Atmospheric science studies factors that affect the environment, such as changes in the physical characteristics of the Earth. A meteorologist studies in particular the physical phenomena that occur in the earth's atmosphere (troposphere) and for this reason is responsible for forecasting the weather and identifying changes in climate patterns. If you decide to do this job, know that people rely on you to know the next day's temperatures or when emergency situations arise, such as hurricanes or tornadoes. However, before predicting the weather, you should know how to become a meteorologist.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Obtaining the Educational Requirements
Step 1. Go to the right high school
If you want to pursue this career, start preparing as soon as you finish middle school. Choose a science-oriented institution, such as high school, which offers many math and science classes. If possible, sign up for private courses where these subjects are perfected. Depending on the university you choose, this increased effort of yours could earn you additional credits.
- Carefully study physics, chemistry, earth sciences, and calculus.
- Perfect your writing skills in both Italian and English. Being a scientist involves writing several academic articles and laboratory reports, including in English. If you want to become a meteorologist for a television channel, you need to be able to communicate clearly.
Step 2. Familiarize yourself with the technology
Meteorologists use computers to do their research and to predict the weather; they exploit computer programs and models when studying the climate. You need to know computer science and technology in depth to pursue a career in this field.
Step 3. Get a bachelor's degree in a science subject
Meteorologists usually have degrees in physics, mathematics, nautical sciences or have taken a degree in atmospheric physics and meteorology.
- During your college years, you need to attend math and science classes, such as calculus, physics, dynamics, synoptics, and some computer science courses.
- Some meteorologists have more than one scientific degree, such as those in chemistry, geology, oceanography, physics, or statistics. It is also worth taking some optional courses in computer science and programming.
- If you want to work for a television station, take lessons in journalism, diction, and other media-related fields.
- If you plan to start working for the state immediately after graduation, you must pass the competition to become a meteorologist of the aeronautical genius. In this case, you should inquire if you need to have followed a certain study plan to have a better chance of success.
Step 4. Get a master's degree
Depending on the job you want to do, you may need to hone your knowledge with a master's degree. Most meteorologists who have not chosen a military career attend the postgraduate school in applied meteorology at the University of Florence. Some even decide to specialize in more related fields, such as math, computer science or physics.
- If you want to fill an important role, chances are you need to have a master's degree to make a career; if you want to be a researcher, you must be specialized in some particular sector of meteorology.
- Alternatively, you can choose a military career from an early age (17-22 years) or participate in the selections for non-commissioned officer students (23-26 years).
Step 5. Take an internship
It is a good starting point from your school years (both high school and university), because it allows you to gain a lot of experience. Try to work at a meteorologist's office in your area so that you gain experience that you can mention on your resume and future job applications.
If you cannot become an intern, ask the manager if you can still attend the studio
Part 2 of 2: Developing a Career in Meteorology
Step 1. Determine which branch of meteorology interests you
In addition to predicting the weather, these scientists study the characteristics, atmospheric phenomena and their influence on the environment; they also deal with climate and its changes. There are many different types of "atmospheric scientists".
- An operational meteorologist is responsible for forecasting the weather;
- A climatologist collects and analyzes data on seasonal changes that occur over time, for example over a few months or years;
- A meteorologist physicist conducts research on the atmosphere and its various physical properties;
- A scientist in synoptic meteorology uses mathematical models and develops various tools (such as computer programs) to predict the weather;
- An environmental meteorologist studies problems, such as pollution, that affect the Earth's atmosphere.
Step 2. Decide where you want to work
There are several places where you can find employment related to this field; each of them requires slightly different preparation, but a master's degree opens more doors and helps you advance your career.
- You can work for government agencies, such as ASI, the Ministry of Defense or ESA.
- You can find employment at a local television station or nationwide.
- Don't forget the private sector. Many companies pay meteorologists to learn how climate and weather patterns can affect their business. A scientist who specializes in this field can also work in agriculture or study air pollution. Airlines use the help of meteorologists to predict the weather and study flight plans; insurance companies and freight forwarders can also hire specialized climate consultants.
- You may also be interested in forensic meteorology; this employment involves providing weather information, data and advice for legal cases.
Step 3. Get certified
Although this profession is not yet well regulated, it is worth taking regional or provincial courses to obtain a certification of professional qualification and forecasting value. You can do an online search or ask the ARPA of your region for more information for more information.
Generally, no certification or qualification is required to work on television, but in such a vast field, which is based above all on the study and constant updating of available technologies, it is always better to be very prepared
Step 4. Get through an apprenticeship period
Some companies and government organizations require an apprenticeship phase before permanent employment. For example, if you plan to work overseas at the US National Weather Service, you must pass a training period of 200 hours per year for two years.
Be prepared to have to attend several preparation and qualification courses to aspire to a basic position within a European facility. In this case, you may be assigned to different offices over the course of a few years, to gain experience in many areas and learn weather forecasting systems; once you have completed the training course, you will be assigned a place of work
Step 5. Attend conferences
One way to meet people, develop a network of professional acquaintances, and keep up to date with the results of new research is to go to conferences. Meteorological societies often sponsor meetings, during which scientists present their work.
In this way, you could also publish articles in scientific journals
Step 6. Apply for jobs
Start searching online for vacancies. Don't overlook those as a consultant in the private sector and submit your application. Look for employment at new TV stations, you may want to start with small ones broadcasting locally before moving on to national ones.
- Look for a job in the state. The Ministry of Defense, the Italian Space Agency and many other government services make use of the collaboration of a meteorologist scientist.
- Look for job opportunities. Some universities and meteorology societies help students and members find employment in the private sector.
Step 7. Prepare to work hard
Being a meteorologist is a difficult task. You must have excellent communication skills, especially if you want to work on television. The mastery of mathematics, scientific subjects and computer science is essential, since they are fields in which you work every day; you must also learn to work in a team.
- You will have to work in several different environments. Many meteorologists follow the climate and in some cases the weather conditions are dangerous; for example, they have to do television reports from areas hit by hurricanes, snowstorms and even tornadoes.
- It is important that you have a flexible schedule and that you are willing to work for several hours.
- If you have opted for a military career, you will need to accept transfers and new duties based on the needs of the command you are referring to.
Advice
- Meteorologists can also earn more than a technical degree in lieu of a master's.
- If you plan to pursue research and work in college, try to get a doctorate.
