Meteorologists- What Drives You to Enter this Domain?

Question

I am excited to see that there are a few meteorologists floating around this board. Plus, there are some wx students here who sound as if they are getting good grades (good knowledge base). What brought you to this career choice? I'd imagine it began as a passion for the weather, as mine did, but what employment do you have or hope to obtain after your schooling? Do you, or will you, work for the NWS, or as some other civilian government employee? For the students, will you obtain an internship along the way and hope to be hired from there? Is there anyone looking to be an on-air weathercaster?

I only worked as a military (active duty) forecaster and never really learned too much about the civilian side of things, and I am very curious to hear about it. Since I've got some of you right here, please edu-ma-cate me! I've always wondered if it was a path I should have taken.

Don't feel obligated to write a long-winded answer- I figure you're all busy folks.

Oh, and nice to meet you all

Answer 1

I'm a meteorology student who became interested in this field for three reasons:

1) I love studying weather.

2) I'm good at math and physics.

3) Meteorology is very rewarding.

I hope to get an internship at an NWS office and eventually get a job there as a forecaster. On the side, I'd like to get involved in storm chasing. Broadcast meteorology does not interest me at all.

Well Tami, it is good to meet you. Welcome to the the weather section on yahoo! answers.

Answer 2

I've always loved weather, but only recently decided to go back to school to get a doctorate in the subject.  I've worked as a writer, physicist and engineer, but I've always chased storms, had my own weather station, read up on the subject and tried to do my own forecasting.  I finally decided that I might as well try and do something I really love.  The weather is cool--it's always around you, it's different every day and there's infinite variety.

Answer 3

I'm also in the USAF as a weather forecaster, i chose this career field not from a passion of weather, but i love the out of doors and this was as best i could get to it.  And i know your laughing cause we sit behind computers all day long, but i didn't know I'd be doing this when i enlisted, not saying i don't like my job cause i do, its fascinating.  I likely won't do weather when i get out of the service.  But if i do I think I'll try to get a job at an observing station near where i live in Michigan.  Or with the Department of Natural Resources in Michigan for fire control, as i know they use weather forecasters to determine the wind directions so they figure where the fire will spread.

Answer 4

I'm a senior Atmospheric Science major and I've loved meteorology since I was 10 when I decided to go into this field. I've just always loved and had a passion for the weather. I have 2 internships and I do plan on being and on-air meteorologist. I'm really good as one and I'm not too much into the research side which is the main basis of Atmospheric science. I'm making resume tapes now and I'm going to get my CBM from the AMS in a few months after I graduate in December, send in my transcripts, take the test, and pass. I want to see a tornado so bad. I'm going storm chasing next May. Hopefully I can work at SPC or NHC, somthing NOAA based. Man look at all those Abbreviations LOL.

I plan on becoming an adjunct professor in this field as  well when I'm not broadcasting. I may get my PH.D I'm still deciding.

Answer 5

Hey Im about to be a college freshman and im going to major in atmospheric science..which is kind of the same thing..i have always been interested in the weather and how it works. I would like to do storm chasing as well. Hopefully ill get an internship in the NOAA or NWS..i would like to be an on-air weathergirl, but I would rather work for the government or something..you should consider a path like this..many people get shocked at the reasons for choosing this career =)