Geologist - How to get into this job
Kaitai Aro Whenua
Entry Requirements
To become a geologist you need a Bachelor of Science in geology. However, a Masters or Doctorate in geology or engineering geology is preferred.
Secondary Education
A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter tertiary training. Useful subjects include maths with calculus and/or statistics, physics, chemistry, biology, geography and English.
Get help with choosing school subjectsTertiary Education
All the main universities in New Zealand have geology departments.
Training on the job
Some skills are gained on the job. Mine geologists learn the practical aspects of how a mine site operates while they are on the job.
Geologists may attend courses and conferences to keep their skills up to date.
"Once you are on the job, you learn the practical side of things such as how to manage a drilling programme and how to deal with problems as they arise."
Rob Boyd - Geologist
Useful Experience
Work on a construction site, in the civil engineering field or a background in mining may be useful experience. Tramping and climbing experience can also be useful in many disciplines of geology. For geologists who want to work in underground mining, any underground work experience is useful.
"Being a geologist means you are continuing learning. If you’re not learning, then you shouldn’t be doing this job anymore."
David Hadley - Geologist
Updated
September 2009
