This means more physics, mathematics, computer science and electrical engineering courses. Diversify your skills and be flexible. Build your communication skills, both written and oral. Salaries, benefits and stability don't guarantee happiness or excellence. It is very hard to compete with someone who loves their job.
Geophysicists generally direct their skills toward exploration for oil, gas, and other minerals.
However, recent oversupply of oil has driven prices to historic lows which, coupled with several major mergers in the oil industry, has resulted in displacement of many thousands of outstanding professionals. Though an up cycle is expected, much of the decline in employment will, more than likely, be permanent which will doubtless force many geophysicists to look for careers in other industries which can utlise their skills. The geophysicist by education and experience is uniquely prepared to meet the technological challenges of the new millenium. Thoroughly grounded in digital data technology and the application of the computer to the solution of complex problems, the geophysicist has learned to adapt a wide range of scientific concepts to the search for earth resources. The intermediate mission for the geophysicist has been to develop consistent, dependable methods of collection, processing, graphically displaying, and accurately interpreting the earth's physical subsurface.