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Career possibilities
Geographical & Sustainability Sciences graduates find employment in a range of career sectors. Our majors are equipped with the interdisciplinary skills and knowledge needed to embark on careers that prioritize the health of our environment and communities. Identify your interests and strengths to best utilize opportunities available to you and plan for your future career. Below are several major career sectors our graduates excel in and listed are associated job titles, resources, and strategies to prepare.
Career areas
Do you consider yourself problem-focused, thoughtful, and eco-friendly? Are you interested in deeply exploring human/environment interactions or conservation efforts that support sustainable living? Does it sound fun to conduct field work outside? Could you see yourself analyzing environmental data through GIS software, helping to prevent environmental hazard disasters, or advocating for “going green”?
Careers in this sector focus on studying the physical aspects of the earth and its systems and applying knowledge to educate and inform on how to protect the environment and human/animal health.
Graduate Education: Some careers in this field may require advanced study in biological and environmental sciences. There are also many entry-level jobs that require a bachelor's degree in this career field
Sample job titles
- Environmental Scientist
- Environmental Consultant
- Sustainability Director
- Conservationist
- Natural Area Management
- Water Resources Advisor
- Ecologist
- Greenhouse Gas Reduction Specialist
Strategies to prepare
- Build a solid foundation in the sciences, such as soil science, ecology, and agriculture.
- Gain experience through part-time jobs or internships related to climate, weather, natural hazards, or forestry.
- Gain research experience via ICIGO, National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF-REU), ICRU Research Fellowship Program, or conduct independent research or a thesis (GEOG:3992, GEOG:4990, GEOG:4995).
- Volunteer with organizations like the Iowa DNR, the Indian Creek Nature Center, the Iowa Nature Conservancy, Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge Prairie Learning Center, or the Sierra Club.
- Get involved and join student organizations such as the Fair Trade Club, the UI Environmental Coalition, UI Gardeners, UI Biological Interests Organization (UIBIO), Net Impact, or the Environmental Science Club.
Complementary academic programs
- Minors:
- Biology
- Environmental sciences
- Geoscience
- Other:
- Iowa Lakeside Laboratory Summer Program
Resources
Do you consider yourself to be systematic, precise or efficient? Are you interested in learning about creating digital maps, utilizing and creating databases, or using geospatial technology? Does it sound like fun to test new LiDAR machines or develop software? Could you see yourself working in a constantly changing high-tech environment?
Careers in this community focus on developing geographic computer systems, managing computer networks and interpreting and presenting data to address environmental and other industry problems.
Graduate Education: Computer and technology-based skills are always evolving so experience is sometimes more important than a graduate degree. If you seek to enhance your skills or programming knowledge, consider graduate school in geography, informatics, or computer science.
Sample job titles
- GIS specialist
- GIS software developer
- Web cartographer
- GIS & mapping technician
- Spatial data steward
- Geodatabase analyst
- Remote sensing specialist
- CAD administrator
- GIS & data analytics manager
Strategies to prepare
- Take courses and gain skills in surveying, photogrammetry, computer systems, database management, remote sensing, and GIS.
- Become fluent in at least one computer programming language.
- Gain field research experience by joining ICIGO, National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF-REU), ICRU Research Fellowship Program, or conduct independent research or a thesis (GEOG:3992, GEOG:4990, GEOG:4995).
Complementary academic programs
- Minors:
- Computer science
- Informatics
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Certificates:
- Social science analytics
- Technological entrepreneurship
- Big data
- Other:
Resources
Do you consider yourself to be compassionate, curious, or solution-focused? Are you interested in identifying disease patterns and understanding how health services vary geographically? Do you enjoy using spatial analysis and geographic modeling to study environmental justice, population dynamics and health outcomes?
Careers in this sector focus on understanding health patterns and developing strategies to improve public health outcomes.
Graduate Education: A bachelor's degree will prepare students for many entry-level opportunities. Those interested in health services should consider gaining a graduate degree in geography or public health.
Sample job titles
- Health coordinator
- Medical geographer
- Health-care analyst
- Disease program director
- Global health manager
- Epidemiologist
- Public health officer
- Environmental health specialist
Strategies to prepare
- Hone GIS and spatial modeling skills.
- Volunteer with local nonprofits like ICFRC, CIVIC, Center for Workers Justice, CARTHA, or the Blue Zone Project.
- Get research experienced focused on health geography and epidemiology with ICRU Research Fellowship Program, the Summer Health Professionals Education Program (SHPEP), or conduct independent research or a thesis (GEOG:3992, GEOG:4990, GEOG:4995).
- Get involved with student organizations such as the Global Health Club, the Undergraduate Public Health Club, or the Student Health Advisory Committee.
Complementary academic programs
- Minors:
- Global health studies
- Informatics
- Gender, health, and healthcare equity
- Health and human condition
- Certificates:
- Global health studies
- Public health
- Social science analytics
- Disability studies
Resources
Do you consider yourself to be ambitious, resilient or optimistic? Are you interested in learning about developing public policy or addressing environmental issues though governmental initiatives? Does it sound like fun to argue environmental legal issues or lead a civic/community improvement project? Could you see yourself working for a city, state, or federal agency or government body?
Careers in this sector focus on public affairs, politics, and serving the community.
Graduate Education: Some careers will we require a professional or graduate degree, while others may require certifications. If you are interested in being an environmental lawyer, pursuing a law degree is necessary.
Sample job titles
- Environmental lawyer
- Environmental compliance coordinator
- Sustainable policy advisor
- Policy and research analyst
- Environmental services director
Strategies to prepare
- Participate in student government and observe city or county advisory meetings.
- Identify government agencies of interest and learn about the federal, state, and local government job application processes.
- Gain policy research experience with the UI Public Policy Center, ICRU Research Fellowship Program, or conduct independent research or a thesis (GEOG:3992, GEOG:4990, GEOG:4995)
- Consider an internship with local and state governments, the Washington Center, U.S. State Department Pathways Program, Public Policy and International Affairs Program Junior Summer Institutes, or a local law firm.
- Get involved with student organizations such as UISG, UI Mock Trial, Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Society, or United Nations Association.
Complementary academic programs
- Minors:
- International relations
- Political science
- Social justice
- Statistics
- Criminology
- Law and justice
- Certificates:
- International business
- Political risk analysis
- Rhetoric and persuasion
- Leadership studies
Resources
Do you consider yourself to be supportive, generous, or empathetic? Do you enjoy learning about environmental health, justice, or community development? Do you enjoy empowering others, handling a crisis or developing resources? Could you see yourself tackling environmental problems via organizing and advocacy?
Careers in this sector focus on understanding people and communities and making change by serving the community.
Sample job titles
- Climate campaign director
- Environmental educator
- Fundraising and development coordinator
- Community energy planner
- Climate action coordinator
- Public health community organizer
- International development coordinator
Strategies to prepare
- Develop strong communication and inter-personal skills.
- Volunteer with locally based advocacy groups like CARTHA, Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa, Iowa United Nations Association.
- Consider international opportunities such as study abroad, or grants/fellowships like the UI Stanley Awards for International Research, Boren Scholarships, Critical Language Scholarship, DAAD Scholarships, or Fulbright Student Program.
- Get involved with student organizations such as the UI Students for Human Rights, Refugee and Immigrant Association, Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity, Hawkeye Service Breaks, United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties, or Hawkeyes for Humanity.
Complementary academic programs
- Minors:
- International studies
- Native American and indigenous studies
- Social justice
- Social work
- Global health studies
- Certificates:
- Human rights
- Nonprofit leadership and philanthropy
- Museum studies
- Writing
- Critical cultural competence
Resources
Do you consider yourself to have strong communication, management or numerical skills? Are you interested in learning about corporate responsibility through a sustainable lens? Do you see yourself working in a corporate environment collaborating with others to accomplish company goals?
Careers in this sector focus on leading people and projects, developing business plans and preparing records.
Graduate Education: There are advancement opportunities in the business area that may not require education beyond a bachelor's degree, but some may gravitate towards an MBA or professional graduate degree.
Sample job titles
- Sustainability manager
- Environmental consultant
- Social impact and corporate responsibility director
- Market research and development specialist
- Sustainability and energy consultant
- Innovation and sustainability program manager
Strategies to prepare
- Develop strong communication and public speaking skills.
- Obtain business-related work or internship experience in a corporate setting and build a network of contacts.
- Consider joining student organizations like the Sales & Consulting Club, Reaching OUT in Business, or American Marketing Association.
Complementary academic programs
- Minors:
- Statistics
- Business administration
- Economics
- Informatics
- Certificates:
- Entrepreneurial management
- International business
- Leadership studies
- Technological entrepreneurship
- Event management
Resources
Do you consider yourself detail-oriented, creative, and forward thinking? Are you interested in addressing important social justice and environmental issues? Does it sound fun to develop strategies for improving transportation systems, housing, employment opportunities, and air and water quality?
Careers in this sector focus on long-term environmental and economic sustainability of our development patterns and improving our cities.
Graduate Education: Planning careers will benefit from a master's degree in urban planning, however there are entry-level positions that require a bachelor's degree and certification.
Sample job titles
- Transportation planner
- Land-use planner
- Green building specialist (LEED)
- Community development and zoning planner
- Environmental planner
Strategies to prepare
- Develop GIS skills and become familiar with GIS mapping software and databases.
- Attend local government planning committee meetings and learn the federal, state, and local government job application processes.
- Obtain a part-time job or internship with a local government in a planning position.
- Get involved with a student organization like the Community Transportation Committee, UI Student Government, or the Iowa United Nations Association.
- Research Master's programs for planning and make note of admission requirements and deadlines.
Complementary academic programs
- Environmental Policy & Planning and Urban & Regional Planning U2G 5-Year Bachelor's and Master's Program
- Minors:
- Political science
- Social justice
- Statistics
- GIScience (Geography majors are not eligible)
- Certificates:
- Social science analytics
- Political risk analysis
- GIScience (Geography majors on the GIS Track are not eligible)
- Sustainability (Sustainability Science majors are not eligible)
Resources
Do you consider yourself inquisitive, analytical, or insightful? Are you interested in learning about scientific issues or applying technical concepts to solve problems? Does it sound like fun to perform lab experiments and investigating scientific principles by collecting and analyzing data?
Careers in this sector focus on designing and conducting research to improve products, processes, and ways of living.
Graduate education: Some students may be able to enter a PhD program directly after finishing their bachelor's degree, others may need to complete a Master's degree first.
Sample job titles
- Sustainable development researcher
- Water industry researcher
- Operations analyst
- Energy market analyst
- Climate analyst
Strategies to prepare
- Undertake research via ICIGO, NSF-REU, or under a faculty mentor with independent research or a thesis (GEOG:3992, GEOG:4990, GEOG:4995).
- Consider applying for research grants from UI like ICRU fellowship, SROP, The Dewey Student Fund for Undergraduate Research, or the Ferentz Undergraduate Research Fund.
- Explore external internship and fellowship opportunities such as the iSchool Inclusion Institute, Lincoln Park Zoo Internships, Summer Research Early Identification Program, or the Summer Research Initiative.
Complementary academic programs
- Minors:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Environmental sciences
- Mathematics
- Certificates:
- Social science analytics
- Writing
- Technological entrepreneurship
Resources
Do you consider yourself to be helpful, patient, or understanding? Are you interested in learning about the best methods to reach students or setting curriculum standards? Does it sound like fun to explain ideas and concepts in a classroom of learners?
Careers in this sector focus on facilitating leaning by guiding and encouraging others.
Graduate education: There are different levels and forms of science/environmental education. If you are interested in becoming a university faculty member or researcher, a PhD in geography or another field is required, a Master's degree is required for community college. If you are interested in teaching K-12, there are different certification programs through the College of Education and other institutions. If you are interested at working as an educator at a National Park, wildlife reserve, or other organization, a bachelor's degree will suffice for many positions.
Sample job titles
- University faculty
- Science writer
- K-12 teacher
- Environmental grant writer
- Environmental education instructor
- Nature facility and program manager
- Urban park ranger
Strategies to prepare
- Develop strong communication skills, both oral and written.
- Seek volunteer or paid experiences, such as a camp counselor or tutor with your target-age group
- Obtain certification for public school teaching
- If you plan on becoming a university faculty member, research graduate programs and their admission requirements, maintain a high grade point average, hone your research interests, and build strong faculty relationships to prepare for graduate school.
Complementary academic programs
- Minors:
- Educational psychology
- Human relations
- Museum studies
- Certificates:
- Nonprofit leadership and philanthropy
- Writing
- Critical cultural competency
- Other:
- Elementary/secondary teaching licensure
Resources
Career resources for UI undergraduate students
The Pomerantz Career Center provides high-quality resources and services to students, alumni, and employers. The site has information designed to help you move through the various stages of the job search process, including the Handshake@UIowa website as well as information on upcoming employer visits, internships, and careers after college.
Meet with a career coach
All undergraduates can meet with a career coach to explore interests, skills, strengths, and values as you plan for after graduation.
Participate in a mock interview
Experience first-hand what an interview might be like by participating in a Mock Interview where you can practice interviewing, ask questions about the interview process, and be critiqued by volunteer employers from surrounding communities.
Attend a career fair
Network with employers and learn more about job and career opportunities in a variety of areas right here on campus.
Write an effective resume
Learn the level of detail needed to get noticed in the applicant pool and by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) software, including tips on how to format your resume, effective use of power verbs, a formula for crafting bullet points, and more.
Find or create an internship
We'll guide you through the process of finding an internship, creating your own opportunity, and evaluating internship offers.
Explore majors and careers
Learn more about how your personal attributes impact potential success and satisfaction with different career options and work environments. Or, start by exploring career fields and find majors that align with your interests and skills.