Written studies must be technical, accurate, coherent, and complete. These written communications are delivered at multiple levels from fellow meteorologists to department heads and high-level research scientists. These reports must also be versatile in that they must be communicated in casual format as well as formal formats. Additionally, oral communications are extremely important. Weather forecasters prepare briefings to varied and diverse groups ranging from elementary school children to emergency management professionals or professional symposia to other meteorologists.
Computer skills are very important as well.
Database programs, spreadsheets, word processing programs and specialized weather programs are but a few necessities required. Computers are primarily a tool used to compile and maintain databases, to prepare and present multimedia presentations, and to prepare correspondence. Data must be accessed from text and graphical model weather data and various scientific databases in order to analyze and prepare long range weather forecasts. Also real-time satellite and radar weather data is obtained via the use of computers. In about ten or twenty years ahead in a professional life as a meteorologist, I would like to move on to something bigger and better.