Operations frequently call for long hours and extensive travel that involve a broad range of working and living conditions. Principal employers include the thousands of petroleum and mining companies throughout the world. Career success depends upon individual initiative, technical ability, personal integrity, persistence, and business acumen. Development of Mineral and Energy Resources - Careers include involvement with resource assessments and actual production at sites that have already been discovered. Development geologists must accept responsibility for evaluations and on-site decisions regarding expensive drilling and mining operations that are compatible with the investor's economic objectives.
Residency tends to be in more remote areas, but is more permanent and routine than exploration work.
Principal employers are the same as those described under exploration. Geological Research - Careers normally involve field and laboratory investigation of specific geological subjects that range widely in breadth and scope. Advanced degrees beyond the bachelor's and extensive experience are normally required even for entry-level research positions. Research assignments ordinarily are of a long-term nature, and have the advantage of offering more permanent residency. Some research is conducted on a personal basis, but is more often part of a team effort with little administrative supervision.