Weather careersWeather careers

One trend Mike Brown has observed in his 30-plus year career studying climate is the growing relevance of meteorologists and climatologists in the modern economy.  

Mississippi State’s Department of Geosciences has developed one of the leading meteorology programs in the country. One third of broadcast meteorologists working in local news markets have had some education there, whether that be undergraduate, graduate or online studies. 

But Brown said career opportunities expand well beyond weather forecasts delivered from television studios.  

“So many companies are realizing the importance of a meteorologist in terms of cost savings, and we have graduates around the world in industries many wouldn’t imagine.” 

He spoke of a recent graduate who is working as a meteorologist for a consortium of golf courses in Arizona.  

“If he can save them a quarter of an inch of irrigation across their courses, he’s saving them tens of thousands of dollars. He earns his pay very quickly.” 

“We have graduates who work throughout the transportation industry such as railroads and trucking. Amazon is even starting a meteorology component. They are looking at using meteorologists to better forecast for their physical locations in the U.S. as well as improving planning for deliveries. Using meteorologists and artificial intelligence to improve customer service,” he said. 

“And of course, the agricultural industry is an increasing placement for our graduates,” he added. “Having real-time, accurate and local information about weather conditions affecting the soil and the crops is essential for precision agriculture."

"There are great opportunities for students interested in careers in meteorology.”