Alternative careers in the geosciences

Abstract

The Earth sciences continue to produce substantial numbers of Ph.D.s. However, many subdisciplines of solid‐Earth geophysics are experiencing a lack of growth, or an actual contraction, in the number of permanent positions available in traditional academia, government, and industry settings. The alternative of indefinite‐term soft money positions is growing increasingly scarce as research funds continue to get tighter. Furthermore, even those in permanent research positions are finding it harder and harder to obtain funding for their projects.The relative scarcity of traditional permanent employment and the continuing changes in the research funding environment cause an increasing number of Ph.D.‐trained geoscientists to explore the possibility of employment outside the traditional geophysical research areas. Unfortunately, information about “nontraditional” career paths is hard to come by. For the most part, Ph.D. programs are designed to prepare students for the research job market only. Those who have chosen other options usually no longer attend scientific meetings and thus are not able to communicate their experience to others contemplating a similar departure.