Learn and Advance

Learn and Develop

By moving ahead in your career, or by guiding others, you can strengthen the Earth and space science community.

Finding and following your path

No matter your career stage, professional and career development are important to advancing yourself and helping guide others. AGU provides career and educational resources, webinars, mentoring services, and support for students and professionals at all levels in Earth and space science.

At AGU, we’re especially committed to inspiring and educating present and future generations of diverse, innovative, and creative Earth and space scientists. We know that the impact of our science grows when individuals and groups who aspire to contribute to science are welcomed and supported and when we have a strong pipeline. By helping all people at any stage of their careers, and through a commitment to creating ethical, inclusive and diverse work environments, we can strengthen the global Earth and space science community and broaden its positive impact on society.

careers

Career resources

  • AGU Bridge Program –The AGU Bridge Program is part of the Inclusive Graduate Education Network (IGEN), an effort to develop, adopt, and share inclusive practices for recruiting, admitting, and retaining historically marginalized students in STEM graduate programs. Partnered with 51 geoscience departments across the nation, the AGU Bridge Program offers students one free application to all partner departments, and a variety of resources and support along the way to their goals for graduate school.
  • Career Center Newsletter – This monthly email newsletter will provide you with tools to help advance your career. Tailored to students and early career scientists, it offers career and professional development articles and recent job postings.
  • On the Job blog – Visit the blog for career advice and workforce guidance for students, and early-career and established professionals who are interested in pursuing professional enrichment.
  • Resources for faculty – Check out our resources for faculty, including information about AGU’s Heads and Chairs program for leaders of Earth and space science departments or join the Education Section.
  • Eos career and education articles – Read the latest Eos articles related to education and careers.
  • AGU Connect – Have dynamic and real-time discussions with your peers about timely issues in Earth and space science.
  • Resources for K-12 education – Learn more about sharing Earth and space science with a K-12 audience through activities and resources from AGU.
  • Working at AGU – Apply for an open position at AGU and help us advance Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity.
Person silhouetted looking up at stars

Fellowships and internships

Check out the many opportunities below for gaining valuable job experience in the Earth and space sciences.
satellite dish under a starry sky

Voices for Science

This program offers a 12-month program that recruits scientists interested in science communications and outreach and work directly with AGU staff to conduct outreach activities in their local communities.
Capitol building with clouds and reflection

Congressional Science
Fellowship

This paid fellowship places scientists and other professionals in the offices of either a member of Congress or on a committee.
Underwater seascape.

Community Science Fellows (Thriving Earth Exchange)

Community Science Fellows are committed volunteers who are eager to facilitate and lead collaborative, co-developed community science projects that produce on-the-ground impact in local communities.
woman conversating on computer while relaxing on couch

Federal internships and job opportunities

If you’re a current student or recent graduate, you may be eligible for federal internships and job opportunities through the Pathways and other student programs.
Aurora borealis with snow covered ground

Internships at AGU

AGU offers paid internships working in various departments from science policy to publications and everything in between.
Gradient texture of canyon rocks

AGU Bridge Program

Apply to our 51 partnered graduate programs with one free application. Students from historically marginalized backgrounds encouraged to apply.
Underwater seascape.

Mass Media Fellowship

This paid fellowship is a 10-week summer internship at a traditional or online media outlet.


Find a Job

Visit the AGU Career Center to find your next position in Earth and space science. Search for fellowships, internships and other position types at a variety of scientific institutions or browse our career resources to help you in your next steps.
Find a Job

Post a job

Are you looking to recruit the best talent in Earth and space science? Post your open position on the AGU Career Center. We offer a range of packages to help you achieve the best exposure for your position. We can help whether you are looking to recruit a student position, reach our full Career Center audience, or increase your applicant pool.
Post a job
Small clear pool in snow covered mountains

About Paths Through Science

 

 

Paths Through Science is a tool for you to explore the many directions a career in the Earth and space science can take. You can investigate the fields represented in each sector (academia, government, industry, and nonprofit) or browse through our directory of profiles. We have also introduced video profiles for some of our Paths Through Science subjects.


Paths Through Science: "Glaciers are the interface between land, atmosphere, and ocean.”

Ethics and diversity in the scientific workplace

We envision a diverse, inclusive, and ethical scientific community where all participants are encouraged to develop to their full potential. A safe, inclusive and welcoming community will lead to better science and positive impacts on society. Historically, many of the disciplines and workplaces of Earth and space science have lacked diversity. Women and people of color still face obstacles and are under-represented. Further, individuals from these groups may experience harassment, bullying and discrimination at higher rates than others. These factors have shown a need for institutions, societies, and individuals themselves to learn how to appropriately and fully address the issues and promote a safe, inclusive environment for all scientists.

AGU is addressing harassment directly by establishing expectations of conduct within our community, promoting responsible science and ethical leadership practices, and expanding diversity. We were the first scientific society to define harassment as scientific misconduct within our formal Ethics Policy [PDF] and we are working to educate, promote and ensure responsible scientific conduct and foster a positive work climate in science through the AGU Ethics and Equity Center. 
Diversity and inclusion

Webinars

AGU Webinars help you reach your full career potential whether you’re strengthening your skills in a specific area or learning about new research and professional trends. Our library of past and upcoming webinars is available for you to develop your skills and advance your professional knowledge at any time.
glacier

Mentoring programs Icon mentor

We support several mentoring programs that establish connections between students/early career scientists and more experienced scientists. Our mentoring programs advance the scientific community by helping scientists build successful careers and networks in Earth and space science. Whether you are a mentor or a mentee, our programs can help you develop relationships with others who can help you learn and grow as a scientist.

  • 1

    Mentoring365 is a global opportunity that allows individuals who are interested in the Earth and space sciences (ESS) to connect one-on-one with other professionals for advice. Mentees and mentors can engage in one-time meetings or long-term connections to help move their careers and education forward. Learn more here or Apply to be a mentor or mentee today!

  • 2

    In addition to Mentoring365 one-on-one mentoring, we now offer Mentoring365 Circles. A group learning format that connects you with others in the Earth and space sciences who share common interests or learning objectives. Learn together as a group on various topics such as Careers outside of Academia or Science Communication. Learn more here or sign-up for Mentoring365 to join Circles!

  • 3
    College of Fellows Mentoring Network helps build professional networks, create opportunities, and reduce obstacles for recent PhD graduates in Earth and space science. Each network is composed of two senior scientists and six early career scientists.
  • 4

    Mentoring365 Live connects students and early career professionals with experts to expand their network and receive targeted advice during an in-person scientific meeting. Participants commit to a minimum of one 30-minute in-person mentoring session during the meeting, however, we encourage mentors and mentees to schedule additional sessions. Visit the website for more information and learn how to sign up to become a mentor or a mentee for #AGU24. Registration opening in October.

Mentor and mentee sitting at table both looking at the screen of a laptop.

Resource Guides

  1. Finding Your Career – this guide is designed to help you through the process of finding the right career
  2. Careers in the Geosciences – this guide is designed so that you can explore some basics about the variety of geoscience careers that are available.
  3. Data Sharing Resources – this guide is designed to get you started on some data sharing fundamentals.
  4. Graduate School – this guide is designed to help you through the graduate school application process.
  5. In the Field – this guide is designed to introduce what to expect, how to prepare, and how to stay safe in the field.
  6. Mentoring Skills – this guide is designed to give you resources to build your skills as a mentor or mentee.
  7. Nontechnical Skills – this guide is designed to give you advice on expanding your repertoire of nontechnical or “soft” skills, as they are often referred to.
  8. Publishing – this guide is designed to give you advice on getting your research published.
  9. Science Communication – this guide is designed to get you started with some general information from AGU’s Sharing Science program about science communication and why it is an important skill.
  10. Tackling Obstacles – this guide is designed to provide you with advice on overcoming common professional barriers.
  11. Technical Skills – this guide is designed to give you advice on building some general technical skills for scientists.

Contacts

Graphic silhouette of a person

Pranoti Asher

Assistant Director Grants & Education

+1-202-777-7522 | [email protected]

Graphic silhouette of a person

Liz Gilden

Program Manager, Mentoring and Careers

+1-276-221-0212 | [email protected]

Graphic silhouette of a person

Waverly Lau

Mentoring Program Coordinator

+1-202-777-7532 | [email protected]

Student science competitions

AGU offers student-oriented science challenges that allow students at different levels to develop new practices and hone professional skills that will help them build careers in Earth and space science. Our competitions were created to allow students of diverse backgrounds from around the globe to participate in educational scientific activities. They are administered with support from AGU members who serve as volunteer judges. We also offer a program that enables young students to present their research at Fall Meeting. Discover which student science competition is the best fit for you.
Teenage students in chemistry lab with safety goggles

OSPA

The Outstanding Student Presentation Awards (OSPA) program is focused on recognizing students for quality research and presentation skills during AGU meetings.
Virtual Psoter Shwocase

Virtual Poster Showcase

The Virtual Poster Showcase (VPS) is a guided peer review and online presentation competition for Earth and space science. Winners receive travel funds to attend the next Fall Meeting.
Bright Stars

Bright STaRs

The Bright Students Training as Research Scientists (Bright STaRS) program allows middle and high school students to present their own research results at Fall Meeting and learn about exciting opportunities in Earth and space science.
Data Visualization and Storytelling

Data Visualization

The AGU Michael H. Freilich Student Visualization Competition, funded by a generous grant from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), is focused on challenging students to present their data in new and creative ways.


Apply for a research grant or scholarship

AGU’s research grants and scholarship applications are now open.
Apply Now

Travel and research grants and scholarships

Icon travel grants

Through our travel and research grants and scholarships, we help promote the professional development of the next generation of Earth and space scientists and enable the next era of scientific discoveries. These programs provide the opportunity for scientists to participate in career-building activities early in their careers.

We offer travel grants for students planning to attend AGU meetings and conferences. The program provides financial assistance to U.S. and international early career scientists and students who have little or no support from research contracts or grants, and who are presenting for the first time at a conference. Our research grants and scholarships provide the support necessary for students and early career scientists to complete research and advance their education and careers.

Travel and Research Grants

Available fellowships, grants, and scholarships

The AGU Student Travel Grant provides financial assistance for student presenters at AGU’s Meeting to offset costs associated with attending in-person or participating virtually. Any AGU student member presenting at the AGU Annual Meeting may apply, but preference will be given to students from demographic groups that are underrepresented in the sciences.

Beginning in 2021, the Basu Innovation Scholar Grant, provided through the generosity of Sunanda Basu, will provide travel support (up to $2000) to an early-career scientist / recent Ph.D. graduate making an impact in the area of space physics and aeronomy, through innovative approaches to observation and interpretation, to attend the AGU Meeting and will complement the William B. Hanson Lecture.

The Berkner Fellowship is awarded to early career scientists and students under 35 years of age who are citizens of countries designated by the World Bank as “low” or “lower-middle” income per capita.

The Bruno Martinelli Travel Fellowship provides funding for Latin American science graduate students or early career scientists to attend and present a paper on a volcano-related topic at an international conference or workshop of their choice (not including AGU’s Annual Meeting).

Various deadlines

Individual Chapman conferences may offer travel grants for students to support attendance. Please refer to the specific conference webpage for more information and to inquire about possible travel assistance.

The David E. Lumley Young Scientist Scholarship is awarded to high school and undergraduate students studying energy and environmental science.

The David S. Miller Young Scientist Scholarship is awarded to undergraduate or graduate students in the geo-environmental sciences and geo-environmental engineering. Applicants do not need to attend AGU’s Annual Meeting to be eligible nor do they automatically receive a travel grant for the AGU Meeting.

The Dr. Edmond M. Dewan Young Scientist Scholarship for Atmospheric Sciences and Space Physics is awarded to graduate students studying atmospheric science and space physics.

Applications currently closed

The Frontiers In Hydrology Berkner Travel Fellowship is awarded to early career scientists and students under 35 years of age who are citizens of countries designated by the World Bank as “low” or “lower-middle” income per capita.

The Frontiers In Hydrology Meeting Early Career Travel Grant provides early career professionals (within 10 years of their highest degree earned) presenting at the meeting with financial assistance. All early career presenters may apply, but preference will be given to individuals from historically marginalized communities or vulnerable populations.

The Frontiers In Hydrology Meeting Student Travel Grant provides financial assistance to student presenters at the Meeting. All students presenting at the meeting may apply, but preference will be given to students from historically marginalized communities or vulnerable populations.

The GSSI Student Grant is awarded to AGU student members who have designated the Near-Surface Geophysics Section as one of their AGU affiliations.

Up to three Horton Research Grants are awarded each year to Ph.D. candidates in hydrology or water resources research.

The June Bacon-Bercey Scholarship in Atmospheric Sciences for Women supports women students with a demonstrated interest in atmospheric sciences and intersections with meteorology as they establish their studies and build careers in the field. Honoring the legacy of June Bacon-Bercey, America’s first female television meteorologist, the scholarship will recognize that the awardee’s accomplishments are outstanding for their career-stage and will acknowledge that the awardee shows exceptional promise for continued contributions to the atmospheric sciences.

Now accepting applications for JpGU-AGU Meeting Student Travel Grants and JpGU-AGU Meeting Berkner Travel Fellowships to help provide financial assistance to JpGU-AGU Joint Meeting 2020 attendees.

Beginning in 2021, The Lawrence A. Taylor Research Fund in Petrology and Geochemistry, provided through the generosity of Dong-Hwa Shin (Dawn) Taylor, will provide $4000 grants for two PhD students pursuing research in the fields of Petrology and/or Geochemistry and who demonstrate excellent research in their field.

Beginning in 2020, AGU’s Seismology, Atmospheric Sciences, and Ocean Sciences Sections are proud to offer Paros Scholarships in Geophysical Instrumentation in the amount of $5,000 to recognize outstanding graduate students demonstrating interest in geophysical instrumentation and precision field measurements. Three scholarships will be awarded annually and can be used to relieve the financial burden associated with graduate studies but does not have to be directly applied to the winners’ research projects or studies. AGU membership is not a requirement nor do applicants have to hold primary membership in AGU’s Seismology, Atmospheric Sciences or Ocean Sciences Section.

WONDER endeavors to address inequalities in Earth and space sciences by providing grant support to a Black or Indigenous woman with a demonstrated interest in Earth science to attend an AGU conference. The goal is to encourage undergraduate and graduate women from these underrepresented groups to pursue a career in earth or space sciences by helping them broaden their scientific knowledge and build their personal and professional networks.

Follow the latest in education and career development

  • Career Center newsletter – This monthly email newsletter will provide you with tools to help advance your career. Tailored to students and early career scientists, it offers career and professional development articles and recent job postings.
  • On the Job blog – On the Job is an AGU blog, that provides career advice and workforce guidance to Earth and space science students, as well as early-career and established professionals who are interested in pursuing professional enrichment.
  • Webinars – AGU webinars help you reach your full career potential whether you’re strengthening your skills in a specific area or learning about new research and professional trends. Sign up for an upcoming webinar or view our archive of past webinars.
Person in cave with sunlight behind

Support

Support our learning and development programs
Give to AGU
Support Our Learning and Development Programs





Please reach out to Member Services at [email protected] if you would like to make any changes to this gift or if you don't receive an emailed receipt (be sure to check your spam folder).
EDIT GIFT DETAILS
*Indicates a required field.
Create account OR Reset password