Hydrology Career: Path to Becoming a Hydrologist

In summary, the speaker is a 25-year-old who has been teaching in Taiwan for the past two years but has now decided to pursue a career in hydrology. They became interested in this field due to their experience working for a water bottling company, reading about Viktor Schauberger, and learning about the projected growth of hydrology jobs. They plan to pursue a BS in Civil Engineering and Applied Mathematics, with additional classes in GIS and geology, but are open to suggestions from hydrologists. They are specifically interested in surface hydrology and want to use their career to help with clean water access and environmental protection. Despite having a BA in English, they are willing to spend the next five years in school to achieve their goals.
  • #1
Van Dolson
2
0
Hi.

I'm 25 years old with a wife and two sons. I've spent the last two years after graduation teaching at an academy in Taipei, Taiwan. While over there I decided I no longer wanted to teach English and that I wanted to get into hydrology.

Why hydrology? Several reasons. I used to work for my father-in-law's water bottling company, which probably got me interested in water. Reading about Viktor Schauberger furthered my interest. Also, finding out via the BLS website that hydrology jobs should grow pretty well in the next decade... helped. I know these might seem like odd reasons for becoming interested in hydrology, but reasons are reasons!

I already have a BA but I'm not exactly sure what the best path is towards hydrology. My current plan is to pursue a BS in Civil Engineering, because I've read that civil engineers can do hydrology work, and a second BS in Applied Mathematics. I also plan to pepper these two degrees with some GIS and geology classes.

So how does my plan sound? Are there any hydrologists here that could give me some pointers? Should I skip engineering, focus on the math and perhaps geography, and then go for a graduate program in hydrology?

At the moment I'm specifically interested in surface hydrology, and I would enjoy a career where I could help people find and use clean water, protect people from water-based environmental disasters, and protect water from contamination and pollution.

I understand I'll be spending the next five years or so in school. This is not a problem--I only mentioned my wife and two sons above for context ; I will be able to provide for them while pursuing my hydrology goals.

I appreciate any help I can get.
 
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  • #2
I failed to mention that my BA is in English, so I'll be pursuing hydrology with no background in the sciences or engineering.
 

What is hydrology and what do hydrologists do?

Hydrology is the study of water and its movement through the environment. Hydrologists use scientific principles and techniques to collect, analyze, and interpret data about water resources. They study the quantity, quality, and distribution of water on Earth and its effects on the environment and human activities.

What education and skills are needed to become a hydrologist?

To become a hydrologist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in hydrology, geoscience, environmental science, or a related field. Some employers may also require a master's or doctoral degree. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as proficiency in computer modeling and data analysis, are important for this career.

What types of jobs are available for hydrologists?

Hydrologists can work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, consulting firms, research institutions, and non-profit organizations. They may also work in industries such as agriculture, energy, and mining. Job titles for hydrologists may include water resource specialist, hydrologic modeler, environmental consultant, or research scientist.

What is the job outlook for hydrologists?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment for hydrologists will grow 5% from 2019 to 2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for water resource management and the need to address issues such as droughts, floods, and pollution. The growing focus on sustainability and the environment also creates opportunities for hydrologists.

What are some important skills and qualities for a successful hydrologist?

In addition to technical skills, successful hydrologists should have strong communication and teamwork abilities. They often work on interdisciplinary teams and need to be able to communicate complex information to a variety of audiences. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and adaptability are also important qualities for a hydrologist, as they may encounter unexpected challenges and need to find creative solutions.

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