Lucrative Career Option In Meteorology

If you are curious about nature, especially the weather and climatic changes, and wonder why clouds look different today or about the humidity, then Meteorology is the career most suited for you, which in turn will clear all your doubts. Meteorology is a sub-discipline of Atmospheric science that mainly focuses on various aspects of the atmosphere, especially that of the weather and climate. In this field we study about weather, climate and the forces that cause change in our environment. In simple terms it is the study of weather and weather forecasting. Those who specialise in the field of meteorology are called Meteorologists or Climatologists or Atmospheric scientists. The main task of a meteorologist is to collect and analyze information on atmospheric conditions. A meteorologist is responsible for forecasting the weather by measuring temperature, humidity, pressure, wind speed, rainfall and air quality using various equipments like rain gauge, anemometer, thermometer, barometer and so on. Now there are more complex observing techniques using satellites. These observations are plotted on charts and meteorologists analyse them and forecast the weather. The field involves research, teaching, consulting and forecasting. Weather plays a significant role in everyone’s day to day life. If we take the case of any news broadcast, weather update is omnipresent. Fields like agriculture, civil aviation, fishing etc depend much on the weather. Hence, Meteorology has great application in agriculture, air-pollution control, air and sea transportation, military operations, space and in the study of trends in the earth’s climate such as global warming or ozone depletion.

Eligibility Criteria

Career aspirants in this field must be good at mathematics and science. To begin a career as a meteorologist one must have at least a bachelor degree in meteorology or atmospheric science. A master degree in meteorology with relevant specialization is essential for positions such as operational meteorologists, physical meteorologists, synoptic meteorologists, environmental meteorologists and hydrometeorologists. Master level programmes are of two year duration. Candidates who are aspiring to become researchers and scientists must complete a PhD programme in Meteorology.

Job Prospects

Meteorology is a lucrative career option for all those who have always been keen to learn more about science and weather forecasts. Nowadays, with climate change and various environmental issues rocking the world, the role and scope of meteorologists has increased manifold. There are jobs within the government service, private companies, colleges and universities. Main jobs for meteorologists are that of research and teaching. Meteorologists are generally employed by weather broadcasting stations, environmental agencies, government agencies such as meteorology departments, industrial weather research facilities, military department, satellite space research centers, radio and television stations and global weather centers. Space application centers also recruit meteorologists as the launching of satellite also depends on weather conditions. The Indian Meteorological Department, National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology etc. recruits candidates through Union Public Service Commission. Those with Masters degree can apply for the posts. They can also join universities as researchers. There is great scope for research, as several institutes like Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology recruit people for various research works.

Remuneration

Salaries of Meteorologists vary depending on education, experience, and place of employment. Initial salary one earn is about Rs. 10,000 per month. When they are experienced meteorologists can earn more than Rs. 25,000 per month. In government service Meteorologists belonging to Grade II gets a handsomer salary package. One having outstanding knowledge and experience can also find job in abroad. There the salary is not an issue at all.

Institutes

* Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi, Kerala, 0484 – 2353662

* Andhra University, Vishakhapatnam, 0891 – 2844518

* Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra, 020 – 25691712

* Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Telangana, 040 – 32408785

* Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi,

011 – 26582222

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