r/geologycareers•
koogiee

Got told to ask this to the geology community

Hi everyone, I'm from the U.S., and given what's going on federally, I often wonder what's the best path as I'm already too far in to pivot out. I'm nearly done with my AA in Environmental Science ===> Environmental Tech and Policy B.S. (at CSUMB).

So far, it looks like they have 3 concentrations Applied Ecology, Watershed systems, and Data Analysis. I figured realistically choosing either the second or last would bode well. To give context, I live in the central valley. I've fully accepted I won't be a wildlife biologist, nor will I do all the beautiful stuff i dreamed about but im more than willing to work with GIS or hydrology since those are dire things that I believe will be important issues in the future, specifically the water and soil. Perhaps I'm just venting, but I would love to hear from the more seasoned folks on here! I've done undergraduate research through the REU, and I currently work a state job mentoring low income students in STEAM (it's like a STEM student camp) . Do you guys think in my position that watershed and data analysis (GIS) is the best route? The college I'm transferring to has a dedicated environmental department and is partnered up with local state and consultant firms and I know a few people in the environmental field so I'm not necessarily worried I'm just unsure which one of those two would go far. Much love.

Posted Aug 14, 2026, 5:52 AM UTC

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