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General Description

This is an ideal career for analytical thinkers. A geologist is someone who studies or works with rocks. You are responsible for keeping up the supply of the materials that create just about everything we use in everyday life. You can work in mining or exploration looking for new metals and other commodities. In research you can study the evolution of the earth and the processes that affect our planet.

Career Advice - Geologist Career

If you study hydrogeology or marine geology you look at processes affecting the surface of the Earth. You can develop environmental policies, assess volcanoes and earthquakes or explore space. Geology is a career path that can take you anywhere on this planet and beyond.

What you do every day

As an exploration geologist in the resources industry you are responsible for finding new commodities that might be extracted for use such as gold, copper, oil and gas. This work usually takes place in remote parts of the world including Australia.

The work involves data collection in the field where you map out rock type distribution, take measurements and samples, work with drill rigs collecting samples from hundreds of metres below the surface and then interpret the data back in the office.

Days can be very long, usually 10-12 hours, and the work can be quite physical – whether it’s a day of bushwalking whilst mapping and sampling, or ‘snatching’ bags on a drill rig. Because of the remote nature of the work, geologists often work on a roster which might involve 2 weeks at work followed by 7 days off at home.

Personality that best fit this career

Easygoing outdoor people make up the majority of geologists. People who love being outside, dislike the idea of an office job and want to experience a bit of adventure and see the world. As a geologist you will meet and work with people from all walks of life, so a friendly and tolerant nature comes in handy. You need to be an analytical thinker, adaptable and independent. Due to the physical demands of the job you have to be reasonably fit and active. 

Best thing about this career

Is the travel. You will see some amazing places everywhere from Norway to New Zealand, Canada and of course, many remote and beautiful parts of Australia. And the very high pay as an industry geologist doesn’t hurt either! Plus you will really love having an entire week off every 3rd week. So much better than just a weekend! 

Worst thing about this career

Is the travel. Being away from home for such long periods strains even the strongest relationships. Geologists have one of the highest divorce rates in Australia due to long distance relationships. Out and about is fun when you’re young, but eventually you want to settle down. Being away all the time makes that simple goal difficult to achieve.

Also, if you are pursuing a career as an exploration or mining geologist, it is important to remember that this is a very cyclical industry, with big highs as well as lows. Every 8-10 years, the industry enters a downturn and many geologists lose their jobs.