Careers
Related Skills
- Strong writing and speaking skills
- Ability to examine data and conduct field studies
- Using technical tools to survey and sample
- Ability to use statistical applications
- Ability to communicate to different cultures
- Good research skills and management skills
- Maintain records and utilize them in projects
- Develop project designs
- Ability to work independently
- Desire to help and influence mankind
- Keen interest in the natural and social sciences
- Computer knowledge is becoming extremely important in geography. Obtain experience with geographic information systems.
- Develop strong mathematical and statistical skills.
- Develop skills and interest in mapping, graphics, and charts. An interest in photography may prove beneficial.
- Develop good communication skills.
Being Successful in the Field
- Bachelor's degree qualifies you for entry-level positions in government and industry.
- Master's degree qualifies you for community college teaching and advancement in industry and government.
- Ph.D. is required for research and teaching positions in colleges and universities and senior positions in government and industry.
- Obtain volunteer, part-time, summer, internship, or co-op experience in your area of interest.
- Join professional organizations such as the American Geography Society or the National Council for Geographic Education.
- Become a member of groups directed toward improvement of natural resources or environment and pollution control.
- Maintain knowledge of current environmental issues including policy, conservation, and industry trends.
Related Fields
Here are some employers of recent geography graduates from Illinois State:
Companies
- Esri
- State Farm Insurance
- Dow AgroSciences
- Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)
- Integrys Energy Services
- Roadview Inc.
- GIS Solutions
- Earlybird Feed and Fertilizer
- PAQ Interactive
- Cloudpoint Geographics
Federal, state, and local governments
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)
- Illinois Department of Transportation
- City of Moline
- Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
- McLean County Regional Planning Commission
- North Central Illinois Council of Governments
- Village of South Elgin
- Village of Shorewood
- City of Chesterfield, Missouri
- Illinois Department of Revenue
- DuPage County GIS
- Illinois State Treasurer
Nonprofits and organizations
- Illinois State Geological Survey
- Illinois Water Survey
- McLean County Museum of History
Education
- Boylan Catholic High School
- Elgin School District U46
- Naperville Park District
- Olympia Community Unit School District 16
- Peotone Community School District 207-U
- Consolidated High School District 230
- Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210
- Ball-Chatham Community Schools
Career Industry Liaison
Internship Coordinator