aerial photographic detail, such as control points, hydrography, topography, and cultural features, using precision stereo-plotting apparatus or drafting instruments.
• builds and updates digital databases
• prepares and alters trace maps, charts, tables, detailed drawings, and three-dimensional optical models of terrain, using stereoscopic plotting and computer graphics equipment
• studies legal records in order to establish boundaries of local, national, and international properties
• travels over photographed areas in order to observe, identify, record and verify all relevant features

Are you … ?

• passionate about maps and the drawing up of maps?
• good at processing information such as compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data?
• computer literate?
• observant?
• good at monitoring processes
• good at communicating with people?
• a critical thinker
• logical?
• problem solver?
• mathematical?
• good at time management ?

How do I become a Cartographer?

Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.

Minimum entry requirements:

National Senior Certificate meeting diploma entry requirements
National Senior Certificate meeting degree entry requirements

Required schools subjects:  Mathematics and Physical Science
 

DIPLOMAS:

You can do your National Diploma, BTech and MTech at these institutions:

• DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

http://www.dut.ac.za/faculty/engineering/civil_engineering_and_surveying_dbn

• CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

http://www.cput.ac.za/academic/faculties/engineering/prospectus

DEGREES:

• NELSON MANDELA METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY

http://www.nmmu.ac.za/Courses-on-offer/Degrees,-diplomas—certificates/details.aspx?appqual=2B&qual=21517&faculty=1200

• INTERNATIONAL CARTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATION

http://icaci.org/tag/south-africa/

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Meteorologist and Graphic Designer

Is becoming a Cartographer the right career choice for me?

29.01.2015 Posted on Facebook

Climate Change Analysts evaluate scientific data and do extensive research about the climate.

The climate data often includes, but is not limited to, information about atmospheric temperature, ocean conditions, ice masses, and greenhouse gases.

They use this data to create models and to make predictions about what will happen to Earth’s climate in the future, and what impacts, if any, these changes will have on natural eco-systems and civilizations. They evaluate both economic and physical impacts.

What does a Climate Change Analyst do?

• analysing climate-related research findings
• proposing new or modify policies involving use of traditional and alternative fuels, transportation of goods, and other factors relating to climate and climate change
• researching policies, practices, or procedures for climate or environmental management
• making legislative recommendations related to climate change
• preparing study reports, academic papers, memoranda, briefs, testimonies, etc
• providing analytical support for policy briefs related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, or climate change
• developing educational or outreach programs
• gathering and review climate-related studies from government agencies, research laboratories, and other organisations
• preparing grant applications.
• presenting and defending proposals

Are you . . . ?

• interested in the social and environmental impacts of climate change?
• able to organize and sift through large amounts of data?
• good at deductive logic?
• good at communicating?
• good at writing?

How do I become a Climate Change Analyst? 

DEGREE:

A Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science or a related field is necessary to become a Climate Change Analyst. Most universities offer environmental science in South Africa.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Environmental Engineer or Meteorologist

Is becoming a Climate Change Analyst the right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

OFO No: 263203

What is a Geographer?

A Geographer studies spaces and locations around the world.

They often study:

Physical geography

• The study of the earth’s surface and natural phenomena.  A Geologist is more interested in what lies beneath the surface.
• A Geographer may also study weather patterns, eco systems and the relationship of various organisms etc.

Human geography

• The study of the relationship of people and places.
• This includes urban environments and the impact of humans on the environment (present, past and future). A Geographer in this area will be passionate about different cultures and societies and what impact they have on the environment.

What does a Geographer do?

• travels to various locations
• does research
• does interviews
• analyses and interprets data
• works with other scientists
• writes reports
• liaises and advises governments and other organisations

Are you . . . ?

• interested in geography?
• interested in different cultures?
• inquisitive?
• interested in research?
• a good communicator?
• willing to travel?
• organised?
• a people’s person?

How do I become a Geographer?

PATH 1

Bachelor of Geography degree

• University of Johannesburg
• University of KZN
• University of Pretoria
• University of the Free State

PATH 2

• Bachelor of Geography degree
• Honours in Geography

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
  

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Geologist or Land Surveyor

Is becoming a Geographer the right career choice for me?

JOB DESCRIPTION

Computer Cartographers integrate and create maps with global positioning system applications. 

They use specialised software to plot data by retrieving information from a database to form a map showing information such as geographic concentration, demographic information, weather and climate forecasts, geology or earthquake faults. 

The data they use will have co-ordinates that are obtained from surveying instruments.  They can  work for manufactureres of GPS Systems to create stored maps and databases for uses such as advising pilots, truck drivers or motorists what their current location in. 

Cartographers also create original maps and mapping databases from data gathered by surveyors, aerial photographers and satellitse.  Photogrammetrics are used to measure areas that cannot be accessed physically.