L.A.'s Geography Job Market Is Reaching Peak Demand
Due to an increased push to create more environmentally sound work and living spaces for the future, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the number of job opportunities for geographers is projected to grow by 29 percent in coming years. Businesses and governmental entities throughout Los Angeles are already relying on these specialists to conduct indispensable research in such areas as natural hazards and weather patterns.
"Los Angeles faces some of the greatest challenges of any region in the country, including water shortages, droughts, wildfires, natural disasters, urban sprawl, immigration pressures and an aging infrastructure," said Dr. Hengchun Ye, a climatologist and professor at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA). "Geographers study all these areas and play leading roles in solving problems associated with them."
Ye said CSULA is preparing career-driven students for a sustainable vocation in this field by incorporating cutting-edge methods of teaching. Under her direction, future geographers choose what they will learn and the manner in which they acquire their education.
"Student-centered learning insures that our students possess solid theoretical knowledge, up-to-date technological know-how and the ability to think critically," said Ye, a former meteorologist who earned her Ph.D. in climatology from the University of Delaware.
How is the geography field changing?
"The use of remote sensing data within the Geographical Information Systems domain to solve environmental, economic and social issues has expanded greatly. Also, geographers are playing an increasingly significant role in understanding and mitigating the effects of climate change."
What defines an accomplished geographer?
"He or she must be adaptable and creative. A successful geographer must possess strong communication skills and be comfortable utilizing the latest computer and technological equipment."
How does one prepare for a career in this field?
"Today's geographers require strong skills in quantitative analysis and the ability to work with large quantities of data. They must be proficient in the use of software designed for these purposes and innovative in their approach to problem-solving."
What is your advice to aspiring geographers?
"I encourage them to take as many classes as they can in math and science, and to be a well-rounded person."
Sharon Raiford Bush is an award-winning journalist who covers topics of social interest in greater Los Angeles. Some news articles she has authored have been archived by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Sharon also contributes to Examiner.com.
