Tuesday, June 24, 2008

How do you know if you should be a Geographer?

When some people find out that I majored in geography or that I like geography, their eyes tend to glaze over as if that is unheard of. Well, there are probably more geographers lurking around among us than most people might think. In fact, some people may think like a geographer on the inside despite what they do to earn a living. In this post I would like to convey ten characteristics common to most geographers. If you have an inclination to adhere to any of these characteristics, then deep down you may think and act like a geographer.

Most of this post comes from an article I previously wrote for another site. The original article, "How to Know if You Should be a Geographer", is located at:
How to Know if You Should be a Geographer

Geographers are a special breed. Many geographers share similar interests, traits, and characteristics such as a wonder and curiosity about the world and everything on/in it, a strong desire to stare at maps of all types, and a never ending appetite to travel to places. The ten characteristics here should help you determine if you are a geographer deep down.

#1: Have a curiosity about places.
#2: Enjoy studying all sorts of maps.


#3: Prefer sitting next to the window on airplane flights.


#4: Have an interest in foreign areas as well as areas of your own country.


#5: Enjoy working outside, hiking, or exploring.


#6: Have good problem solving skills.
#7: Be good at seeing connections at what others may see as unrelated problems or issues.
#8: Be able to adapt to rapid technological change.
#9: Try to see the big picture in any circumstance.
#10: Have an interest in connections between people and the environment.

So, if you have or do any of these things, then you may have the makings of becoming a geographer, in addition to what it is you may already do.

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