Given the screen time meteorologists are getting this week, at least here in the northeastern United States during Hurricane Sandy, this seemed like a good time to talk about careers in broadcast meteorology. These news professionals alert the public to severe weather conditions and tell us what to do to stay safe.
Some broadcast meteorologists have bachelor's or master's degrees or even PhDs in atmospheric science, but many have degrees in journalism or communications. This gives them the necessary training for broadcast careers. If you want to get into this field, you can expect quite a bit of competition. Many broadcast meteorologists begin, continue and end their careers at local television or radio stations in small towns and cities. Some go on to work in larger cities and others end up on national news shows.
Do you think this sounds like an interesting career? Read more about it. Meteorologist (Broadcast): Career Information provides some basic details about this occupation, including information about earnings, educational requirements, job outlook and advancement opportunities. If you can, interview someone who works in this field. If you don't know anyone, go to your network. You may be able to find someone who knows someone. A first-hand account can be extremely valuable.