As graduation approaches, several students are asking themselves, “What am I going to do with my life?” Unfortunately, a degree does not always bring certainty of what career path you will choose. If you fall into this category, take a second to answer the following questions: Are you curious about places? Do you like to study maps? Do you like to work outside? Are you interested in connections between humans and the environment?If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, a career in the field of geography may be the way to go.

As listed in the course catalog, there are several career possibilities in the field of geography. These possibilities vary from aerial photo interpreter to environmental scientist to land economist, to name a few.

One specific possibility is cartographer. Cartography is the science of making maps. According to the Bureau of Census, as we emerge forward into the “Age of Technology,” traditional drafting is being replaced by computers and graphics software, which allows maps to be drawn quickly and accurately. The U.S. government employs cartographers for various purposes.

Currently, the Bureau of Census is looking for staff to work on geographic programs in their headquarters office near Washington, D.C., and their 12 regional offices throughout the U.S. The Defense Mapping Agency has large cartography operations in St. Louis, San Antonio and Washington, D.C. The U.S. Geological Survey employs people to produce topographical maps that show terrain and key features. There is also the private sector that sells all sorts of maps including road and trail.

A second possibility with an interest in geography is economic geography. This concerns the location and distribution of economic activity. An economic geographer looks at the location of industries and retail and wholesale businesses, on transportation and trade, and on the changing value of real estate.

A possibility that involves economic geography is market research. Businesses need to know which products will sell, where they will sell best and why. The job of a market researcher is to provide this information by studying buying habits, regional sales and customer preferences. According to the Association of American Geographers, there is a large industry of market research firms employing many people. Also, marketing departments within companies conduct market research.

Even if you are only two months away from a different degree besides geography, there are other skills that companies look for when hiring for these positions. Strong communication skills, general computer skills involving data base or spread sheet usage or programming, an understanding of economics, knowledge of statistics and various business disciplines, such as marketing and advertising, are positive tools to have when looking for a career in geography.

If this article still leaves some questions in your head, Dr. Richard Roth, University of Washington, Department of Geography, has published a book titled “What Can You Do With a Geography Degree????: An Internship and Job Search Guide for Geographers.” The text elaborates much more on what other possibilities are available and can help you break in to the field of geography.