Why study Geography?
If you think that Geography is only about the study of place names and capitals… then you will be pleasantly surprised to learn that Geography has developed into a subject that offers the following:
It alerts us to our environment
It helps students make informed judgments on vital issues
It increases our understanding of local, national and international geographic issues
It appeals to students who have an interest in finding out what causes our surroundings to be as they are
It provides excellent job opportunities
It teaches a wide range of skills useful in later life.
So where does Geography lead?
At the tertiary level, Geography as a subject may be studied right through to a doctorate. An understanding of the changes occurring in New Zealand and overseas environments, combined with an ability in geographic skills, provides a sound background for appointments in a wide variety of fields. These include urban and regional planning, resource management and environmental planning.
The passing of the Resource Management Act (1991) has increased the demand for trained geographers who have specialised in environmental law or environmental planning. Geographers also find appointments in private companies, Government departments (MAFQual/MAFTech, DOSLI, Crown Research Institutes), and territorial authorities (district, city and regional councils).
Some geographers become planning consultants and therefore own their own businesses, while others who specialise in Physical Geography become surveyors and cartographers such as with the Royal New Zealand Navy's Hydrographic Survey branch. Some become expert policy analysts or join catchment boards as advisors.
At an academic level, Geography and /or Geology can be taken as a stand-alone major within a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. The advent of conjoint degrees' enables a BA (or BSc) to be taken in tandem with a second degree (Law, for instance). This combination would enable graduates the widest flexibility in choosing the sort of organisation best suited to their talents. The list of possible careers could be widely extended. Indeed, one can easily see just how versatile Geography is!
There is so much to know and understand about the world we live in. Geographers have the chance to unravel some of the mystery and glimpse the wonders of this amazing planet on which we live.
It remains a truth that everyone should study Geography for at least one year while they are at college.