Employers

Remote sensing scientists and technologists work in various industries. They are employed in the private sector, federal government, and the military. Some examples of companies that employ remote sensing scientists and technologists include Bayer and Monsanto. There are approximately 17,550 physical scientists, all other, employed in the United States, according to the Department of Labor. Nearly half work in the federal executive branch; others work in scientific research and development services; colleges, universities, and professional schools; state government; and architectural, engineering, and related services.

Starting Out

Many remote sensing scientists and technologists get started through an internship while in college, receiving job offers upon graduation. They may also start in entry-level positions working with other remote sensing specialists and related professionals on projects. Ask your school's career services office for help with the job search. Find employment postings in the career sections of professional associations' Web sites and also on Glassdoor, Indeed, LinkedIn, and SimplyHired, among others.

Remote sensing scientists and technologists may advance to senior-level and management roles, in which they are responsible for hiring and managing remote sensing specialists and team members for specific projects. They also advance in their careers by expanding their skills and knowledge through continuing education courses and certification. They may go back to school for an advanced degree and become college professors. As they grow their reputation in the remote sensing field, they may increase their participation in professional associations, such as by leading workshops, lecturing at conferences, and writing for industry-related publications.

Get a part-time job or internship with a company that offers remote sensing services. Ask your school's career services office for help with the job search and search for job listings on professional associations' Web sites as well as sites such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and SimplyHired, among others.

Keep up with news, developments, and research in the remote sensing field by reading publications such as Discover (https://www.discovermagazine.com/tag/remote-sensing), SpaceNews (https://spacenews.com/tag/remote-sensing), and Wired (https://www.wired.com/tag/remote-sensing).

Visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Web site to learn more about remote sensing and its many uses, from coastal change analysis and disaster response to elevation mapping and nautical charts, https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/geodesy/remote-sensing.

Take classes in the software programs that remote sensing scientists and technologists use. Search the education sections of professional association's Web sites for upcoming workshops and classes.