Geophysicist/field seismologist : Career development

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

Within the oil industry, the employment market, and thus the opportunities for career progression, are very dependent on the price of oil. When prices fall, oil companies cap their smaller wells and stop exploration activities to concentrate on production from the larger, more profitable wells. Jobs may also be lost 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, seismologists 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 between seismology and engineering geology, as well as into hazard prediction.