Status of Recent Geoscience Graduates 2016

The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) Workforce Program has published the 2015-2016 results of the National Geoscience Student Exit Survey, which documents the experiences of graduating geosciences majors in the United States. Initial findings support that these new graduates, at all levels, shared common traits such as the importance of field experiences and exposure to Earth science at the K-12 level. The need for continued growth in the geoscience workforce is well documented and supported by its continuance as one of the most lucrative majors at U.S. universities. However, whether those new graduates are ready for these opportunities has been a major question that this new report tries to address. With an analysis of a myriad of experiences, from preparation in mathematics to internships to job searching strategies, the 2016 Status of Recent Geoscience Graduates provides critical insights into the newly minted geoscience workforce, at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral levels.