How to Be Professor of Geography - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 2, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Increased urbanization has had a profound effect on the geography of many countries. As cities expand and population densities rise, Professor of Geography have become increasingly important in understanding the issues that arise from this growth. These professionals study the physical, social and economic changes that occur in urban areas, and work to identify the causes and effects of these changes.

They may research how population growth, climate change, and infrastructure development affect land use and regional development. They also examine how different groups of people interact within urban spaces, and how resources are allocated across different parts of a city. By understanding how cities evolve, Professor of Geography can help to guide decision makers in creating sustainable and equitable cities.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. The starting point for a career in geography is to earn a bachelors degree in geography or a related field such as environmental science, earth science, or geology.
Gain Work Experience. Working in the field of geography or in a related field is a great way to gain experience and build a strong resume for graduate school. You can gain work experience through internships, part-time jobs, volunteer work, and research opportunities.
Earn a Graduate Degree. To become a professor of geography, you must earn a masters degree in geography or a related field. During your graduate studies, you will specialize in a particular area of geography, such as geographic information systems, physical geography, or human geography.
Get Teaching Experience. Most universities require professors to have teaching experience before they are hired. You can gain teaching experience by working as a teaching assistant while in graduate school, or by applying for short-term teaching positions at universities.
Pursue Doctoral Studies. Earning a doctoral degree is necessary for most geography professor positions. During your doctoral studies, you will focus on a specific area of geography and develop research skills.
Publish Research. When you reach the doctoral level, you should start to publish your own research. This will help you develop a reputation in the field and make you more competitive when applying for professor positions.
Apply for Professor Positions. Once you have earned your doctoral degree and published your research, you can start to apply for professor positions. It can take time to land the perfect job, so its important to be patient and persistent in your job search.

Reliability and competence are essential qualities for any successful professor. A professor must be able to effectively manage their time, plan their teaching materials, and provide a safe learning environment. Furthermore, they must be able to connect with their students, build trust, and promote a healthy learning atmosphere.

When professors are reliable and competent, students are more likely to receive a better education and have a more positive attitude towards their studies. As a result, students are more likely to stay in school longer and have better grades, which in turn leads to more successful academic and career outcomes.

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Job Description

Teach undergraduate and/or graduate courses in geography.
Develop curriculum and course materials.
Advise students on academic and career matters.
Conduct research in the field of geography.
Present findings at conferences, seminars and other academic forums.
Publish research results in peer-reviewed journals.
Secure external funding for projects and research initiatives.
Collaborate with faculty, staff, and other universities on research projects.
Supervise graduate students' research projects.
Participate in departmental, college, and university committees.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Expert knowledge in the field of Geography and related disciplines.
Ability to teach courses in a variety of Geography topics, including physical, human, regional, and urban geography.
Ability to develop and deliver effective lectures, seminars, and field trips.
Proficiency in using technology and data to enhance teaching and research.
Ability to supervise graduate students in their research projects.
Knowledge of current issues in the field of Geography.
Knowledge of how to use GIS and other technologies to analyze spatial data.
Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with colleagues and students.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

The ability to think critically is arguably the most important skill to have in order to be successful in any field. Having the capacity to analyse information, process it, and draw meaningful conclusions can make the difference between success and failure. Critical thinking allows people to assess situations, evaluate options, and make sound decisions.

It also helps them develop creative solutions to complex problems, as well as identify patterns and trends in data. critical thinking allows us to identify relationships between entities, which can help with problem solving, decision making, and identifying cause and effect. Without critical thinking, it would be difficult to make informed decisions or develop efficient strategies.

Therefore, the ability to think critically is essential for success in any field.

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Frequent Interview Questions

How did you become interested in the field of geography?
What courses have you taught in the past?
What challenges have you encountered while teaching geography?
Describe a recent research project that you have completed.
How do you use technology to enhance your teaching?
How do you keep up with new developments in geography?
How do you motivate your students to learn about geography?
What strategies do you use to help your students develop critical thinking skills?
What contributions have you made to the field of geography?
What do you believe are the most important concepts for students to learn about geography?

Common Tools in Industry

GIS Software. A software that allows users to capture, store, analyze, manage, and present geographic data. (eg: ArcGIS, QGIS)
Remote Sensing Software. A software that helps to detect, measure and monitor physical and chemical changes in the environment. (eg: ENVI, ERDAS IMAGINE)
Web Mapping Software. A program that allows users to create dynamic and interactive maps online. (eg: Google Maps, Bing Maps)
Database Management Software. A software that enables users to store, organize, and analyze large amounts of data. (eg: Microsoft Access, Oracle Database)
Statistical Analysis Software. A software that helps users to analyze data and draw conclusions from it. (eg: SPSS, R)
Data Visualization Software. A software that helps users to create charts, graphs, maps and other visual aids to represent data in an easy-to-understand format. (eg: Tableau, Microsoft Power BI)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Geographers (AAG)
Association of American Geographers (AAG)
International Geographical Union (IGU)
Association of Pacific Coast Geographers (APCG)
Canadian Association of Geographers (CAG)
Association of American Geographers - Canada (AAG-C)
International Society for Digital Earth (ISDE)
International Cartographic Association (ICA)
European Association of Geographers (EAG)
Royal Geographical Society (RGS)

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Common Important Terms

Cartography. The science of creating and reading maps and other geographic representations.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS). A computer system for capturing, storing, manipulating, analyzing, and displaying spatial data.
Remote Sensing. The use of aerial or satellite imagery to capture information about the Earth's surface.
Hydrology. The study of the movement, distribution, and management of water on and beneath the Earths surface.
Climatology. The study of climate and climate change, including the effects of human activity on the environment.
Geomorphology. The study of the origin and evolution of landforms, including their physical characteristics and processes that shape them.
Biogeography. The study of the distribution of living organisms across the Earth's surface, their evolution and adaptation to different environments.
Geographic Education. The teaching of geography in classrooms, with an emphasis on developing an understanding of global issues and citizenship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Professor of Geography? A1: A Professor of Geography is an academic expert who studies the physical and human characteristics of the earth and its environment and teaches courses in the field of geography. Q2: What are some common topics studied by a Professor of Geography? A2: Professors of Geography typically teach courses on topics such as environmental conservation, population dynamics, urban planning, climatology, and cartography. Q3: What qualifications are necessary to become a Professor of Geography? A3: Generally, a PhD in Geography or a related field is required to become a Professor of Geography. Q4: How many years of experience do Professors of Geography typically have? A4: Most Professors of Geography have at least 10 years of relevant experience in the field. Q5: What is the average salary for a Professor of Geography? A5: According to PayScale, the average salary for a Professor of Geography is $87,594 per year.