Geographer Career Description
Individuals, organisations and governments world-wide agree that the quality of the environment is deteriorating at such a rate that life itself is threatened due to the rapid depletion and misuse of natural resources. Geography involves the study of the total relationship between people and their environment. Geographical studies make a contribution towards long-term sustainable use of the world's resources in relation to human needs. In the light of the need for
qualified people to spread this environmental message, the training of geographers in South Africa is of utmost importance.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Geographers are involved in a variety of fields where they do very interesting work:
» Geographers who are more inclined towards the natural sciences can involve themselves as environmental scientists in the study of physical and biological aspects of the environment (landforms, climate, soil, vegetation, animals), by studying such problems as erosion, desertification, nature conservation, landscape and terrain evaluation, environmental impact and resource ecology and management.
» Geographers who are more interested in people and the explanation of their activities and way of life, usually specialise in socio-economic aspects. Developmental issues including urbanisation, with its associated problems like housing and general service provision, are priority topics presently of great importance in South Africa. These are addressed and analysed by geographers.
» Attempts to explain other land-use practices like agriculture, mining, industrialisation and tourism against the background of human use (and misuse) of resources, are further examples of geographical studies which are central to the development of the country.
» Geographical Information Systems (GIS) make use of computer and other technological facilities to record and interpret spatial distributions and patterns, leading to a valuable understanding of the everyday world of people.
Geographers are often involved with the planning of different projects where they act in an advisory capacity as a member of a team of specialists. For example, the economic geographer will advise a commission for the promotion of tourism on the utilisation of observation points and roads in the surroundings of major nature attractions and design facilities that are user and environment friendly.
The military geographer will advise the SA National Defence Force on the practicability of hostile territory for different kinds of vehicles. Other geographers give information on the impact of human activities on the environment and make contributions to meaningful environmental management and an improved quality of life for all people. Many geographers too are able to pinpoint the most
advantageous location for a wide array of facilities to meet people's needs in the most effective way.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need?
A geographer aspires to create a healthy balance between people and their environment. Therefore a balanced view of life is important. This implies a scientific, honest and reliable person, with the ability to work with people and inform them on matters concerning people and their interaction with the environment.
Because of the academic-scientific nature of geography as a career, good comprehension and intellectual capacity is required. Further important qualifications are good health, good visual ability and sensitive observation skills, sound psychomotor co-ordination for compiling maps, graphics, data analysis and various computer skills. Initiative, creativity, objectivity and the ability to work independently are also very important requirements.
Where can I work?
Although education is still one of the largest employers of geographers, they often work for organisations like urban and rural planning firms, environmental consultants, ecological planners, city councils, tourist agencies, holiday resorts, park boards, government departments and provincial governments.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Although geographers typically act as part of a team of experts, where their insight into human activities, as well as the properties of the natural environment are important, they can also act in their personal capacity as individuals in the labour market. As consultants focusing on almost any environmental problem (especially land use development pertaining to a wide range of issues), they can act as independent consultants or as leaders of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary teams.
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