GeologyRocks

Hi Callum,

I studied a geology degree (in the UK). Followed it with a Masters in Engineering Geology and I'm currently working as a Geotechnical Engineer.

I think that combining buisness skills (which I assume commerce is) with a science degree is a relatively recent thing because I don't think it was offered when I was choosing my courses.

Personally I'd advise against taking the commerce part of your degree. If your aim is to become a geologist then you will be employed primarily for your specialist knowledge. You will probably also need a further qualification (Masters, Doctorate) to gain a job. This all points to knowing as much about the subject as possible and if you have to split your time between geology and commerce then it will be impossible to be as proficient as you would be just taking the single subject.

My experience is that I was employed for my geological/geotechnical knowledge. This knowledge has been supplemented in employment by experience and specific training courses. Naturally I am also becoming more and more exposed to the business environment (producing budgets, scopes of work, programmes and assisting in tenders and meeting clients). I have had no specific training for this but I'm learning on the job and I know there will be buisness training courses available when I'm a bit further up the ladder and require them.

Please note that my personal prejudicies may be showing. In general I am against joint degrees although I can see real value where the subjects are linked (Physics & Maths, Geology & any other science, Italian & Spanish), but I fail to see the value in totally separate subjects (science & law, French & business).

What do the rest of you think?

As Al said, depends what job you want afterwards. If you want a job as a manager in an oil company, then GeoCommerce may be a good idea: but that is very, very specialised.

I would advise a Geology degree and then do a masters in business or similar. This will give you some flexability later on. You do change your mind a lot when you go to Uni and (from my experience anyway) are unlikely to get the job afterwards you thought you would when you start. I'm now working as a software engineer (within the Uni still). I never, ever thought I'd do a Masters, never mind the PhD. I went uni to study and had only very vague ideas what I wanted to do. It's weird how things turn out

Good point. Until 6 months prior to going to uni I was going to be a dentist!!

I count doing geology as a lucky escape

And please, none of the really unfunny dad-jokes about both geology and dentistry involving drilling, and how they're both extractive industries! :x

Thankyou for the replies everyone.

I am situated in Australia with the mining scene booming and thus prospect sare very good for this type of job.

I will let you know how my first week of the course goes!

Callum

I was wondering where you were located. I got confused because you said "high school" (which I generally associate with the USA), but then "University" (and the US say College). Mind you, it don't take much to confuse me these days...