How did you use your Geology Degree after college?
Hi there! I'm a 17 year old girl, highschool senior, lookin' to go to UWyo for geology. I was just wonderin' how you used your degree after school? What kind of jobs or career path were you able to go down with it? Have you been able to use your knowledge for fun? Like being able to identify rocks and specific geological events? Were you able to travel and do field work? Do you still like your degree? I know it may be a bit of questions, but thank you very much!
3 answers
Jeremy’s Answer
I used my degree in Oil and Gas Exploration, but in retirement have been helping mentor college students in Carbon Sequestration and Geothermal - all 3 Areas are very similar in need for subsurface mapping skills.
Yes, in everyday life, when traveling and seeing a landscape, I think about why it looks the way it does. You’ll have a great view of geology being in the Rockies.
I loved every aspect of my applied career. The only drawbacks were people politics, but that’s everywhere.
Fazal’s Answer
After finishing my Geology degree, I didn’t jump straight into just one fixed job. Instead, I used what I learned in a very practical way. I started by applying my knowledge of earth materials, mapping, and data analysis to real-world problems. I worked on projects where I analyzed soil and rock samples, helped with site surveys, and supported environmental and construction-related work.
Over time, I realized that a geology degree isn’t only about rocks—it teaches you problem-solving, critical thinking, and how to interpret complex data. I used these skills to adapt to different roles, collaborate with engineers and planners, and make informed decisions about land use and resources. Even beyond technical work, the analytical mindset from geology helped me grow professionally and confidently explore new opportunities.
Karin’s Answer
I got a degree in the geosciences. I enjoyed my education a lot! We had lots of field excursions, locally and internationally. I enjoyed wielding my hammer, and we spent many weekends searching for minerals and fossils as well. It's cool if you understand landscapes and rock formations. You look at things differently. I miss the outdoors!
Professionally, I went into materials, and enjoyed that too. It requires an understanding of the same principles of chemistry and physics and uses many of the same analytical techniques.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
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