Career as Geographer

Last Updated By Harleen Kaur on 20 Mar, 2022

How to Become a Geographer

About Geographer

The study of geography bridges the gap between the social and natural sciences and includes the study of various phenomena on the surface of the earth. Human Geography and Physical Geography are the two main branches of Geography. Physical Geography focuses on the spatial characteristics of natural phenomena associated with the earth. Human Geography, on the other hand, studies how humans interact with the physical spaces in which they live. Human Geography is considered part of social sciences while Physical Geography belongs to natural sciences.

There are various geography degrees including Bachelors and Masters in Geography such as B.A., B.Sc., at the undergraduate level, and M.A., M.Sc., at the postgraduate level.

Why Become a Geographer?

With its diverse geography, India is one of the most diverse countries in the world. From the Himalayas to the coasts to the deserts, the geography is simply astonishing. Geographical careers have a wide range of opportunities from here on. After completing their undergraduate or postgraduate degree, students can pursue careers in travel and tourism, cartography, and analysis. India’s diversity is unmatched in this ever-dynamic world that we will be in. The scope of a career in geography is booming especially in the travel and tourism industry as there is so much to explore in India.

Responsibilities of a Geographer

Provided below is the responsibility shared by a Geographer. Go through the pointers to understand the job profile better.

  • Geographers are responsible to gather geographic data through field observations, maps, photographs, satellite imagery, and censuses.
  • Their responsibility is to conduct research via surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
  • As a part of their work profile, it is their responsibility to create new and modify the existing maps for use.
  • They also use graphs, diagrams, and other visual representations for displaying their geographic data collected.
  • Suggesting improvement plans/revised data and strategies follow.

Eligibility to become Geographer

Mentioned below are the eligibility criteria of a geographer. Check out the eligibility criteria required for UG, PG candidates.

For UG Candidates

For PG Candidates

  • The candidate must secure at least 50% marks in class 12 in any stream from a recognized board. However, in top colleges, the cut-off is more than 85 percent.

 

  • The candidate must secure at least 50% marks in graduation from any recognized university or institution.
  • Some universities also conduct Entrance Exams for M.A. Geography. Students need to qualify for the examination to secure admission to the college.

 

Other Detailed Information

Particulars

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree

Entrance exams

There are no entrance exams as admissions are done based on class 12th results.

Entrance exams are conducted by the universities themselves; popular entrance exams include Jamia Milia Islamia Geography Entrance Exam,

JNU Entrance Exam, etc.

Course duration

3 years

1 - 2 years

(Vary from the university to university)

 

Course structure in brief

Students study the basics of both human and physical geography focusing on physical features and processes of the earth's surface, human-environment relations, and society’s interaction with numerous spaces covered.

Apart from that, practical skills are including remote sensing and Geographical Information systems (GIS).

Students choose from the various range of subjects based on their personal choice of interest. The subjects are broadly categorized into Physical Geography, Socio-Cultural Geography, Economic Geography, or Political Geography.

Apart from that, students are given options to take up courses from another related stream such as sociology, environmental, political science, etc.

 

Top colleges to pursue a career as a Geographer

The list of colleges offering Bachelor’s and Master's in Geography are tabulated below:

List of Colleges (Bachelors)

List of Colleges (Masters)

  • Presidency University, Kolkata
  • Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi
  • Lovely Professional University (LPU)
  • Banarash Hindu University, Varanasi
  • Kirori Mal College, Delhi
  • Lovely Professional University (LPU)
  • Jadavpur University, Kolkata
  • Presidency University, Kolkata
  • Dyal Singh College
  • SAGE University, Indore
  • Aligarh Muslim University
  • Netaji Subhas Open University
  • Nalanda Open University
  • Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata
  • Asutosh College, Kolkata
  • Sikkim University, Gangtok
  • Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, Delhi
  • Central University of Karnataka
  • Central University of Karnataka
  • Ravenshaw University, Cuttack

Types of Job Roles Geographer

Popular careers choices in Geography include academics (teacher/lecturer/professor), Researchers, Cartographers, Environmental consultants, Urban planners, Tourism officers, GIS Specialists, Demographers, Hydrologists, etc.

Here is the list of job roles offered to a Geographer:

  • Cartography
  • Survey
  • Urban and Regional Planner
  • Town Planning
  • Climate Change Analyst
  • Geospatial Analyst
  • Geomorphologist
  • GIS Specialist
  • Climatologist
  • Hydrologist
  • Location Analyst
  • Meteorologist
  • Pollution Analyst
  • Water Conservation Officer
  • Travel/Tourism Planner and Advisor
  • Conservationist (Soil)

Career-related to Geography

The list of other careers - related to Geography are tabulated below:

Anthropologists and Archaeologists

 

Anthropologists and archaeologists study human origin, development, and behavior. They examine and analyze the cultures, languages, archaeological remains, and physical characteristics of humans in various parts of the world.

 

Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

 

Cartographers and photogrammetrists primarily collect, measure, and interpret geographic information. They create and update maps, charts for regional planning, education purposes, emergency response, and other important purposes.

 

Economists

 

An Economists mainly study the production and distribution phase of resources, goods, and services by collecting data and analyzing it, researching updated trends, and evaluating economic issues.

Geoscientists

 

Geoscientists study the physical aspects of the Earth including its composition, structure, and processes. Learn about the past, present, and future.

 

Market Research Analysts

 

Market research analysts study the market – its conditions and evaluate the potential sales of a product or service. Analysts also help companies understand what products people want, who will buy them, and at what price.

 

Political Scientists

 

Political scientists focus on the origin, operation, and development of political systems. They mainly cover the research political ideas and analyze government policies, political trends, and issues related to them.

 

Postsecondary Teachers

 

Postsecondary teachers teach students a variety of academic as well as technical subjects which are beyond higher education. They also conduct research and publish scholarly papers and books with students.

 

Urban and Regional Planners

 

Urban and regional planners help in developing land use plans and programs that create communities, accommodate population growth and revitalize physical facilities in the cities.

 

Employment Sector/Industry for Geographer

There are various employment opportunities for a Geographer in different sectors. Some of the top sectors/industries that require a geographer are listed below:

  • Geological Survey of India (GSI)
  • GSPC
  • Institute of Himalayan Geology
  • Physical Research Laboratory (PRL)
  • Reliance Industries Limited (RIL)
  • Public and Private sectors
  • Academic Institutions
  • Research Organizations
  • Mining Industry
  • Resource Development Industry
  • Forest Service
  • Agricultural Research Agencies
  • NGOs

Top Recruiters in Geography

The top recruiters in India for geographers are listed below:

  • American Association of Geographers
  • Angelo State University
  • National Geographic Society
  • Coal India Ltd
  • Oil India Ltd
  • Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited
  • Jharkhand Public Service Commission
  • Andra Pradesh Public Service Commission
  • Gujarat Public Service Commission
  • Government of Assam
  • Institute for Social and Economic Change
  • Haryana Space Application Centre

Planning to choose Geographer as your career?

Pay Scale/Salary of Geographer

In India, top jobs as a geographer are highly varied, depending upon the academic achievements and experience earned the salary varies.

Job Profile

Minimum Average Salary

Maximum Average Salary

Demographer

INR 40,000 per month

INR 1,000,000 per month

*The salary would differ from person to person and from company to company.

Books & Study Material to Become Geographer

  • Geography of India by Majid Husain
  • World Geography by Majid Husain
  • Oxford School Atlas
  • Certificate Physical and Human Geography
  • Physical, Human, and Economic Geography for Civil Services Examination by D R Khuller

 

Pros of becoming a Geographer

  • Becoming a geographer is a practical and application-oriented subject
  • It is a flexible degree in terms of higher education
  • In comparison, competition for government jobs is less in this field.

  •  

Cons of becoming a Geographer

•    It is mandatory to have a Ph.D. or Master’s degree to pursue it further.
•    In comparison to another field, there are a smaller number of jobs directly related to this field.
•    For freshers, the average pay package is low initially.
 

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