Careers & Alumni

Thinking about what you'll be doing after graduation? Learn more about your career options and where to look for jobs.

Career Options

Geographers work in a wide range of fields, depending on their interest and preparation, and although most work in the private sectors, they find jobs with a range of employers, including global corporations and small businesses, non-profit organizations and international organizations, and local and state government offices and federal agencies. Others work as GIS analysts or technicians; in remote sensing and aerial photography; as landscape and resource analysts; as consultants in urban sustainability, site selection, resource evaluation, natural hazards, travel, and the environment; teachers; emergency management professionals; and in many other fields. 

Regional development majors often pursue careers in commercial or residential real estate, property development, urban or transportation planning, and sustainable community development. As graduates of a field that has been identified as critical to the future of the planet, geographers will find opportunity in sectors throughout the economy.

The Department of Labor identified geospatial technologies as one of the "three most important emerging and evolving fields."
 
"Geography enables students to understand their world locally to globally, make wise decisions about the planet and its resources, and become critical thinkers ... Geography grapples with the key issues of our time—energy, water, biodiversity, climate, natural hazards, population, and much more." - Joseph Kerski, education manager for Esri and 2011 president of the National Council for Geographic Education (NCGE)

A study from the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a nice overview of some of the many professional opportunities for geography majors.

Job Resources

Be sure to take advantage of the UA Career Resources Center in the Student Union. In addition to offering career fairs and job listings, the professionals here can provide advice on building and editing your resume (and will refer your resume to firms seeking job candidates), help prepare you for job interviews, and generally improve your job search skills. 

For GIS jobs, see: