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What are the most important courses or opportunities I should focus on during my first year to set myself up for success in the meteorology program?

Are there any internships I should look for?

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A’s Answer

In your first year of a meteorology program, focus on building a strong base in calculus, physics, and computer programming—these are key for understanding weather processes and data analysis. Enroll in Calculus I & II and calculus-based physics courses, and start learning a programming language like Python, which is widely used in weather modeling. If possible, take an introductory meteorology or atmospheric science course to get early exposure to the field. Join your school’s meteorology club to start networking, and look for research or internship opportunities, even if they’re in general environmental science. These steps will give you a strong start, help you gauge your interest, and prepare you for more advanced coursework later on.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for all this valuable information. I will look into all those courses. Skye Skye
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Patrick’s Answer

Skye, just so you know up front, I am not a meteorologist. However, a freind of mine that does the weekend news in Elgin, IL says she has a good perspective on the field and the opportunities it offers. One of the most important pieces of advice she can give is to start building relationships early. Connect with your professors, local meteorologists, and other professionals in the industry. This is what she did to get started in the field. She wanted you to know that Meteorology is a specialized field, and many professionals are more than happy to mentor students because it’s a passion-driven career that not everyone pursues. These connections can become incredibly valuable when you're applying for internships, research opportunities, or jobs—especially when you need strong letters of recommendation.

One other keen advice she has is make the most of every opportunity your program offers. Stay actively involved with your meteorology professors and join the Meteorology Club or similar organizations on campus. These are often the gateways to hands-on experiences like research projects, weather data analysis, and even storm chasing opportunities. Engaging in these activities not only helps you apply what you're learning in class but also shows initiative and builds your resume. Finally, never stop being curious. Keep an eye on the sky, follow weather events, and read beyond your textbooks. Whether it's analyzing radar data or following global climate patterns, continuing to learn outside the classroom will help you stand out in this field and grow into a confident, knowledgeable professional.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for sharing all this valuable information. I will definitely get involved in everything that this program has to offer. Skye Skye
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Christina’s Answer

Wanted to add to the information above! Keep involved in with your Meteorology Professor's as well as the Meteorology Club! Opportunities may arise where you can help with research or storm chase as well. Always keep looking at the sky and reading additional information on top of your classes to learn as much about the weather as you can
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Brianna’s Answer

I am not a meteorologist, but my dad is a chief meteorologist. The one this I would encourage is to reach out and network with your professors, local meteorologists, and more. Most meteorologist I know love to talk with students because it is not a career most people venture into. Building these ties can help you in the future. You will need recommendation letters for internships, jobs, and more.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Great idea. I will definitely try to do a lot of networking! Skye Skye
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