Geophysicist/field seismologist: Career development

There is no specific career path within geophysics/field seismology. After a probationary period, progression might be to senior geophysicist, then team leader and then into a senior role in management. It is also possible to move into a specialist technical role or a generalist role with increased responsibility. The ease of movement between roles depends on the company structure.

The employment market within the oil industry is very dependent on the price of oil and this may affect opportunities for career progression. The amount of jobs available may also change as a consequence of mergers between large petrochemical and exploration companies. However, not all jobs are dependent on the oil industry.

Freelance consultancy offers a good route for career development as well as the possibility of specialising in a specific area of geophysics.

Geophysicists/field seismologists are likely to have several jobs throughout their working lives. Global mobility is crucial for dealing with peaks and troughs in different countries at different times. For example, if there is very little work in the UK in mining, geophysicists many choose to move to South Africa. The ability to network is vital when you are dealing with periods out of work.

It may be possible to move into seismology, as a seismic interpreter, and engineering geology, as well as into hazard prediction.