Earth Sciences
Architect
What an architect does: Architecture extends far beyond the piling of stones to construct a building. It is the intelligent creation of forms and spaces that express an idea. Architects are qualified professionals who design concepts for an array of structures, including houses, buildings, and other facilities. They collaborate with many other experts in the field throughout the building process, including civil engineers, construction teams and interior designers.
Even if their building is not the next addition to the New York City skyline or a must-see world wonder, an architect’s job is critical at any level. Not only do architects ensure a structure’s functionality and safety, but they also add social value by creating aesthetically pleasing, innovative and sustainable works.
Careers in architecture combine a range of subject areas that students explore during primary and secondary education, including mathematics, physics and geometry. It requires a formal degree that encompasses topics like engineering, history, theory and building design at a Bachelor’s or even a Master’s level.
Video - Meet a Architect: https://youtu.be/oQQ9QiZcDx0
Glaciologist
Information: Dr Bethan Davies, a UK-based glaciologist, shares how joining a glacier expedition in school led her to pursue the career she now loves. Dr Davies shares her expertise on glaciers, including how they are formed and what the layers tell us about life thousands of years ago.
What a glaciologist does: This career is centered around studying all things snow and ice on landmasses, in particular, glaciers, ice flow and the interaction between ice and climate. Glaciologists travel to some of the farthest corners of the Earth and explore regions most people never see. Glaciologists investigate the relationship between glaciers and our world.
Glaciologists are passionate about Earth and other sciences, including climatology, environmental science, geography and physics. A Bachelor's degree is required, though most glaciologists have advanced degrees too.
Video - Meet a Glaciologist: https://youtu.be/WxAQx9VMp-U
Museum Director
Information: Museum director Ashley Rogers has been around museums her entire life. She believes museums are a place where you get transported into new worlds. She works at the Whitney Plantation museum, educating the public about the history and legacies of slavery in the United States.
What a museum director does: A day in the life of a museum director involves a range of responsibilities, including their own collection oversight, exchanges with other museums, acquiring exciting new artifacts and traveling with exhibits. They deepen our understanding of various subjects, such as art, history, or science, and also create platforms for dialogue, learning and community building. These valuable professionals turn museums into dynamic spaces that enrich our lives and broaden our perspectives.
The journey to becoming a museum director often starts with a strong academic background in art history, archaeology, history or a related field. Many directors hold advanced degrees, such as a Master’s or even a PhD, which equips them with the specialised knowledge needed to curate collections and design educational programs.
Video - Meet a Museum Director: https://youtu.be/YF8FEqBKQEU
Volcanologist
Information: Hear about volcanoes from Dr Janine Krippner, a volcanologist who’s studied volcanoes around the globe. Dr Krippner talks about her favorite parts of the job and how her love for geology, mathematics and earth sciences comes into play.
What a volcanologist does: These specialised scientists actively study volcanoes, lava and magma to understand Earth’s inner workings. They not only deepen our understanding of how Earth functions, but they also help us prepare for and mitigate the impact of volcanic eruptions; their research keeps communities safe and helps protect the environment.
This fascinating career takes a real love for science, requiring at least a Bachelor's degree in geology, geophysics or earth science, and usually a Master's or PhD is recommended too.
Video - Meet a Volcanologist: https://youtu.be/ZyQN7UWde6c