How can I break into the field of meteorology with my current background?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around transitioning into a career in meteorology, focusing on the necessary educational background, potential job opportunities, and training pathways. Participants explore the relevance of different degrees and experiences in relation to meteorology, as well as the types of jobs available in the field.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Career guidance

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to shift from software engineering to meteorology, highlighting a minor in earth, atmospheric, and planetary sciences and a long-standing interest in weather.
  • Another participant questions the necessity of a statistics degree for a career in meteorology, prompting clarification about the original poster's educational background.
  • There is confusion regarding the original poster's degrees, with multiple participants seeking clarification on whether they hold degrees in software engineering and math with computer science.
  • One participant suggests that a media meteorologist position may be accessible with a BS and a certificate, depending on personal traits, while also mentioning government job opportunities with NOAA, the military, and NASA.
  • Another participant emphasizes that academic positions typically require a PhD, suggesting that the original poster should consider their options carefully.
  • A link to a list of training programs and degrees in the US and Canada is provided for further exploration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the specific educational requirements or the best pathway into meteorology, indicating multiple competing views on the necessary qualifications and job opportunities.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the original poster's educational background and the specific requirements for various roles in meteorology. The discussion reflects differing opinions on the relevance of certain degrees and the types of jobs available in the field.

ACG
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Hi!

I was wondering what the best way would be for me to transition into a career in meteorology. I have a minor in earth, atmospheric, and planetary sciences from MIT (and would have probably become a meteorologist had I realized MIT had a degree in it!). My actual degree is in software engineering, but I've gotten a bit sick of that. I've been interested in weather my entire life, though.

I'm 38 and living in Boston. It would really help having job where you don't get yelled at if you make a mistake :)

Thanks in advance,

ACG
 
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I thought you needed statistics degree for that sort of thing.
 
Statistics? Why statistics?

My actual degree from MIT is actually math with computer science (so I've got a strong math background).
 
Wait I reread your post and I don't see any questions. What am i supposed to answer? I also thought you said your degree was from software engineering...
 
I have a software engineering degree but I'm thinking of changing careers. What additional training do I need? Where do I begin? Do I have to go back to school? Should I get involved with some weather forecasting group (at least amateur weather forecasting)?
 
Ok but just to clarify, you have 2 degrees? Software engineering degree and math with computer science ?
 
My degree is in math with computer science (theoretical CS for the most part with a strong math background) with a minor in earth, atmospheric, and planetary science. I have a master's in computer science.
 
ACG said:
My degree is in math with computer science (theoretical CS for the most part with a strong math background) with a minor in earth, atmospheric, and planetary science. I have a master's in computer science.

But you also said you had a software engineering degree. So can you clarify on that? Or is that your current occupation?
 
That's my current occupation. I was big on software for maybe 10 years and that's what my degree is in. My interests have changed a lot since then though, and meteorology/weather has always been a hobby.
 
  • #10
ACG said:
Hi!

I was wondering what the best way would be for me to transition into a career in meteorology. I have a minor in earth, atmospheric, and planetary sciences from MIT (and would have probably become a meteorologist had I realized MIT had a degree in it!). My actual degree is in software engineering, but I've gotten a bit sick of that. I've been interested in weather my entire life, though.

I'm 38 and living in Boston. It would really help having job where you don't get yelled at if you make a mistake :)

Thanks in advance,

ACG

What kind of job would you be looking at in meteorology? You could become a media meteorologist with a BS and possibly a certificate if you have the right kind of personal traits. Otherwise the US jobs are mostly with NOAA, the military/DOD and perhaps a few other government agencies such as NASA or DOA. There are some private sector jobs such as with airlines and private forecasting/consulting firms. Forget academic jobs unless you have, or are prepared to get a PhD.

EDIT: Here's a list of US and Canadian training programs and degrees offered:

http://www.nwas.org/links/universities.php
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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