Atmospheric science studies various factors that affect the environment, such as changes in the physical characteristics of the Earth. Meteorologists, also known as atmospheric scientists, are in charge of forecasting the weather and recognizing climate change and weather patterns. People rely on meteorologists to predict the weather, such as tomorrow's temperature or when extreme weather, such as a hurricane or tornado, occurs. However, before you can predict the weather, first learn how to become a meteorologist.
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Part 1 of 2: Choosing the Right Education
Step 1. Choose the right major in high school
If you want to become a meteorologist, start preparing yourself in high school. Choose a science major; study mathematics and various natural science subjects. In the United States, many schools provide more advanced courses whose grades can be transferred at a later date to fill in the appropriate course grades.
- Study calculus, physics, chemistry, and earth science.
- Improve writing skills in English and Indonesian classes. Scientists must write papers as well as research reports. Meteorologists working at TV stations must be able to communicate well.
Step 2. Learn technology
Meteorologists use computers to help conduct research and forecast the weather. Meteorological research is often done with computer programs and models. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of computers and technology is essential for a career in meteorology.
Step 3. Get a bachelor of science degree
Meteorologists have a bachelor of science degree in atmospheric science or meteorology.
- While in college, take math and science-related courses, such as calculus, physics, dynamics, synoptic, and computer programming.
- Some meteorologists have degrees that combine meteorology with other fields such as chemistry, geology, oceanography, physics, or statistics. Taking a computer science course can also be useful.
- If you want to become a meteorologist working for a TV station, take journalism classes, speeches, or other subjects related to mass media.
- If you want to work in a government institution immediately after obtaining a bachelor's degree, take courses according to the requirements set by the institution; there must be at least 24 credits of atmospheric science or meteorology.
Step 4. Get a postgraduate degree
Depending on the desired job, a master's degree, or even a doctorate, may be required. Most meteorologists have advanced degrees in related fields; some even have 2 different masters of science degrees. Some master's programs focus more on other fields such as mathematics or computer science than meteorology.
- Many high-level positions require a minimum of a master's degree. If you want to become a researcher, a doctorate (Ph. D) is required.
- There are about 100 undergraduate and master's degree programs in meteorology.
Step 5. Get an internship position
A great way to gain experience while at school, whether in high school or undergraduate/postgraduate studies, is by doing an internship. Seek internship positions with local meteorologists. Internship is a valuable experience that deserves to be included in a job application letter and CV.
If there is no internship position, ask a meteorologist if you can join and see it work
Part 2 of 2: A Career in Meteorology
Step 1. Choose a meteorology profession that interests you
Apart from forecasting the weather, meteorologists also study the characteristics and processes of the atmosphere and their effect on the environment. Climate and its changes are also included in the field of meteorology. There are a wide variety of meteorology professions:
- Operational meteorologists are in charge of forecasting the weather.
- Climatologists study the long-term effects of changing seasons (months or even years).
- Physical meteorologists study the atmosphere and its physical substances.
- Synoptic meteorologists use mathematical models to create various tools, such as computer programs that can help forecast the weather.
- Environmental meteorologists study problems, such as air pollution, that damage Earth's atmosphere.
Step 2. Decide where you want to work
Meteorologists can work in many places. Each profession in meteorology demands a slightly different educational background. However, a master's degree increases your chances of getting the job as well as the promotion you desire.
- Meteorologists may work in government agencies, such as the Ministry of Defense, NASA, NOAA, or the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency.
- Meteorologists can also work on TV stations, local or national, for example TVRI Central Java, Kompas TV, Metro TV, RCTI, and others.
- Meteorologists can also work in private companies. Many private companies employ meteorologists to help predict weather and climate patterns that can affect company performance. Meteorologists can also work in agriculture or tackle air pollution. Airlines need weather forecasts from meteorologists to plan flights. Shipping and insurance companies also need the services of meteorologists.
- There is also the profession of forensic meteorologist, whose job is to provide consultation, data, and meteorological information related to legal cases.
Step 3. Get a professional certificate
The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) provides certification programs for certain meteorological professions. In the United States, the American Meteorological Society also offers a professional meteorology certification program that includes broadcasting and consulting.
The American Meteorological Society offers a broadcasting meteorology professional certification program for meteorologists working on TV and radio. The certification requirements include having a bachelor's degree in meteorology and submitting work samples. Furthermore, you also have to pass the test
Step 4. Take the training
Some companies require new employees to undergo training first. The National Weather Service (in the United States), for example, requires employees to complete 200 hours of job training per year for 2 years.
Be prepared to undergo training and gain experience if you wish to work in a government agency. The government usually places you in an internship position with assignments in various places to study weather systems and forecasting. After the training is complete, you will be assigned to a certain place
Step 5. Attend the conference
One way to expand connections, meet people, and find out about the latest research is to attend conferences. Meteorological communities, such as the American Meteorological Society, sponsor conferences where meteorologists can present papers and research results.
Papers and research results can then be published in professional journals
Step 6. Find a job
Start looking for job vacancies on the internet. Try applying for a job as a meteorological consultant in a private company. You can also apply for jobs at TV stations. Start working at a small TV station before trying to move to a big TV station.
- Look for work in government agencies. BMKG has offices throughout Indonesia. The Ministry of Defense also employs meteorologists.
- Find a job through a university or meteorological community. Several universities and meteorological communities help students and members find work in private companies.
Step 7. Prepare to work hard
The meteorology profession is not an easy job. Mathematics, science, and computers must be mastered because, in meteorology, they are used routinely. Good communication skills are also required, especially if working in broadcasting. In addition, you must also be able to work in a team.
- Be prepared to work in a variety of environments. Many meteorologists follow the weather, which is sometimes dangerous weather. Meteorologists even provide live reports from the location of storms, blizzards, or tornadoes.
- Be prepared to have flexible and even long working hours.
- Look for work in government agencies. BMKG has offices throughout Indonesia. The Ministry of Defense also employs meteorologists.
Tips
- Get a doctorate if you want to be a researcher at a university.
- Meteorologists can earn a second bachelor's degree in engineering, instead of progressing to a master's degree.
