What can I do with a degree
in Geology?
Geology.
Planning your career
require graduate or postgraduate study or
additional work experience.
Choosing a career involves more than just
finding out what is open to you. Knowledge
about yourself is central to the process. It’s
worth looking at your personal goals, abilities,
values, interests, and skills to relate study and
career options to you. The suggestions here are
only an aid to this decision-making process.
Some career paths and degrees have
recommended pathways from school. To
download the ‘Best Preparation for University’
information sheet go to
www.canterbury.ac.nz/liaison/best_prep.shtml
Most employers look for generic skills such as
leadership, communication skills, interpersonal
skills, customer-focus and the ability to work
in and contribute to a team. Some of these are
developed during your degree, while others have
been developed through extra-curricular activity
such as sports, community, or cultural groups.
As more and more employers are developing
jobs that are particular to their own
environment, it is more difficult to provide a
definitive list of possible career options. The
ones that follow are illustrative rather than
exhaustive. Some career opportunities may
Science
What is Geology?
Geology in the twenty-first century is a fascinating,
exciting, incredibly diverse and multidisciplinary
subject. New Zealand, on the active margin of the
Pacific, with its volcanoes, earthquakes, dramatic
and varied geomorphology, and its 500 million
years of pre and post-Gondwana geological
history, is one of the best places on Earth to study
geological processes relating to the tectonics of
continental margins, ancient and modern. Our
position in mid-southern latitudes and relative
proximity to Antarctica means that New Zealand is
a key location for climate change research.
Geologists are time-travellers. Their scientific
detective work on events in deep geological
time helps us to understand the present, and
both past and present are key to predicting the
future. Geologists (or earth scientists) investigate
these phenomena in order to understand how
our planet works, by studying its materials
and structure, natural processes, resources and
history, and the origin and evolution of life itself.
Geologists have been responsible for the
development of one of the most exciting new
scientific theories of the twentieth century
– plate tectonics – which provides a unifying
explanation for the origin and locations of all
the major geological features and Earth building
processes of the planet. Geologists also search
for the natural resources which sustain our
technological society, not least of all, water. The
construction of buildings, bridges, roads, dams
and reservoirs requires geological expertise in
the investigation of foundations.
‘Geologists are timetravellers. Their scientific
detective work on events
in deep geological time
helps us to understand the
present, and both past and
present are key to predicting
the future.’
What skills have our
graduates gained?
Through their Geology degree, graduates
develop a valuable set of skills that are
transferrable to a range of careers, including:
• Independent thinking
• Critically assessing and synthesising literature
and data
• Capacity to think creatively, logically and
quantitatively
• Oral and written communication
• Planning and organisation skills
• Teamwork and leadership
• Mathematical and computer competencies
Opportunities to apply your learning outside the
classroom through work and other experiences
also exist and can deepen your skills set and
employability. Work and other experiences
can also support and inform learning and skill
development in the classroom.
Where have our
graduates been
employed?
A career in Geology offers a very wide spectrum
of work environments and employment
matched by few other professional disciplines.
Geologists are well paid and have rewarding
lifestyles with ample job satisfaction. Geology
graduates find positions as resource advisors,
research technicians, soil technicians, research
scientists, policy analysts, exploration
geophysicists, quarry managers, teachers,
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
specialists, environmental impact officers,
hydrologists, seismic interpreters and research
assistants.
They are employed in the mining and petroleum
industries, national and local government,
planning and conservation organisations,
university teaching and research, secondary
teaching, museums and science centres, energy
companies, consulting and engineering firms,
research institutes and exploration firms.
For more examples of employers who recruit
UC students and graduates go to
www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers
For more information about UC student and
graduate opportunities, go to UC CareerHub:
www.careerhub.canterbury.ac.nz
Science
What jobs and activities
do our graduates do?
Geophysicist/field seismologist
Graduates with this degree are employed in a
range of jobs including resource advisors, soil
technicians, teachers and seismic interpreters.
• Writes reports
Some of the jobs listed may require further
study at postgraduate level. Postgraduate
study can contribute to your employability.
It enables you to extend your knowledge and
skills, indicates your motivation and ability to
persevere at a high level academically and can
make you more competitive in the job market.
Postgraduate study may be a prerequisite for
certain jobs.
• Prepares and delivers instructional activities
and lessons in specialised subjects
Engineering geologist
• Advises on site selection using geological
maps and aerial photographs
• Uses specialised computer software to design
structures
• Provides advice on construction materials and
testing of materials
Petroleum geologist
• Collects geological information on site
• Interprets geological data
• Plans and coordinates drilling
Technician field support
• Maintains general field equipment
• Provides technical expertise and instruction
on use of equipment
• Assists in planning and organises field trips
Soil technician
• Monitors, collects and tests soil samples
• Analyses soil data
• Writes reports
Mining geologist
• Tests ore blending and block modeling using
computer programs
• Facilitates grade control programmes
• Liaises with engineering and management
personnel
• Relocates equipment to various sites
• Analyses geological and seismological data
Secondary school teacher
• Observes and evaluates performance in order
to provide feedback
• Develops and marks tests and assessments
Entrepreneurship and innovation are
increasingly becoming an important part of the
world of work and should be considered as a
career option. For more information about
UC student innovation & entrepreneurship,
related internships, scholarships, courses and
activities go to www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers
For further information on job titles, please see
the latest UC Graduate Destinations Survey
(www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers)
For additional graduate destination information
go to www.graduatecareers.com.au or
www.prospects.ac.uk
What professional
bodies and organisations
do our students and
graduates link to?
As they progress in their studies and into a
career, our students and graduates often join
professional bodies specific to their area of
interest. These organisations offer graduates
the opportunity to network and collaborate
with others within the same community. Other
relevant organisations are also listed below.
• Geoscience Society of New Zealand
(www.gsnz.org.nz)
• Straterra (www.straterra.co.nz)
• Petroleum Exploration and Production
Association of New Zealand
(www.pepanz.org.nz)
• New Zealand Geotechnical Society Inc
(www.nzgs.org)
• New Zealand Geothermal Association
(www.nzgeothermal.org.nz)
Science
Social media networks, such as LinkedIn
(including LinkedIn groups), Facebook and
Twitter can provide avenues for students and
graduates to keep up-to-date with current
industry knowledge and ‘best practice’,
networking opportunities, industry-related
events and job vacancies.
What further study can I
do after my degree?
It is possible to study at postgraduate and
graduate level in subjects both directly and
indirectly related to your degree. For a list of
postgraduate and graduate study options, go to
www.canterbury.ac.nz/courses
Students who wish to go beyond a Bachelor
of Science can enrol in either an honours
or masters programmes, or a Postgraduate
Diploma in Science. Postgraduate degrees in
Engineering Geology and Hazard and Disaster
Management are also offered.
Geology graduates may also enrol for an
honours, postgraduate diploma or masters in
Environmental Science and incorporate fourthyear Geology courses into that degree. Students
with either an honours or masters may proceed
to the research degree of PhD.
Postgraduate study can also lead to an academic
career pathway in teaching and research.
Carefully consider your motivation for study,
how it fits in with your long-term career
plans and whether it is likely to enhance your
employment prospects.
Erin Savage
tunnelling projects in similar rock. My project is
producing some really good results. It shows the
importance of having a sound investigation prior
to construction. It also shows that the aspect
of geological “surprise” is never far away: in this
case, unexpected high water pressures caused
huge problems during construction.’
Erin says she has enjoyed taking her studies to
the level of a master’s degree because of the
additional skills she has been able to learn.
After finishing the coursework component, she
spent the summer working for Rio Tinto in Perth
and has since lined up a graduate job with the
mining giant. She says the work experience has
directly helped her studies and vice versa.
Bachelor of Science in Geology
Studying towards a Master of Science in
Engineering Geology
Graduate Geotechnical Engineer, Rio Tinto Iron Ore,
Perth, Australia
Erin’s original plan was to study Geography and
become a cartographer. That brought her to UC,
where she soon discovered that she preferred
physical geography to human geography, and
subsequently switched to Geology. After her
undergraduate degree she turned to Engineering
Geology for her master’s.
‘Working in the field is what has always drawn
me to Geology,’ she says. ‘My master’s research
is interesting because it is very hands-on and
practical. It is based on a tunnel that is being
built on the West Coast for the Amethyst Hydro
Scheme. I am looking both at the stability of
the rock and ways to optimise the support used
during construction, which will aid in future
‘It was a highly valuable experience as it honed
a lot of the specialist geotechnical skills I had
learned during Master’s Part 1 and set me up
well for completing my thesis in Part 2,’ she says.
‘The project itself is highly relevant for my future
career with Rio Tinto. My graduate position is in
an open cast mining environment, and I plan to
move on to underground geotech work in the
future.’
For others with an interest in several related
subjects, Erin says that the UC Bachelor of
Science degree is a good option because it is
flexible enough to let you try a few papers.
‘If you think you might be remotely interested
in Geology, take some of the papers and see
how you feel. Do make sure you’re completely
interested in what you’re studying at uni – you
need to do it for yourself, not for anyone else.
There are so many choices at UC and life’s too
short to study something that you hate.’
‘Working in the field is
what has always drawn me
to Geology... My master’s
research is interesting
because it is very hands-on
and practical. It is based on
a tunnel that is being built
on the West Coast for the
Amethyst Hydro Scheme.’
‘Doing my Master’s thesis was quite different
to undergraduate study – the schedule is
completely up to self motivation and no one
can tell you what to do or when to do it. It has
taught me all the skills I need to be able to
complete my own research and be relatively
self-sufficient. I have also enjoyed the strong
fieldwork component, spending three months
on the West Coast working with a diverse group
of people and getting out of my comfort zone.’
Erin is pleased she came to UC for her university
education, and notes that the decision was not
simply down to the course.
‘I chose Canterbury after a visit at the end of
high school, where I immediately fell in love with
Christchurch and the campus. The climate down
here is amazing and the city is beautiful at all
times of the year.
She also encourages further study through UC’s
master’s programme.
‘I met lifelong friends through staying in the
halls of residence, and I love the fact that within
a couple of hours you can be in a completely
different environment in the South Island.’
Department of Geological Sciences
Careers, Internships & Employment
Student Liaison
Telephone: +64 3 364 2700
Email: [email protected]
www.geol.canterbury.ac.nz
Telephone: +64 3 364 3310
Email: [email protected]
www.canterbury.ac.nz/careers
University of Canterbury, Christchurch
Telephone: +64 3 364 2993
Email: [email protected]
www.canterbury.ac.nz/liaison
More information
Careers, Internships & Employment offers
intending and current students and recent
graduates a wide range of services, including
individual career guidance, seminars,
career resources, and student and graduate
employment opportunities.
www.careerhub.canterbury.ac.nz
Science
Student Liaison provides intending students
with information about the university system in
general and the courses, qualifications, support
and facilities at the University of Canterbury.
version 2