anyone have a meterology degree or

[mrodgers]

My friend studied Meteorology and he presently is a weather producer for a major TV network in New York City.

How far does his weather production extend? I could use a little bit of rain down here in western PA. Think he can produce some rain that far away?

 

[Luv Bunnies]

My husband got his degree in Atmospheric Science in 1985 and he's never worked in the field. He wanted to be a TV weatherman because he's also interested in acting. We live in a huge TV market that only takes highly experienced people and he wasn't interested in moving to a smaller area. He looked into joining the Air Force to be an Air Weather Officer but decided against that. He applied at lot of smaller firms that employ weather experts but was unable to get an entry level job. He ended up working for a software firm as a customer support person and moved up through the ranks to manager. So, after 22 year, his career seems to be customer support!

He still enjoys weather phenomenons but, unfortunately, we live in an area with barely even a thunderstorm each year let alone a hurricane or tornado. When I ask him what the weather will be like on a given day he says, "I don't know...look outside." A lot of good that fancy degree did him!

 

[BeamsofLight]

Yep that's what I'm afraid of - I'm not sure dh realizes how much math & science it will be - he did fine in those classes during his jr college classes - but that'll be WAAAY different.

Applied math & climate science can't be fun! and its not like I'll be able to help him study or anything. (he's been able to help me while I've been in school 'cause I'm an ed major)

I'm not sure what kind of outcome your husband would like from the degree (I saw you said broadcast met., and there are various avenues for that), but if he's not into hardcore math and physics, I don't think he'll enjoy doing a meteorology degree very much.

My degree is in atmospheric science (specialized honors in meteorology) and my undergrad was almost entirely calculus of every shape, size and description. And to answer your original question, I work as a meteorologist for a television station (behind the scenes) and have done for about 10 years.

As I said, though, there are different routes to get to broadcast meteorology that have lesser emphasis on the nuts and bolts, so there may be a path out there that would suit him. I would echo what a previous poster said, though, with regard to the job market in the US being limited for meteorologists. It can be quite difficult to find positions outside of academia.

If you have any other questions, feel free to shoot me a PM. Best of luck with whatever he decides.

 

[luvmyfam444]

My husband got his degree in Atmospheric Science in 1985 and he's never worked in the field. He wanted to be a TV weatherman because he's also interested in acting. We live in a huge TV market that only takes highly experienced people and he wasn't interested in moving to a smaller area. He looked into joining the Air Force to be an Air Weather Officer but decided against that. He applied at lot of smaller firms that employ weather experts but was unable to get an entry level job. He ended up working for a software firm as a customer support person and moved up through the ranks to manager. So, after 22 year, his career seems to be customer support!

He still enjoys weather phenomenons but, unfortunately, we live in an area with barely even a thunderstorm each year let alone a hurricane or tornado. When I ask him what the weather will be like on a given day he says, "I don't know...look outside." A lot of good that fancy degree did him!

FUNNY!

 

[luvmyfam444]

Thanks for the responses! I"m gonna share all your replies - good & bad - so he sees both sides of the picture.

And he's never had any higher sciences & the highest math has been statistics for him....

I'll definitely share what I know

 

[JLTraveling]

I think you should encourage him to go for it, rather than playing devil's advocate. After all, you said it's been his dream since he was a kid. Assuming the classes won't cause you too much financial hardship, I think pursuing dreams is important at any age. If he hates/can't keep up with the math and science, he'll figure that out soon enough, and be able to put his dream to bed on his own terms. And it's not a hard and fast rule that you can't break into broadcast over 35...less likely, of course, but if he turns out to have a natural affinity for both weather and being on camera, you never know what could happen. Worst case scenario, he doesn't get a job, perhaps doesn't even finish the degree. In that case, think of it as a semi-pricey hobby...but he won't live the rest of his life wondering what if. Just another perspective.

 

[luvmyfam444]

I think you should encourage him to go for it, rather than playing devil's advocate. After all, you said it's been his dream since he was a kid. Assuming the classes won't cause you too much financial hardship, I think pursuing dreams is important at any age. If he hates/can't keep up with the math and science, he'll figure that out soon enough, and be able to put his dream to bed on his own terms. And it's not a hard and fast rule that you can't break into broadcast over 35...less likely, of course, but if he turns out to have a natural affinity for both weather and being on camera, you never know what could happen. Worst case scenario, he doesn't get a job, perhaps doesn't even finish the degree. In that case, think of it as a semi-pricey hobby...but he won't live the rest of his life wondering what if. Just another perspective.

Yes - I agree - I'm the one that's encouraged him to pursue it again....I've told him to check into it & see what options are out there.
Well - I can't say it won't be a financial hardship - but its a step in the right direction (asssuming he sticks with it & graduates).

I like your point about him putting to bed his dream on his own terms...when we went thru our talk the other week one of the questions I asked him was what's the one thing he'd regret not trying/doing if it was the end of his life & this is the one thing he said....