Why did I choose Geology:
There was really no plan of taking this course, besides Geology was not that famous among high school students, at least during my time. I just had to readmit from a business course to a science course because of the DOST scholarship. I enrolled in Geology even though I did not like it at first thinking that I can shift to another course which I like better. Geology also has one of the highest stipend for DOST scholarship, so it also became a motivation. However, during my first year, we had this subject on rocks and it really amazed me on how those simple rocks can tell stories about the planet we live in. This encouraged me more to continue with this course and eventually graduate among the few and the proud.
About my college education:
I learned a lot from studying geology. Earth science takes up a little portion in our elementary and high school generally, so we only have a little idea on what this science is all about; but geology is a lot more than rocks and volcanoes. Everything on and in the earth actually is a scope of geology. Studying geology makes me appreciate the beauty and richness of our planet more and makes me realize the importance of taking good care of it.
Studying geology is not easy so as any other courses in UP, but if you learn how to have fun out of the difficulties, then it makes studying more enjoyable. Geology also took me to a lot of places without ruining my budget through sponsored field works. This is the most enjoyable part of studying geology, getting to a lot of places, interacting with different kinds of people, and having fun while learning. It is also fun not just experiencing the beauty of a place but also knowing how a certain place has formed in the past. It's like travelling to the past with our geologic imagination.
Failing at exams is a usual thing in UP, it is just part of the experience UP has to offer. In geology, more people shift in than out and these people stay, maybe because of the unique learning experience in geology. To succeed in geology, one just have to know how to enjoy while getting into a lot and different kinds of pressure. A game attitude is also a must since geology involves getting to new unexplored places and trying new things.
My current job:
I am an exploration geologist for a petroleum company.
We consider ourselves the heart of an oil & gas exploration company. We are in the technical side of the search for oil by using our geological knowledge on the formation of oil and the interpretation of the subsurface geology and structures where there can be accumulations of oil/gas.
Am I using what I learned in college:
Yes. Aside from the geology itself which is very relevant to my current job, college also taught lessons on how to deal with people, how to react under pressure, and how to create immediate solutions to problems. These, I believe, are necessary and very helpful when it comes to life after college a.k.a. Employed life.
How long did it take to find a job:
1 week :)
Do I recommend studying Geology:
Of course.
In terms of employment opportunities, geology is a very diverse field so there are many options to consider after graduation. There is the industry (oil & gas, metals & mining, cement, etc.), the government (MGB, Phivolcs, DENR, DOST, DPWH, etc.), and the academe.
The salary level is of no question, the fresh graduates are compensated above average which may reach up to around Php 60,000 depending on the field. For experienced employees, based on what I know from my seniors, they are among the highest paid professionals. In fact, the geologists are the second highest paid professionals in the country according to the 2013 data from DOLE.
Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course:
If you are into adventures then Geology is right for you!
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