Some people develop a passion for broadcast meteorology in high school, some people develop the passion while in college and some develop the passion after college. This timing will influence the college of choice and the courses taken in college. If the passion is developed before college then the choice of college will include factors such as the college providing training in both meteorology and broadcasting. If the passion develops while in college, a student can transfer to another school, pick a different major or minor, add an online program to their education or add additional courses to their program of education. The passion can develop after college. For example, a journalism degreed reporter at a TV station can develop a passion for the work that is done by the broadcast meteorologist at the station. This can cause these employees to enroll in an online school where they can supplement their education with meteorology courses. The top jobs in broadcast meteorology are chief meteorologist or lead morning meteorologist positions at a strong station in a big or medium market, especially in a market with severe weather. Many of the meteorologists that rise to these positions have the following on their resume’ before reaching these positions: 1) meteorology degree or equivalent 2) journalism/communication/electronic media courses 3) at least 3 years full-time experience in broadcast meteorology 4) AMS certification or NWA seal of approval 5) reporting experience 6) significant experience using weather graphics systems 7) storm spotter certification 8) school visits, public appearances to promote the station and weather education in general 9) a strong following on Facebook or Twitter 10) an interesting and professional personality 11) development of personalized local forecasts using forecasting knowledge Thus, it is important for a student to make the 11 items above as goals while in college and during the career as a weather broadcaster. It will take considerable effort, education and experience to reach these goals but they are worthwhile in obtaining since employers of broadcast meteorologists at the top jobs look for these qualities. The weather broadcasting internship at a TV station is a critical step in helping a student decide if they have a passion for broadcast meteorology or not. Thus, it is important to gain an internship as early in the process as possible in order to get a sense of the skills that are needed to be an excellent weather broadcaster. This will help a student decide if they still have a passion for broadcast meteorology. |