Careers in Atmospheric and Earth-System Science

  One-minute mentor

Advice from students and new professionals on
surviving school and making a difference

Open doors with good grades, internships

Though Bret Harper knows this advice is repeated often, "it's totally true. I wouldn't have had the opportunities I've had if I hadn't done well in school." Early in high school his marks were'nt always high, "because I wasn't interested in most of the classes. As a senior, I got good grades in the college-level classes because I got to pick what I wanted to do. Part of the secret is to do something you're interested in." Your grades open the door to internships and other opportunities, Harper explains. "Internships can be valuable even if you don't end up in the same field where you start, because they help you figure out what you want to do." They also give you a long, diverse work history, which helps potential employers learn more about you. "I did internships every year in high school, so by the time I got out of college I had a work history that was seven summers long."

more about Bret Harper >

Do what you love; it'll keep you going

Two things are critical for academic success, says Borbor-Cordova. One is persistence. The other is what makes persistence possible: choosing a subject you really love. She credits "a keen interest and enthusiasm in my topic" with keeping her motivated throughout graduate school. Borbor-Cordova also highlights the satisfaction that comes from doing something you believe has value to society. "I think it is totally worthy to invest time and energy in developing science that could help to alleviate the urgent issues of our society and improve people?s welfare."

more about Mercy Borbor-Cordova >

Step out of your comfort zone

Andrea Sealy advises minority students to push their social limits in pursuit of a science career. "You will have to work and live among people who don't look like you. Don't let that deter you. Take up challenges and do what is difficult." If people in your community and your college share your background, seek internships or other opportunities in institutions where they don't. That way, you'll be mentally prepared for what you're likely to find in the workplace. And don't get discouraged, she adds. "Eventually, you raise your comfort zone to a different level. When I go back to Barbados I'm very comfortable, but I'm also fine here [in the United States]."

more about Andrea Sealy >

Be bold, voice your interests

Wang's advice is especially for introverts like herself: "Be bold and seek out people who might be able to help you. Don't be afraid to talk to people, especially teachers; teachers can be very helpful, especially in middle school and high school. It's important to understand that teachers love it when the students ask questions because they want to understand the material. They hate it if you only ask about your grades. "Also, communicate with your parents. After my parents realized I was interested in this particular field, even though it wasn't their idea, they helped me find contacts. Be ready to voice your interests."

more about Julien Wang >

Never give up on your passion

If, like Aaron Pratt, you're among the first in your family to go for a higher education, "People will look at your money-earning potential and try to push you into something you're not interested in," he warns. In his case, some of his extended family members urged him to go into medicine or law. "They said, 'Doctors make a lot of money, you'd be set for life.' But I hate biology. "I'd say to younger readers who might see this, never give up on what you're passionate about. If your peers don't understand what you want to do, don't let that deter you. Keep pushing forward."

more about Aaron Pratt >

Ask people what they actually do

Go and talk to people working in the field, figure out what they do," says Castro. Any career requires more than just the ability to do the work. "It's important to find not only something that you can click with in terms of your profession but a community that you feel comfortable with socially. The only way you get a sense of that is by going and talking with people." Also, Castro adds, don't be afraid to take risks. "Sometimes you're going to fail, but you'll learn from your failures and grow more than if you always take the safe path. Your life may have more ups and downs. but it will be more rewarding in the end. That's what defines successful people."

more about Christopher Castro >

Articulate your dreams

Determination is the key to success, says Waleska Rivera Rios. "As long as you make up your mind to do something, from the depth of your heart, you will reach that goal. You will do it. I make my students write about their dreams, what they want and where they want it, because once I did that myself, every single thing I wrote came true." Rivera Rios has an extra word of advice for Latinos and Latinas who might follow in her footsteps: "Whoever speaks more than one language opens many doors." She grew up speaking only Spanish, but she began teaching herself English by watching mainland TV and talking to herself in a mirror. By the time she was in college, "I didn't feel scared by the language, and I could take up opportunities like SOARS."

more about Waleska Rivera Rios >

Find support while you're in high school

If you have an interest in weather and climate and can't find anyone else at school who does, seek outside support, says Casey Thornbrugh. "If students don't have an opportunity to put their interest to use, it's very easy to get discouraged. You think, 'Nobody cares about what I do.' " If you're in an urban area, he suggests, start looking for volunteer work at your local weather service office. If you're in a rural area or on the reservation, look for summer programs that you might apply for, even if they don't pay. They can keep your interest alive for the rest of the year, and you might find a mentor and further opportunities.

more about Casey Thornbrugh >