A vast number of geography students tend to graduate with strong transferable skills: they are often literate, can think analytically and critically, are good team workers and are highly computer literate.
In fact, geography degrees are held in such high regard by employers that geography graduates have one of the highest rates of graduate employment.
However, with such a wide variety of skills gained from a degree subject that isn’t obviously vocational like law or medicine, geography graduates can find it tough deciding on a career path.
You could find yourself flying search-and-rescue missions for the RAF, playing professional basketball or drumming for the Kaiser Chiefs – like Prince William, Michael Jordan and Nick Hodgson respectively, all of whom studied geography at university.
Alternatively, here are a few slightly more realistic options:
Jobs directly related to your degree:
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Cartographer: Evaluates different sets of geographical data and presents the information in the form of diagrams, charts, spreadsheets and maps.
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Commercial/residential surveyor: Values, manages and markets residential and commercial property and may act as an agent for clients in the sale, purchase or leasing of property.
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Environmental consultant: Collects and interprets data from a variety of sources to help formulate policies for clients. Works in air and land contamination, noise and water pollution or ecological land management.
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Geographical information systems officer: IT professional who uses computer-based systems to handle geographical information.
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Planning and development surveyor: Investigates, plans and manages proposals either to build new developments or to organise the refurbishment of existing buildings.
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Secondary school teacher: You'll need to take a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), a Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) in Scotland or equivalent course.
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Town planner: Directs the planning of land use, trying to reconcile any conflicting demands such as the needs related to housing, the environment or recreation.
Jobs which utilise your skill set
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Logistics and distribution manager: Manages the supply, movement and storage of goods and materials through the whole supply chain process from manufacturer to customer.
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International aid/development worker: Focuses on meeting the needs of people and communities in the developing world. The work may be located either in the UK or in a developing country or region.
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Market researcher: Will often specialise in a particular area such as consumer, industry or social and political research.
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Transport planner: Devises transport strategies in line with government policies.
Are you set to graduate with a geography degree? Have you decided on what graduate position you would like to take up?