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Meteorologist
I joined Met Éireann in 2005. Met Éireann is a meteorological service in Ireland. A meteorologist is a person who studies the atmosphere, the air all around us, and figures out what the weather is going to be like. To get this job, I first finished school, then I went to university and then I completed a master’s degree in meteorology. Having a master’s degree means that I have “mastered” certain skills about being a meteorologist. My first role in Met Éireann was as a meteorologist at the Aviation Services Division at Shannon Airport. Today, I still work as a meteorologist at the airport, but I also appear in the TV when I inform people about the weather. I love the variety of my role a lot.
Meet the professional
Met Éireann is Ireland’s National Meteorological Service. A “service” happens when we something is given or offered to someone, so when we say that Met Éireann is a “Meteorological Service”, that means that it offers people information about the weather. Its job is to observe, study and forecast (predict), Ireland’s weather and to provide correct information to people at home in general, and to other specific people who need this information like those that work in the airports and farmers. As a place where a lot of scientists work, Met Éireann tries to use very good technology to become better in how it studies and predicts the weather. Met Éireann also works with many other workplaces from all around the world.
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Skills
Data analysis
"Collecting and studying information in order to learn more about the air and the sky. This means using special tools to look at the sky and understand what’s happening."
Data interpretation
"Trying to predict what the weather will be like (sunny, rainy, or windy)."
Communication and collaboration
"Working with a lot of different and diverse people and telling them how to react to certain weather types."
Consulting
Giving information to and helping specific people like pilots, farmers, and sailors know what the weather will be like and if it is safe for them to be out in it and work."
Presenting
"Talking about the weather on TV or radio and presenting information in a way that people understand."
Advice to take away
There are many things that children like you can do if they are interested in meteorology and want to learn, prepare better and become good in this work. A good advice is to start reading a lot about the weather and climate. The more you know the better and there are so many different and interesting books about the weather to choose from. You can also get to know materials and other resources from different meteorological organisations. All you have to do is either visit those organisations in person or use their websites.
Also, in order to become a good meteorologist strong math and science skills are needed. That means “trying your best” in math and science classes. Good meteorologists also have other skills that are taught in other classes like language and computer classes.
In conclusion being good at communication, technology and problem solving are great skills to have to begin with!
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Disclaimer
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Also supported by Scientix®, an initiative of European Schoolnet.