I have an important question for meteorologists

[Francis]

I have an important question for meteorologists and/or storm chasers

Hello,

I am currently at my first year of my Bachelor's degree at university working towards Atmospheric Sciences. I can see that I struggle with Physics and I know that it is a very important class in meteorology. Let me tell you a bit about myself. This year was my first year as a storm chaser. I went to the US Plains in May 2013 to chase with my buddy and saw the May 20th Moore, OK EF5 tornado. That being said, I strongly believe I was put on this earth to storm chase or to be a field meteorologist covering severe weather, and I would do anything to achieve that goal. Now, in my physics class, I see that most people don't seem to struggle as much as I do. When I listen to the teacher I understand most of the time, but when it's time to do it by myself, I don't understand or can;t do the problems correctly.

My problem is obviously lack of practise, but as I know physics will get tougher and tougher, what are your advices for me? I love and do great in other classes, for example Geology/Geography classes, it just seems to flow naturally, but physics is just beyond me. I understand that everyone has "their class" that they struggle with more, but I mean physics? That's like the last class I should be having difficulties with as an aspiring meteorologist no? Is this normal? Has this happened to everyone or am I just not made for this?

PS: Note that as I was like 10 yo I had no problem understanding adult-like books about weather phenomenons and meteorology, but that now, I struggle with simple physics...

The ultimate question I'm asking I guess is this:In the end, was it all worth the time & efforts you put in to get where you are today??

Any input is appreciated,

Francis

 

[Robert Edmonds]

I am not a meteorologist, but I do work for one, and my PhD work is on the atmosphere of Mars. I frequently model the atmosphere of Mars (leeching of much of the terrestrial work done 20 or so years ago), and work with satellite derived 'soundings' of the Martian atmosphere. I don't know what my real job will end up being since I'm still slogging through my graduate research... However, from this background I believe I can at least say I have an idea about the research and some of the numerical modeling side of meteorology/atmospheric science. So note, my advice may not be as true for the operational, or broadcast meteorology side of things, and I will let people who know more about that speak on about that. So here are my thoughts... if you intend to do anything in terms of research, you will need to become comfortable with physics. Physics is the "back bone" so to speak for understanding why the atmosphere behaves the way that it does. While doing research I have to be comfortable with complex math and physics problems, since they come up every day. I've been in those classes in undergrad where you see half (and usually more) of the class dropping or failing. You just have to work at it. I worked on HW on the weekends, and studied my butt off. I don't know what else to say... good luck!

Edit: Also, I've been a TA and found I rarely have students come to office hours. They usually come after they get their bad grade, never before. Don't be afraid to go to office hours, or find tutoring services.

 

[Francis]

Thanks for the advice, I know I have to study a lot and I never used a tutoring service before, maybe it's because I have too much pride lol I don't know. I guess there's no way around it, I just have to study really hard in classes I don't really like to eventually be able to really do what I want to do.

 

[Matt Ashworth]

Your first season too, huh? I was also in that area when Moore was hit, but we had skipped that cell because of its perceived direction in favor of developments further south towards the Red River. So I suppose so far I guess it's been worth it.

 

[Rob H]

If you're not good at physics, why are you looking to become a meteorologist? It's like wanting to become a carpenter but having no interest in using a saw.

After you've taken a second to think that question through, not many people are naturally good at math or physics. They're called weedout classes for a reason, and it isn't purely intentional. Office hours, doing extra problems, and joining study groups are all really effective ways of getting better at any subject. If you're not interested in research at all, you might be able to get by with 1-2 years of core physics in some programs.

Also, don't delude yourself on the feasibility of chasing for a living. 99% of chasers don't make money chasing. If you want to do field research or reporting like Mike Bettes or whatever there aren't a lot of open positions you can just luck your way into. You will need passion and drive, and you will need to beat a lot of other people out there. It's not impossible, but no one will hand you an opportunity.

So if you've thought it through and considered the work you'd need to put in, and you're not 100% certain that you want a degree in meteorology - you have other options. Luckily, you don't need to be a meteorologist to chase. Most chasers I know work in IT because it gives them the money to chase, and the lenient vacation policies to chase. My chase partner does marketing for restaurants.

 

[Francis]

Because I love meteorology but I don;t like physics because I have trouble understanding some problems. I want to be a meteorologists because that's the thing I've been passionated about since I was a little boy playing outside. I've went to school and graduated in other completely different fields, but I never pursued them as a career. I secretly always wanted to be a field meteorologist but the idea of going to university and studying a lot really discouraged me to pursue my dream, hence why I chose easier/quicker careers.

 

[Joshua Nall]

I went to college for six years and have a certificate in electronics, associates in science and bachelors in science/minor in Chemistry...3.78 gpa. I love science, but absolutely hated college. I graduated and started mowing grass. If I had to do over again I would start cutting trees at about 16 and would own a tree trimming business by the time I was 18. College is overrated. Some people should be ditch diggers. Owning a business is the American dream. You can do anything you put your mind to and want to work at. Something like IT where you can work from home would be good too. Being your own boss is better though if you choose something outside of meteorology. Just something where you are flexible and free to do what you want.

 

[Francis]

Thanks man, really encouraging.

 

[Marcus Diaz]

I've had 2 passions since I was a little kid; weather and aviation. I was always astonished at how those huge heavy birds could just float away with the help of huge screaming turbines. After looking into a meteorology degree, I studied the job market. Truth is, it's saturated. There's just not a lot of solid, reliable jobs for people in weather. As Rob stated, getting paid to chase is almost impossible now-a-days. Maybe 10 years ago it was a realistic job for those with the experience and a degree. I quickly decided that chasing wasn't going to be my bread and butter, but to just keep it a hobby. I've yet to really make any money from it. Some very close chasing friends of mine can maybe make a couple hundred bucks if they luck out. But even then, its only from monetizing their YouTube channel.

So since I've worked on cars for several years, I decided I'm going to pursue the aviation field. Specifically, aviation mechanics. This way I can feed my aviation passion, use my current background to get a jump start, and make good money for my future. Take what I say with a grain of salt, and maybe some pepper. By all means do what you feel makes you happy. But don't just dive into a career because you love doing it. Make sure you do research. Talk to people in the field, get some inside tips on possible job or intern openings. This will help with your pursuit.

 

[Mark Ellinwood]

Just to give you an idea of the job market... operational forecasting jobs (though maybe not TV jobs) have seen the number of applications double if not triple over the past several years. Heck, my old position was competitive when I got it four years ago when I beat out 83 other people. The same position last year got about 150 applications. After the NWS starts hiring back on the regular, there's still anywhere between 100-400 people applying to the WFOs that have medium to high desirability. Calling the market saturated may be an understatement.

 

[Dave C]

I'm an electrical engineer, not a meteorologist (sorry about that but I did take plenty of physics), but I can give you some very important advice: do something you love. Life is too short to stumble and fall into your career by circumstance. If you really want something, MAKE it happen. Do the work. Get help where you need to. Go out of your comfort zone ALL the time. Make yourself powerful and get what you want. This will take mental strength every minute of every day until you get your goal. It will be MUCH harder than you think sometimes, but in the end, if you are doing something you truly enjoy, it is all definitely worth it. I cannot claim to have taken the most direct path to doing what I love, and I am still on the way there, but I can say that trying the other way and doing what was available at the time, has left me unsatisfied and bored and that stress has caused a lot of life problems, even impacting my health. I think everything else falls by the wayside if you know you want to do something and make it happen.

 

[curiousnoob]

Yes, weather jobs are very competitive and even then that is a understatement from what I have been researching. Despite that I feel that weather is my calling and if I can't land a job in weather or related, then hopefully I can land a job as mechanical engineer and the do the weather thing on the side. That being said, as most of have said it is not easy but, really what in life is not easy at some point? What job isn't competitive? That being said, if you are passionate about what you are doing then try to get to help. I would suggest to find and pay a tutor if possible if you are struggling. I realize that we are not always meant for some things but, I have a different thought process. If you are truly passionate about this, then make it happen.

As far as storm chasing as a career? Those days are pretty much gone with the introduction of social media. With that said, as far as physics is concerned I would learn it. I know I will struggle with a lot of things as I have been out of school for a while and plan on going back. Regardless education is education and as far as I am concerned I will try my best to learn it because I feel the educational system has been watered down even compared to when I went to school. I will tell you that being stationed in foreign countries has opened my eyes and realized that I need to make it happen no matter how hard because not are we in competition at a local level but, also at a global level. I will tell you first hand that the US at least is behind in education but, that might be in part due the erosion of ethics in society amongst the majority. Anyways, if you don't love it then don't do it! What is your motivation for weather? Mine is research and warning people! Words from a newbie who has passion lol.

 

[Stephen Levine]

Greetings, Francis.. and thank you for posting your question. I work full time as an academic advisor at a community college here in Texas.
I hear your anguish.. and believe that it's worth it to go for it, which means tackling the math (Calculus 1&2) as well as Physics classes necessary to enter the field. If it still doesn't work after repeated attempts to pass these classes, even after extensive tutoring, then perhaps you may wish to approach meteorology from a different perspective. When I was a kid, one of my dreams was to be a TV meteorologist. After interviewing a real live retired Navy Meteorologist at age 13, and learning that it's mostly calculus and physics and already by then having trouble with computational math, I dropped my Broadcasting dream and approached weather from a mix of artistic, spiritual, psychological, storm chasing principles and procedures (minus the calculus) plus the geometry behind the science. So it never became my full time living. However, my passion for weather, storm chasing and storm photography still serves to inspire me and many others in my Communities, as well as assisting co-workers concerned when severe warned storms are in our area during my work day.

 

[Paul Knightley]

To get a degree in Meteorology, you have to be good at maths and physics. I did a Physics degree and then a Master's degree in Meteorology - I was not brilliant at either maths of physics but I put in some extra time and got the degrees.

However, what do you want to do after your degree? If you want to be an operational forecaster then you'll probably have to put in extra time as many degree courses don't teach much operational forecasting. You'll be up against many others for these jobs, though, so you'll have to stand out.

So you have to decide where you want to go with your degree - it's fine asking for other people's opinions, but it's your life and your choice - do what you think is right.

 

[Francis]

I want to have a Bachelors degree in Physical Geography but with a Major in Atmospheric Sciences for now, if that makes any sense, (I'm still confused with all the terms at university). I want to be in the field, not behind a desk, although I realize that I might have to go through some period of time where I have to do something I don;t really like before being in the field. A job like working with a storm chasing team or being a part of a team like Vortex 2 are definitely my dream jobs.