Meteorologist
Meteorologists study the causes of particular weather conditions using information obtained from the land, sea and upper atmosphere.
They use computerised and mathematical models to make short and long-range forecasts concerning weather and climate patterns. Organisations that use meteorological forecasts include:
In addition to forecasting, meteorologists study the impact of weather on the environment and conduct research into weather patterns, climate change and models of weather prediction.
A meteorologist's work falls into two main categories:
In weather forecasting, typical work activities involve:
In research, typical work activities include:
All entrants to this work are graduates and many hold higher degrees. Depending on the role, degree subjects most acceptable for entry include:
MetLink , the education portal of the Royal Meteorological Society , has a list of meteorology degree courses in the UK, including details of courses that meet the requirements of the Society’s Chartered Meteorologist Accreditation Scheme.
The Met Office usually asks for a first or 2:1 in a physical science or mathematical subject, plus a good A-level pass (or equivalent) in physics, especially for research posts. Other employers similarly prefer degrees in physics and mathematics, or subjects containing a strong element of these, such as computer science, electronics or physical oceanography. Graduates in subjects such as physical geography, or those containing physical elements of environmental science, may also be considered if their degree subject is combined with physics and mathematics and a Masters or relevant PhD.
Entry with an HND/foundation degree only is rare. However, entry into the Mobile Met Unit (MMU) as a forecaster is possible with a minimum of two A-levels, including maths and/or physics, five GCSEs, including maths and English language (or equivalent qualifications), and a full driving licence. The MMU is a unit of Met Office forecasters who are commissioned as reserve officers in the Royal Air Force (RAF). Entrants must also be able to meet specified medical and fitness standards.
A postgraduate degree is required for research posts and, although not essential for other types of work, may increase your chances of appointment to meteorology positions generally.
Relevant work experience or project work will also increase your chances. The Royal Meteorological Society offers a small number of work experience placements each year. As a mainly administrative body, placements tend to be in their membership, education and public engagement departments. The Met Office also sometimes offers limited work experience, which is typically advertised on their website in the autumn. As computer modelling is a major part of a meteorologist's work, it is helpful to gain some experience of this, either through relevant work experience or by completing a degree project with computer modelling as a strong component.
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Some employers, including the Met Office , the Royal Navy and various private weather forecasting companies, expect their employees to work towards a QCF Level 5 Diploma in Meteorological Forecasting where appropriate as part of their duties.
Following this, ongoing training is actively encouraged and is considered to be a vital part of career development. Training might include courses on programming, mathematical modelling, graphics and presentation skills. Meteorologists working for other employers may also attend training courses at the Met Office, in areas such as broadcasting, forecasting for particular transport sectors, or climate change.
Some meteorologists are given sponsorship to study for an MSc, MPhil or PhD.
In addition, the Royal Meteorological Society organises professional meetings and provides a route to Chartered Meteorologist status (CMet) for those who have reached and continue to maintain a high level of knowledge and experience. See their website for full details on how to gain chartership.
If you work in academic research, you will be expected to have sufficient research skills and be able to make an immediate contribution. Part of your ongoing development will be to keep up to date with advances in the field by reading the appropriate literature, attending and presenting at conferences and networking with colleagues.
Meteorologists are typically employed by the Met Office , the Royal Navy , private weather forecasting companies or various research establishments within university departments or run by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) - a list of centres that carry out meteorological research is available from the Royal Meteorological Society . Each of these has established career paths and movement between employers is possible.
The Met Office encourages its staff to manage their own careers and to apply for posts within the organisation to broaden their experience and widen their skills and knowledge base. It is possible to move between functions, such as research, forecasting, teaching, personnel and more commercial roles. Most positions are located at the Met Office headquarters in Exeter and Aberdeen, but entrants to forecasting positions must be willing to move around the country to regional weather centres in order to progress.
With experience, you may progress to a management position, such as project or team leader, or into a training role. There are also opportunities for collaborative work with other organisations throughout the world.
In forecasting roles, meteorologists may develop their careers with organisations such as commercial forecasting services in the private sector, environmental consultancies, utility companies or television or radio broadcasters. Profiles of BBC weather forecasters are available at BBC Weather .
Membership of relevant professional bodies, such as the Royal Meteorological Society, can help career development. Meteorologists can progress to Chartered Meteorologist status (CMet), for which there are various criteria, including a minimum of five years' recent work at an appropriate professional level.
The largest employer of meteorologists in the UK is the Met Office . It incorporates the Met Office Hadley Centre , a world-renowned centre for advanced climate modelling and monitoring. Most employees are based in Exeter, but there are many smaller offices in other parts of the UK, including Aberdeen and overseas.
A subsidiary of the Met Office is the Mobile Met Unit (MMU), whose staff are attached to Royal Air Force (RAF) units and may be employed throughout the world on both military exercises and operations.
Meteorologists are also employed by research centres, such as the:
Other employers of meteorologists include:
Research organisations thoroughly and consider sending a speculative application where appropriate.
Recruitment agencies rarely handle vacancies for meteorologists.
Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.
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