Skills you’ll develop
While studying Geological Sciences, you’re learning to examine the earth, including the composition, structure, physical properties, and history of our planet. You’ll develop important skills while taking advantage of Vancouver’s location as a beautiful, natural geological laboratory.
These skills may include:
- Location, identification, classification and extraction of various earth materials and structures
- Application of the geologic time scale to indicate the order of events on Earth
- Surveying and sampling techniques
- Field mapping
- Technical report writing
- Mathematical modeling and quantitative analysis
- Computer methods used to analyze geological and geographical data
- Interpretation of 3D subsurface structures
- Microscopic petrography and mineral identification
Career possibilities
Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields, including mineral exploration, environmental geoscience, consulting, government agencies, resource management, hydrogeology, community development, research, and others.
There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas.
Visit the Job Bank Canada website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field. Some career options may require further education or training.
- Agricultural consultant
- Assayer
- Agrogeologist
- Cartographer
- Environmental geologist
- Exploration geologist
- Geodesist
- Geographic information systems technician
- Geological technician
- Geologist
- Geomorphologist
- Geophysical data technician
- Hydrogeologist
- Hydrologist
- Land surveyor
- Laboratory technician
- Landscape architect
- Lobbyist
- Mine geologist
- Mineral technician
- Mining technologist
- Oceanographer
- Paleontologist
- Petroleum geologist
- Sedimentologist
- Seismic technician
- Seismologist
- Toxicologist
- Urban planner
Make the most of your specialization
Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help clarify your values and interests.
- Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science clubs
Meet other UBC students with similar interests through events and programs. - UBC Sustainability programs and clubs
Browse on-campus paid and volunteer opportunities related to sustainability. - UBC Science Co-op
Gain work experience in geological sciences between study terms. - Departmental research opportunities
Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions. - How to become a professional geoscientist
Know what courses you should take to become certified for this role. - Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions internships
Apply your classroom knowledge to real-world settings through climate change mitigation or adaptation projects. - Volunteer at the GeoConvention
Network with top industry professionals during the summer term and connect with guest speakers at technical talks. - AME Roundup Conference
Attend a mineral exploration industry convention in term 2 and network with professionals. - PDAC Convention
Volunteer at or attend this mineral exploration and mining convention in Toronto. - MapPlace tool
Use geospatial web services to visualize and analyze geoscience and mineral resource data and maps in British Columbia.
Build your network
Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.
The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.
- Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia
- Below BC
- Canadian Federation of Earth Sciences
- Canadian Geological Foundation
- Canadian Geophysical Union
- Canadian Geotechnical Society
- Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists
- Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists
- Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia
- Geological Society of America
- Geoscientists Canada
- Geological Association of Canada
- International Association of Hydrogeologists
- Mineralogical Association of Canada
- Mining Association of British Columbia
- Society of Economic Geologists
- Society of Economic Geologists – UBC Chapter
- Women in Mining British Columbia
Connect with alumni
Find UBC Geological Sciences graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.
As you read, take note of interesting job titles, organizations, and experiences you may want to explore. If a particular story or profile aligns with your goals, consider reaching out for an informational interview.
More information
From your Science degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Science degree.