Geology What Next?
Geology at UCC
Geology is the
study of the history of
the Earth and other planets in
our solar system; their chemical
and physical composition,
their structure and evolution.
The study of Geology includes
investigations into the nature
and composition of the Earth’s
outer crust and deep interior,
allowing us to understand the
formation and occurrence of
natural resources such as coal,
oil, gas, groundwater and mineral
deposits. It also allows us to
understand natural
geo-hazards like earthquakes,
volcanic eruptions and tsunamis
as well as about the processes
that formed this planet over
millions of years.
What can Geology Graduates offer employers?
The skills and qualities developed through studying geology are highly
transferable into a variety of roles and different working environments.
In particular, the ability to analyse problems, and come up with creative solutions,
and to work with others within tight timeframes, and in unfamiliar environments,
are common skills to geologists.
A geology graduate will have developed the ability to:
· Undertake field and laboratory investigations in a responsible and safe manner, paying due attention to risk assessment, rights of access, relevant health and safety regulations, and sensitivity to the impact of investigations on the environment and stakeholders.
· Apply knowledge and understanding to complex problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
· Produce, analyse and summarise information.
· Receive and respond to a variety of information sources (e.g. textual, numerical, oral, and graphical).
· Communicate appropriately to a variety of audiences using written, oral and graphical methods.
· Prepare, process, interpret and present data, using qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages.
· Solve numerical problems using computer and non-computer based techniques.
· Plan, conduct and report on investigations.
Geology What Next?
First destinations of Geology Graduates
Geology can be undertaken as a major subject in UCC by students of the BSc Environmental and Earth Sciences. The class
numbers are relatively small. Over the past five years, 41 graduates of the BSc Environmental and Earth System Sciences
chose geology as a major subject.
Each year, UCC Career Services produces a First Destination Report based on an annual survey of graduates six months
after graduation. The following table presents the five year trend for graduates of geology within the BSc Environmental
and Earth System Sciences. According to this table, a relatively high percentage of geology graduates progressed directly
to employment after graduation and a relatively small percentage (less than a third year each year) progress directly to a
postgraduate qualification.
2011
In Employment 50% 33% 25% 75%
67%
In Further Study or Training 25% 33% 25% 25%
17%
Seeking Employment 25% 0% 50% 0%
17%
Not Available for Employment or Study 0%
33% 0% 0%
0%
Who Employs Geology Graduates?
A large percentage of the geology graduates who progressed to employment within six months availed of the plentiful
opportunities available in the mining industry, particularly in Australia, Canada and more recently in Ireland. The following
table provides a sample of the roles listed by these graduates on FDR surveys returned to UCC Careers Services:
Role
Employer
Junior Geologist
Energy & Minerals Australia Ltd.
Geophysicist
BIG, Montana
Geologist
Moultrie Geology, Australia
Geological Explorer
Geoconsult, Australia
Sales Assistant
Dairygold Co-Operative Ltd., Cork
What Postgraduate Courses do Geology Graduates Choose?
Of those who progressed directly to postgraduate study, some chose courses that related directly to the study of geology.
The following list provides a sample of the postgraduate courses closely related to geology that listed by geology
graduates on FDRs returned to the Career Services:
Course Title
Institution
Masters in Environmental Engineering
PhD (Geology)
Queens University Belfast
MSc (Mining Geology)
Trinity College Dublin
University Abroad
MA Geography (Coastal Management & Geographical Info. Systems)
PhD (Geo Chemistry)
MSc (Contaminated Land & Remediation)
University Abroad
MSc (Petroleum Geoscience)
MSc by Research
UCC
University Abroad
MSc (Sustainable Water Management)
PhD (Science)
University Abroad
University Abroad
UCD
UCC
Course Title
Area
Mathematics
Marketing
Accounting
Accounting
Economics
Psychology
Law
Journalism
Public Relations
Computing
Film Studies
Institution
Higher Diploma in Applied Science
(Modelling & Numerical Computing)
Masters in Management & Marketing
Higher Diploma in Accounting & Corporate Finance
Postgrad Diploma in Accounting
HDip Economic Science
HDip Psychology
PGDip. Law
MA Journalism
MA Public Relations
HDip Applied Computing Technology
Masters in Film Studies
UCC
UCC
UCC
DIT
UCD
UCC
DIT
DIT, CIT, DCU, UL
DIT, CIT
UCC
UCC
Geology What Next?
Others chose postgraduate qualifications that would provide them with the knowledge and skills to find employment in
new areas. This list provides a sample of the “conversion” courses chosen by geology graduates as listed in FDR reports
returned UCC Career Services:
Graduate paths 3-5 years after graduation
Junior Geologist
Energy and Minerals Australia Ltd
Bachelor of Science
(Environmental Sciences) Geology UCC
Bachelor of Science
(Environmental Sciences) Geology UCC
Higher Diploma
in Business Studies UCD
MSc. Marketing
UCD
Marketing Internship,
Engineers Ireland
Long term prospects for Geology Graduates
Typical employers of geology graduates include those in the oil, gas and petroleum sectors, environmental consultancies and civil
engineering companies. Overseas work can be a common feature of careers using geology. Some experienced professionals may also
become self-employed consultants. A geology degree can provide a useful basis for further study and employment in a wide range of
interesting areas..
Roles related directly to Geology:
Roles for which Geology is useful:
·Geoscientist/Geo-physicist
· Wellsite Geologist
·Hydro-geologist
·Mudlogger
·Geochemist
· Engineering Geologist
·
·
·
·
Mineral Surveyor
Geo-physical Data Processor
Drilling Engineer
Environmental Consultant
Consult the following recommended websites to research these and all graduate roles in more depth:
www.prospects.ac.uk/
www.gradireland.com
www.careersportal.ie/
Where can I find out more?
Institute of Geologists of Ireland
Geological Society
The Geological Society of America
The Geological Society of Australia
British Geological Survey
Earth Science World
Oil Careers
Energy Institute
Careers in Oil & Gas
OFGEM
Careers Insider on Oil
Matchtech
BP
Centrica
EDF Energy
EON UK
Exxon Mobil
First Hydro Company
National Grid UK
RWE npower
Shell
Scottish Power
Scottish & Southern Energy
United Utilities
School of BEES
www.igi.ie/
www.geolsoc.org.uk/index.html
www.geosociety.org/
www.gsa.org.au/
www.bgs.ac.uk/
www.earthscienceworld.org/
www.oilcareers.com/worldwide
www.energyinst.org.uk/index.cfm?PageID=48
www.careersinoilandgas.com
www.ofgem.gov.uk
http://jobs.telegraph.co.uk/careers-insider
www.matchtech.com/oil-and-gas-jobs
www.bp.com/careers
www.centricagraduates.com
www.edfenergy.com/graduates
www.eon-uk.com/careers
www.exxonmobil.com/ukrecruitment
www.fhc.co.uk/recruitment.asp
www.nationalgrid.com/freshtalent
www.brightergraduates.com
www.shell.com/careers
www.scottishpower.com
www.scottish-southern.co.uk
www.unitedutilities.com
www.ucc.ie/en/bees/
8 ways to put your degree to work
Employers want graduates with a healthy balance between study, work and extracurricular interests. A three-dimensional CV is evidence of maturity, life skills and active
citizenship, indicating that you will be a sociable, committed and reliable colleague.
You can boost your job prospects greatly by taking the following steps throughout your
degree years:
· 
· 
· 
· 
· 
Get involved in the Students’ Union or a club/society that interests you.
Gain relevant paid/voluntary work experience during holidays.
Sign up for training courses that will strengthen your skillset, e.g. languages, ECDL.
Set up a LinkedIn profile and start building your network.
Go to the UCC Career Services for careers advice and assistance with CV and interview preparation, job search strategies, and postgraduate options.
·  Attend careers events organised on campus and advertised on www.ucc.ie/careers
·  Use careers events to initiate relationships with potential employers.
·  Check job vacancies regularly on www.ucc.ie/careers  and www.gradireland.com 
Did you know?
Irish Geoscience Graduate
Programme have short courses of many
forms, some field based, some lecture
based courses. Graduate students can
take as many courses as they need to
broaden skills, knowledge and increase
their employability. You can register
at www.iggp.ie
Examples include: Seismology for NonSeismologists, Computational Statistics,
Remote Sensing for Geoscientists, Basic
Maths Tools for Geoscientists
While this resource provides you with an overview of the career options available with your degree, each person carves
their own career path based on their personal values and interests. Your college years are an ideal time to explore career
options while gaining new experience and learning new skills. Why not speak to a careers adviser to help you get
started?
As a student of UCC, you are entitled to book a free personal consultation with a careers adviser at UCC Career
Services. You can return as many times as needed because we understand that it makes sense to begin planning your
career from first year onwards – don’t wait until final year! We look forward to meeting you, no matter what your
year of study. For your convenience, we now have a web-based booking system. Book your appointment online via
our website – www.ucc.ie/careers - in the Meet an Advisor section.