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Meteorologists collect and study data from the atmosphere and oceans to make weather forecasts and carry out research.
You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays; on shifts
As a forecaster you’ll:
As a researcher you’ll:
You could work in an office or at a client's business.
Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.
You can get into this job through:
You'll usually need a degree in meteorology or a related subject like:
You might need a postgraduate qualification in meteorology or climatology if you want to do research.
You can find out more about relevant degree subjects from the Royal Meteorological Society.
Getting experience of computer modelling during your degree or postgraduate course can be useful in this role.
You'll usually need:
You can get experience with the Met Office 10 week summer internship schemes. There are schemes for different groups, including graduates and A level students who are thinking about meteorology as a career.
You can apply to the Met Office for a place as a trainee on their forecasting and observations course.
You'll need a degree or equivalent qualification in science, maths or a related subject like geography. Other subjects may be accepted if you have the right qualities.
You can do a short work placement to find out more about meteorology as a career, if you're aged between 13 and 18.
You can learn more about becoming a meteorologist from the Met Office and the Royal Meteorological Society.
With experience you could manage a team of meteorologists, weather forecasters or research scientists.
You could also work towards Registered Meteorologist (RMet) or Chartered Meteorologist (CMet) status. Professional registration can help your career development and is recognition of your expertise.
There are lots of opportunities to specialise in this career, for example:working on climate modelling; carrying out polar research; forecasting risks posed by storm systems and flooding
You might also move into teaching and train future forecasters and scientists, or work in scientific publishing.
You can learn more about becoming a meteorologist from the Met Office and the Royal Meteorological Society.