Geographer
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Geographers study and analyse the spatial distribution and interrelationship of physical, biological, cultural and social patterns. They are employed in universities and throughout the public and private sectors. (National Occupational Classification)
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- O*NET Online - U.S. resource for occupational descriptions and information
- OCCinfo by alis - Alberta-based occupational information
- Sokanu - occupational profile and videos (U.S.): Geographer
- Profiles of Professional Geographers - from the Canadian Association of Geographers
- Geographer Career Profile - from ECO Canada
- Profiles of Geographers - from AAG
- Impact of Geography- profiles of Geographers working with policy-related issues from the Royal Geographical Society (Britain)
- Chartered Geographer - an international professional accreditation from the Royal Geographical Society (Britain)
Education
U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
Faculty and Department Homepages
Visit U of M's faculty and department homepage to learn about program application deadlines and processes, as well as additional in-house resources and opportunities.
Exploring Other Education Options
Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Trend Analysis - Job Market Report (Winnipeg Region) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - Job outlook for the U.S.
- Labour Market Information Products - from ECO Canada
Professional Associations
Professional associations may organize events and provide directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities may also be available: engage, learn and network!
- Canadian Association of Geographers (CAG)
- Association of American Geographers (AAG)
- Royal Geographical Society (with the Institute of British Geographers)
- International Geographical Union
- American Geographical Society
- American Geophysical Union
- Association of Canadian Map Librarians and Archives
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- The Canadian Association of Geographers Directory 2017 - from the Canadian Association of Geographers
- The International Ecotourism Society - includes an international member list
- Canadian Environmental Network - umbrella organization
- Canadian Institute of Planners
- UN Aid Agencies - from the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
- Canadian Community Economic Development Network - includes a member list
Job Boards
Search industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
- CAG job board
- ECO Canada - job board and wage subsidy information
- Work Cabin - environmental job board - includes internships
- Canadian GIS and Geospatial Resources - Canadian geomatics jobs
- Find Jobs in Geography and GIS - American Association of Geographers
- Canadian Environmental Network
- Canadian Community Economic Development Network
- Good Work- Canada's green job site since 2001
- Canadian Institute of Planners - includes postings for non-MCIP's
Other links
These external resources may provide you with additional information about the occupation and opportunities to build experience:
- Canadian Population Society
- Preparing for a Geography Career - American Association of Geographers (AAG)
- Canadian Geographic
- National Geographic magazine
- University of Manitoba Career Compass - career and academic guidance and alumni stories:
- Earth Observatory - images and global maps from NASA
- GIS Certification Institute - international certification for GIS professionals
- SIA Hub - For Social Impact Assessment Practitioners
- Geography/The Science of our World