Finding Your Fit in the Dynamic Geoscience Workforce
The GROW career tool was developed in response to the often asked question: “What can I do with my geoscience degree other than become an academic?” This seminar will introduce the dynamic geoscience workforce with an overview of sectors and specific occupations suited to geoscience skills, while emphasizing the “braided river” model of STEM workforce development (Batchelor et al., 2021). In this updated model, a reimagining of the traditional pipeline, career paths adapt to the changing landscape and evolve to suit individual needs, values, and interests. Beyond presenting possible non-academic career paths, the seminar will provide tangible next steps and guidance for students to find their fit in the workforce by assessing their values, conducting informational interviews, strategically building their network, and marketing their transferable skills for different types of jobs.
Dr. Madison Wood
Dr. Madison Wood is a marine biogeochemist with a background in Quaternary paleoceanography and global carbon cycling. She holds a B.S. in Earth Science from the University of New Hampshire and a Ph.D. in Earth Science from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She is currently a 2025 Sea Grant Knauss Fellow working jointly with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Department of Energy to coordinate interagency marine carbon dioxide removal policy.
During her PhD, Madison led a workforce development project aimed at helping students and early career geoscientists navigate the non-academic workforce. The product of this effort is the GROW career tool, which provides a one-stop shop for career resources and emphasizes a holistic, skills-focused approach to career development. Madison has shared this tool through workshops at AGU, GSA, and Goldschmidt conferences, and has presented to faculty and student groups including NSF GEOPATHS PIs, AGU/AGI Heads and Chairs webinars, and Mentoring 360 cohorts.