Travel And Work: Geography Degree Opportunities

A degree in geography opens up a wide range of career paths, including those in the education, environmental, commerce, industry, transport, energy, tourism and public sectors. Geography graduates have developed skills in mathematics, analytics, research, and data collection, making them attractive to employers in business, law, and finance. With its interdisciplinary and holistic approach, a geography degree prepares you for careers in private industry, government, non-profits, research, and higher education. If you're looking to work and travel with your geography degree, you might consider roles such as geopolitical analyst, travel writer, or international development project officer.

Environmental consultant

A degree in geography provides a strong foundation for a career as an environmental consultant, as it equips individuals with research and analytical skills that are highly valued in this field. Knowledge of physical geography, in particular, can be advantageous for understanding the Earth's physical materials and processes when assessing environmental issues.

To become an environmental consultant, it is beneficial to have a bachelor's or master's degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, or a related field. Some employers may also accept a degree in geography or a similar discipline. Gaining work experience through internships or entry-level positions is highly recommended for breaking into this field.

The average salary for an environmental consultant is $72,774 per year, although this can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and the employer.

Conservation officer

A conservation officer, also known as a nature, biodiversity, or environmental conservation officer, is responsible for protecting, managing, and enhancing the environment across various habitats and species. This role involves both practical and theoretical elements, and officers may work in forests, national parks, coastlines, rivers, and urban areas. Conservation officers often spend a lot of time outdoors and may need to travel to different locations. They also perform desk-based work, including administrative tasks and research.

A key aspect of being a conservation officer is engaging with and educating the local community. Officers develop and promote local and national biodiversity action plans, raise awareness about the natural environment, and generate interest in conservation among the community. They also advise stakeholders and work with residents, landowners, rangers, and local governments.

Typical duties of a conservation officer include:

• Fieldwork and site visits: Conservation officers undertake surveys, record data, and monitor habitats and animal species. They also perform practical management of green spaces.
• Report writing and record-keeping: Officers document their findings and maintain detailed records. They also draft grant or funding proposals and write communications and publicity materials.
• Policy development: Conservation officers work on developing and implementing policies for sustainable management, including setting targets within national biodiversity action plans.
• Advising on developments: Officers provide advice and guidance on developments in the area to ensure they align with environmental goals.
• Publicising conservation efforts: Conservation officers contribute to publicising events at conservation sites and raising awareness about threatened species.
• Education: They may also educate young people about the importance of conservation and develop visitor attractions to encourage engagement with nature.

To become a conservation officer, a bachelor's degree is not always required, but it can be advantageous in competitive fields. Relevant degrees include geology, biology, environmental science, conservation biology, wildlife conservation, and criminal justice. Work experience is also highly valued, and people often volunteer or take on seasonal work to gain relevant skills.

Travel writer

A degree in geography can be a great starting point for a career as a travel writer. Travel writers typically create content related to tourism, such as guidebooks, resort and hotel reviews, and social media posts. They may work freelance or for a company, but their primary job is to produce informative articles about interesting places. Here are some steps you can take to become a travel writer with a geography degree:

• Develop strong writing skills: Enroll in writing courses or workshops, read widely, and practice writing regularly. Consider starting a blog or contributing to online publications to gain experience and build a portfolio. Strong writing skills are essential for effectively conveying your travel experiences and creating engaging content.
• Travel extensively: Explore new places, immerse yourself in different cultures, and gain first-hand travel experiences. Start by travelling within your region and gradually expand your horizons to more distant destinations. This will provide you with a wealth of personal experiences and insights to draw from in your writing.
• Choose a niche: Find your unique voice by specializing in a specific type of travel writing. Consider focusing on adventure travel, budget travel, luxury travel, family travel, or cultural travel. This will make it easier to pitch stories to editors and establish yourself in the travel writing market.
• Build a portfolio: Create a collection of your best travel writing samples, including blog posts, articles, and published work. Submit your writing to online publications, local newspapers, or travel magazines to gain exposure and build your reputation. A strong portfolio will be essential when pitching your work to editors and potential clients.
• Network and connect with others in the industry: Attend travel writing conferences, join travel writing organizations, and connect with other writers and industry professionals. These connections can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration. It's also a great way to stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the field.
• Pitch stories to editors: Once you have a solid portfolio, start pitching story ideas to editors of travel magazines, newspapers, and websites. Research the publications you want to pitch to, understand their editorial style, and tailor your pitch accordingly. Be persistent and don't be discouraged by rejection, as it is a common part of the process.

Urban planner

Urban planning is a solid career path that can allow you to travel and improve cities around the world. It is a growing field that deals with the built, natural, social, and economic aspects of towns and cities. Urban planners evaluate land and create development plans, taking into account the needs and current structure of a community or region. They also help communities address economic, social, and environmental issues.

To become an urban planner, you typically need a bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited planning program. A background in architecture, social science, or business can be beneficial. Some positions may require work experience in a related field or a specific accredited degree in urban planning.

While international travel as an urban planner is possible, it is not very common. Regional or national travel is more likely, especially if you work for a consulting firm. You may also have the opportunity to travel for professional development, such as attending conferences or trainings.

If you are interested in international travel and urban planning, consider working for international organizations like the UN, World Bank, Cities Alliance, or NGOs. These organizations often work with local governments on projects such as slum upgrading, transportation planning, housing projects, and institutional restructuring. However, competition for these positions can be fierce, and the pay may not always be high.

Overall, urban planning offers a good balance of travel and career growth opportunities. If you are flexible and proactive in seeking out travel opportunities, you can find ways to combine your work and passion for exploration.

Geospatial analyst

A geospatial analyst applies the principles of mapping and spatial analysis to real-world problems. They use software and data from a variety of sources to create two and three-dimensional maps that present information in a concise format.

The average salary for geospatial analysts is $59,870 per year. However, this may vary depending on the type of employer, such as a private company or a government agency. Your salary may also increase based on your experience, skills, education, and technical abilities.

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