Want To Get Into Meteorology?

January 18, 2006, 9:50 pm
Posted by James Spann in General Thoughts
Rating: 0/5   Votes : 0
From the mail bag…

"This one came in last night: I want to major in meteorology when I get out of high school. I'm a senior at Good Hope High School and I cant wait to get started on my life time goal to become a meteorologist. Did you know that meteorology is what you wanted to major in when you were in high school? What did you do to prepare yourself for this type of field?"

Great questions. My first response is this: you must have a child-like fascination with weather if you are going into meteorology. Otherwise, it will be a miserable career. But, if you really (and I do mean really) love weather, it is the best job in the world. I really didn’t consider meteorology as a career when I was in high school since there were no on-camera meteorologists at the time, and no school in Alabama offered the science. I had the passion for weather, but chose electrical engineering as my first major.

My college career was long and winding with many stops, but I would up finishing in the broadcast meteorology program over at Mississippi State, taking most of the classes while I worked in the television industry.

I think the best way for a high school student to prepare for a career in meteorology now is to get online and learn everything you can about weather. There are some excellent academic sites that offer a vast amount of knowledge. And, just about every conceivable bit of weather data is online and available for the world to see. Dig, and dig deep. Ask questions, and search out the answers. Read the blog and watch the video discussions we produce.

Of course, choosing a good college is also very important. Mississippi State is a great choice; other good ones include the University of South Alabama, Florida State, Texas A&M, Penn State, and the University of Oklahoma. GO FOR IT!
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Posted by Dave  
on January 18, 2006, 10:04 pm
Hey James, tell the suites at 33/40 it is the NEWS@10 not 10:01,15

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Posted by John T.  
on January 18, 2006, 10:21 pm
Whaaaaat! When did we get so technical??

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Posted by John T.  
on January 18, 2006, 10:32 pm
To the young man at Good Hope High, I second what James said. Again, I'm just a weatherbuff, wished I had done better in school to go to college to become a meteorologist. And YES, its has to be in your blood! If it is, the stormier the weather, the better & more you get into it. I'm proud of you for your decision and obviousley you are also. If you have not been writing or reporting on the blog come on in with the rest of the family. Oh, just to mention when you do become a meteorologist just lookout for the critics and others out there and keep you head held high. Sad to say but its a mean world out there.

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Posted by  
on January 18, 2006, 10:41 pm
I'm a MET MAJOR at the Univ. of South Alabama and I have to say I've been in love with weather since I was 4. (Believe it or not I can remember that far.) My first memories were weather related. I had maps and a chalkboard in my room in grade school. I would draw out my own weather charts and make forecasts myself. I've even held a weekend job at a local AM radio station doing my own forecast. It's been in my blood since birth. This is my Freshman year at south and I'm having a blast. I've already had my first "MET" class and I learned a lot about Hurricanes being so close to the shore. (Originally from Tennessee.) True there is a lot of Calculus and Physics involved but the love for weather will bring lots of encouragement.

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Posted by  
on January 18, 2006, 10:53 pm
Still in HS here, too. Plan to take some calculus and physics before the college career begins. I have had a passion for weather since the age of 6. Since about age 12 (after Nov 10, 02 outbreak), I started researching weather on various sites. I've become familiar with most of the models now and love it! Plan to go to college at U of S. Ala. or Florida State.

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Posted by  
on January 18, 2006, 11:19 pm
Hey Mr. Spann and other readers,
I have a strong passion for weather and I always have. I am currently attending Shelton State, but I will be transfering to the University of South Alabama in a year in a half. I have loved weather all of my life. A lot of people back home in Linden, Alabama, believe that I was born with this passion. I myself believe that I was born with the love of weather. Back at my High School in Linden, my teachers and principal would actually ask me to keep them informed on the weather during severe weather days; I always enjoyed doing that. I have three and a half years to go, and I will then start my career in Broadcasting Meteorology. I am really excited for my future. Hope to work with you others interested out there someday. Good luck everyone!
P.S. Anyone who wants to share important info. on weather, or wants to help me begin my future in Meteorology, e-mail me at richardlscott@comcast.net

Richard

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Posted by  
on January 19, 2006, 8:32 am
As a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, I must say that OU has the best meteorology school in the WORLD, bar none. The National Weather Service is based there, the National Severe Storms Forecast Center is there, and once construction on the Worldwide Weather Research Center is completed, the National Severe Storms Laboratory will be located there. OU is the brithplace of storm chasing, and there is never a shortage of storms to chase. If you want to major in meteorology OU is the BEST! Boomer Sooner!

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Posted by Matt Marshall  
on January 19, 2006, 10:56 am
Don't forget the University of Utah. They have a good program, so I hear.

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Posted by  
on January 20, 2006, 8:52 am
I went to the University of Utah for meteorology. It's the best school if you're interested in snow and mountain meteorology. It's not a huge department so you get a lot of individual attention and get to know everyone.

There is a lot of calculus and physics involved, but even if you don't like that sort of stuff, still go to school for meteorology if weather is really what you love. When you get a career in meteorology, you can choose a career where you hardly ever have to break out the math skills, or you can choose a career where you use the math and physics everyday.

I work for the National Weather Service mostly doing forecasting, and it's about as fun a job as I can imagine! Just keep up the passion for weather and you'll be fine!

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