Geosciences College to Career Major Map
The geosciences college to career major map gives options so you can select what best matches your interests and goals. Start thinking about your future now and build a path throughout your MSUM career that will prepare you for success.
Printable version of Geosciences College to Career Major Map [PDF]
Academics
- Start taking LASC courses as well as foundational and core Geosciences courses.
- Need a little help in your classes? Look into tutoring with the Academic Success Center.
Get Relevant Experience
- Join a major or interest specific student organization. Check out all your student organization options by visiting Dragon Central.
Connect to the Community
- Volunteer on or off-campus with different community organizations such as the Regional Science Center.
Understand Your Career
- Explore your interests, skills, and values and learn about the career readiness competencies by taking the FOCUS 2, an online assessment free for all MSUM students.
- Schedule an appointment with the Career Development Center to review your FOCUS 2 results and to being building your resume.
Academics
- Take a deeper dive into the discipline of Geosciences and begin considering a certificate such as Geographic Information Science.
- Schedule an appointment with a Career Coach to discuss how to connect your academics to your future career.
Get Relevant Experience
- Find an on-campus job or part-time position in the community. Visit Dragon Jobs powered by Handshake, or one of the many other online job boards to find opportunities.
Connect to the Community
- Join LinkedIn to begin building your professional network and online presence. Think of your profile as a virtual resume and make sure to update it regularly to reflect new jobs, research, coursework, volunteering, involvement, and skills.
Understand Your Career
- Start researching potential career paths on O*Net or the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Here, you will be able to find valuable information such as typical tasks associated with the profession, skills, and knowledge needed, education and licensures needed, wages and employment trends, professional organizations, and related occupations. We suggest you search for careers such as Geoscientist.
Academics
- Schedule an appointment with you Academic Advisor to ensure you're on track for graduation.
- Take inventory of your professional goals and decide if your future will need to include graduate school. Take the necessary exams and begin submitting application to programs that will help you achieve your goals.
Get Relevant Experience
- Begin your leadership journey by applying for a student leadership position or run for an officer position in a student organization.
Connect to the Community
- Attend or present at various conferences at the local, regional, and/or national levels. Some conferences include the Plains Anthropological Society, Geological Society of America, and the Council for Minnesota Archaeology.
Understand Your Career
- Attend professional development related events on-campus, and connect with faculty to learn more about the field and gain insights on how to be successful in your job search.
- Find an internship or part-time job with a local or regional firm to learn the ins and outs of your chosen career. Prepare for the application & interview process by working with the Career Development Center to help you prepare.
Academics
- Participate in the Student Academic Conference to showcase research, connect with employers, and to boost your resume.
- Ensure you submit your application for graduation on time.
Get Relevant Experience
- Assess what experiences or skills are areas of growth for you and fill in gaps with volunteering, organizations, or part-time employment.
- Add your accomplishments to your LinkedIn and resume.
Connect to the Community
- Join professional organizations such as the American Geological Institute to gain access to research, continuing education opportunities, job boards, and message boards. Make sure to join prior to graduation to receive the discounted student rate (when applicable).
Understand Your Career
- Network relentlessly! Attend the spring Career Fairs to get connected to employers looking to hire soon-to-be grads. Check Dragon Central for more information.
- Schedule appointments with a Career Coach to go over your professional documents and to prepare for upcoming interviews. And remember, once a dragon always a dragon. You have access to these services for life.
What skills do I need to be successful in Geosciences?
- Analytical thinking
- Critical-thinking
- Communication
- Physical stamina
- Problem-solving
Thankfully, through your coursework, on-campus involvement, part-time employment and/or internships, and other self-guided learning, you will be prepared for life post-graduation.
What can I do with a Geosciences degree?
A degree in geosciences can take your career in many directions. Most students choose to enter the workforce right after graduation while others continue their education after a few years in the workforce. Our students are equipped with a strong foundation for their career. Check out the Geosciences Careers & Outcomes page to learn more about what careers you can have with a geosciences degree.