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Employment

Check out Geography employment opportunities!

The BYU Department of Geography encourages students to apply their classroom learning in real-world environments. Whether you’re seeking an internship, a full-time position, or an on-campus job, there are abundant resources to help you prepare and succeed.

Click here to fill out our RA/TA Interest Form

Opportunities
Internships
Jobs
Student Employment

Internships are an essential part of your Geography education and provide valuable hands-on experience in GIS, urban planning, environmental management, cartography, and more. Many internships also qualify for course credit and can help you fulfill major requirements.

How to Get an Internship

  1. Meet with the Internship Coordinator – Schedule an appointment with the Geography Department Internship Coordinator to discuss available opportunities and requirements.

  2. Use BYU Resources –

    • Visit Handshake to find geography-related internships.
    • Check the Experiential Learning and Internships (ELI) office for approved internship listings.
    • Attend department workshops and internship fairs.
  3. Prepare Your Application – Develop a professional résumé, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile. The University Career Services can assist with editing and mock interviews.
  4. Register Your Internship – Once accepted, register through the BYU Internship Portal for department credit and approval.

Resources

  • Geography Internship Coordinator: [insert contact/email]
  • Experiential Learning Office: 2400 WSC
  • Handshake: byu.joinhandshake.com
  • Career Studio (2590 WSC) for résumé reviews and interview prep

Faqs

  • Yes. You can receive academic credit once your internship is approved by the department.

  • No, but paid internships are encouraged. Some unpaid positions may qualify for funding through BYU Experiential Learning grants.

  • Ideally 3–6 months before you plan to start. Many summer internships have early spring deadlines.

  • Yes, with proper CPT authorization through BYU International Student and Scholar Services.

After graduation, Geography students enter a wide range of careers, including GIS analysis, urban planning, environmental consulting, remote sensing, and data science. BYU provides strong connections to employers who value the technical and analytical skills of Geography majors.

How to Get a Full-Time Job

  1. Explore Career Paths – Meet with your faculty advisor or the Career Services team to identify career options aligned with your emphasis.

  2. Search Job Boards –

    • Handshake (BYU’s main job platform)
    • LinkedIn Jobs
    • USAJobs.gov for government GIS and environmental roles
    • Indeed, Glassdoor, and professional association job boards like URISA or AAG
  3. Network – Attend BYU career fairs, alumni networking events, and Geography Department panels.
  4. Prepare Your Application – Utilize Career Services for résumé and interview preparation. Tailor each application to highlight your geographic, technical, and analytical skills.

Resources

  • BYU Career Services: 2590 WSC
  • Geography Faculty Advisors for career guidance
  • Alumni Mentoring Network via BYU Bridge
  • Professional associations: AAG (American Association of Geographers), URISA (Urban and Regional Information Systems Association)

faqs

  • Graduates work in government agencies (USGS, EPA, local city planning), private consulting firms, tech companies, and non-profits.

  • Begin applying 3–4 months before graduation.

  • Yes, many GIS analyst positions require only a bachelor’s degree and strong technical skills.

  • Use BYU Bridge or LinkedIn to search for Geography alumni and request informational interviews.

The Geography Department offers a variety of on-campus job opportunities that allow students to apply what they’re learning in meaningful ways. These positions not only provide financial support but also help students build technical and professional experience in geography-related fields.

Types of Student Employment

  • Teaching Assistants (TAs): TAs assist professors with grading, classroom preparation, lab instruction, and student support. These roles are great for students who excel in specific courses and want to strengthen their teaching and leadership skills.
  • Research Assistants (RAs): RAs work closely with faculty on research projects involving GIS analysis, environmental modeling, remote sensing, or spatial data management. These positions are ideal for students interested in graduate school or applied research careers.
  • Department and Lab Assistants: Students can also work in the Geography office, computer labs, or GIS facilities, helping maintain software, support peers, or manage data.

How to Get a Student Job

  1. Check BYU’s Student Employment Site – Visit jobs.byu.edu regularly for on-campus openings, including Geography Department listings.
  2. Watch Department Announcements – Open TA and RA positions are often announced via email or posted on the Geography Department bulletin board.
  3. Talk with Faculty – If you’re interested in becoming a TA or RA, reach out directly to professors whose classes or research areas match your interests.
  4. Prepare Your Application – Have a current résumé ready, and highlight relevant coursework, software skills (e.g., ArcGIS, Python, Remote Sensing), and any prior experience.
  5. Maintain Strong Academic Standing – Most TA and RA positions require solid academic performance in geography courses.

Resources

  • BYU Student Employment: jobs.byu.edu
  • Geography Department Main Office (ESC 690)
  • Faculty advisors for RA/TA opportunities
  • Career Studio (2590 WSC) for résumé and application support

faqs

  • TAs are typically selected by the instructor. Students who perform well in a course and demonstrate reliability and communication skills are encouraged to reach out directly to the professor to express interest.

  • Faculty often hire RAs based on project needs. Ask professors about current research or check department announcements. Having GIS or data analysis experience increases your chances.

  • Students can work up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session, and up to 40 hours during breaks.

  • Yes. Both TA and RA roles are paid hourly positions, and rates vary depending on experience and department funding.

  • Yes, as long as your total hours across all on-campus jobs do not exceed the maximum weekly limit.

  • Not always. Professors often provide training, especially for entry-level TA or RA positions.