Career Compass: Earth Sciences

As an Earth Sciences student in the Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources you will learn to collect and analyze quantitative data on the physical and chemical behaviour and characteristics of Earth materials - rocks, minerals, fluids and gases. This data is needed to model the behaviour of minerals in natural as well as many industrial systems. There are three earth sciences degree options:

1. General: Designed to give students a basic understanding of the discipline and is not intended for those who seek a career in geosciences.
2. Environmental Geoscience: Environmental Geoscientists combine their earth-science-based training with environmental applications to tackle complex environmental issues.
3. Geology: Geologists study the composition, structure, processes, and history of the Earth, as well as the distribution of mineral and energy resources.
4. Geophysics: Geophysicists use the principles of physics and mathematics to study the Earth’s surface, internal structure and composition, atmosphere and magnetosphere.

Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba (EGM) regulate professional practice of geoscience in Manitoba. Visit enggemb.ca to ensure you meet professional requirements upon degree completion.

Skills you will gain by studying EARTH SCIENCES

• An understanding of the Earth and Earth materials, and a broad scientific background.
• The ability to collect, analyze and interpret rock samples and cores, and geological information from maps, reports, boreholes, well logs, sample repositories, air photos, satellite imagery and geochemical surveys.
• The ability to use the skills needed in the exploration for, and sustainable development of, natural resources including minerals, energy resources and water.
• The ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
GEOL 1340. To view the full list of required courses, refer to the Academic Calendar to view the courses required for your program of choice in the faculty.

To do this year:

1. Apply to the Riddell Faculty once you have completed 24 credit hours and have met entrance requirements.
2. Should you follow a 3-or-4 year plan? Meet with a Riddell advisor and a career consultant to map out your options.
3. If you need academic support, visit the Academic Learning Centre for workshops or to meet with a learning skills instructor.

CAREER TIPS

Start planning your career:

1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests.
3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
4. Explore your Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

1. Student groups such as Geophysics Society, Geoclub, Society of Earth Sciences and Environmental Students or the University of Manitoba Students' Union (UMSU).
2. Volunteer for UM Orientation events to help welcome new students to campus while gaining experience.
3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
4. Experiential education opportunities such as UM Community Volunteers and the Student Leadership Development Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Considering international opportunities? Visit the International Centre website to learn about international opportunities for UM students.

Research funding sources: Students are encouraged to develop creative ideas and seek funding and support through various sources, including the Clayton H. Riddell Endowment Fund.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit Migizii Agamik or the International Centre, take part in the Intercultural Retreat or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba. 

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Refer to the Academic Calendar to view the courses required for your program of choice in the faculty.

To do this year:

1. Meet with a Riddell advisor and a career consultant to map out your options.
2. Meet with a Riddell advisor for program approval prior to registration.
3. Research areas of specialization and courses you are interested in taking.
4. Consider taking a minor and choose courses that will open opportunities (required for 3-year option).

CAREER TIPS

Make professional connections:

1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
3. Become a student member with Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba, Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists, Geological Association of Canada, Manitoba Prospectors and Developers Association and Mineral Society of Manitoba.
4. Develop professional connections with professors by applying for an Undergraduate Research Award.

Market your skills: Attend resumé/cover letter and interview prep workshops.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Explore student research opportunities: Apply for an Undergraduate Research Award or NSERC USRA or inquire about research assistant positions.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out the Let’s Talk Science, Manitoba Museum or the Fossil Discovery Centre.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Attend the Western Inter-University Geosciences Conference (WIUGC) in January or the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange or internship with My World Abroad or SWAP for a "working holiday".

Staying local? Check out out a spring or summer Community Engaged Learning experience. Consider learning a new language and culture through the Language Partner Volunteer Program.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Refer to the Academic Calendar to view the courses required for your program of choice in the faculty.

To do this year:

1. Meet with a Riddell advisor for program approval prior to registration.
2. Consider focusing your education by choosing an area of specialization (4-year option).
3. Confirm eligibility to graduate with a Riddell advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora (3-year option).

CAREER TIPS

Investigate your career options:

1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
3. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning including the Stu Clarke Centre for Entrepreneurship, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government.
4. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Extended Education or other professional programs at the University of Manitoba.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Continue or start research: Participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Check out student job opportunities with: Manitoba Geological Survey, Natural Resources Canada, Vale, Imperial Oil, Suncor Energy, Newmont and WISE Kid-Netic Energy.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships. Consider the Student-Industry Minerals Exploration Workshop (PDAC) or the CSPG Student-Industry Field Trip.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Did you travel abroad? Become an exchange mentor for the International Student Mentorship Program, join the exchange student community at the University of Manitoba or write an article about your experience.

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Participate in the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program, volunteer for Land and Water: Land-based Education or take part in the Graduation Pow Wow.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Refer to the Academic Calendar to view the courses required for your program of choice in the faculty.

To do this year:

1. Meet with a Riddell advisor for program approval prior to registration.
2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with a Riddell advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.
3. Complete an honours thesis in geology or geophysics by taking GEOL 4870.

CAREER TIPS

Start job search 9 months in advance: Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing on to a professional program or graduate school: Finalize your application materials and required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Search for job opportunities online: Check out Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG), The Northern Miner's careermine, Earthworks-jobs.com, Job Bank, Find My Job, Indeed or other search engines.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation or explore Manitoba Start. Get access to LinkedIn Learning through the Winnipeg Public Library and take courses to develop your cross-cultural intelligence.

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

General

• Geological/Geophysical Technician
• Geographic information systems (GIS) technician
• Mines Inspector
• Nature/Park Interpreter
• Outreach Geologist
• Petroleum Technician

Geology

• Exploration Manager
• Geo-Environmental Consultant
• Geological Assistant
• Geological Consultant
• Geologist
• Geomechanics Specialist
• Heavy Oil Manager
• Mining Analyst
• Oceanographer
• Planetary Geologist
• Precambrian Geologist

Geophysics

• Atmospheric Data Technician
• Geophysical Field Technician
• Geophysicist
• Geoscience Professional
• Geoscientist
• Spatial Data Analyst

Options requiring other education

• Disaster Response Manager
• Environmental Lawyer
• Environmental Policy Analyst
• Geological Engineer
• Hydrologist
• Paleontologist
• Science Teacher
• Seismologist
• University Professor

Industries such as federal, provincial, and municipal government, agriculture, conservation and water stewardship, education, minerals, oil and gas would value an Earth Sciences degree in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. The skills include:*

• Problem solving
• Critical thinking
• Numeracy and data use
• Oral and written communication
• Industry specific knowledge
• Teamwork
• Digital technology
• Continuous learning

Attain skills through your classroom education and take advantage of experiential education opportunities.

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000⁺ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.