Expert: Donald Rosenfeld - 5/28/2004

Question
Hi,
 My name is Karla and I have a BS in Computer Information Systems and I'm currently 26yrs old.  I have always liked weather and lately have started thinking about Meteorology and a possible career choice.  I have already graduated with a BS in CIS (as stated above).  I do however have a couple of questions I would like answered, if possible.  First, I live in Springfield, Missouri, and I was wondering where in  Missouri you can apply for Meteorology type of position or at least a good place to start looking?  From what I have found it doesn't look like a lot of job openings usually open up in Missouri, and I was wondering if anyone possibly offers telecommuting Meterology positions, that way it wouldn't have to necessarily be a local job?  Next, I mentioned I have a degree and it's not in Meteorology, and I was wondering what my options would be to get a degree in Meteorology without starting from ground zero at a University getting a bachelors degree? Is there any kind of accelerated programs or possibly a Masters Degree program where they have catch up courses before you start getting into advanced Meteorology topics? I know they have that in some programs like the MBA for people that are have a BS in Arts, but would like to get their Masters in Business Administration. Is there anything similar in Meteorology programs? If you could give me some options with my situation and possible schools that would help me become a Meteorologist with these situations, I'd appreciate it. Could you suggest some options on positions I could possibly get with my current degree, where I could get inside a Meteorology type of facility and get experience while working on my Meteorology degree?  If you have any ideas for online degrees for Meteorology, I'd greatly appreciate it.  I also did see an online program through a Mississippi University listed, what do you think about programs like these?  I have completed a course and became a trained weather spotter, because I am interested in the weather and I would like to make a career out of it.  Currently, I'm working in a brokerage firm that clears packages comming in internationally into the United States and getting all the Customs required documentation, I don't know if this would be any help in getting a Meteorology job, but I am kind of bored of the brokerage game and really want a change.  I think Meteorology is really my true career calling and I think I would be very happy with it as a lifetime career.  I know I've asked a lot of questions, but if you can answer them and give me a little direction, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Sincerely,
Karla Bonnard-Head

Answer
Hi Karla

On line courses are ok if you want just a general education in Meteorology; anything more serious requires on site attendance.

Most, if not all, of your questions will be able to be answered using the urls at the following site:

http://www.weathercontest.com/become.html

If you still have questions, let me know.

Good luck with your pursuit!