ENHANCING YOUR CREDENTIALS

Your education in the atmospheric sciences does not stop upon receiving a degree. An important part of your professional success depends on continued learning. To this end, the AMS from time to time sponsors short courses, tutorial workshops, and conferences in specialized areas. These events feature lectures and discussions designed to update atmospheric scientists on the latest techniques, equipment, and research programs in their fields of interest. Typically such gatherings last from a few days to a week and often are cosponsored by government agencies, the National Science Foundation, the World Meteorological Organization, universities, or private industry. Topics covered have included micrometeorology, advanced forecasting techniques, weather-radar calibration, and meteorology and environmental assessment.

The AMS also offers several professional certification and seal-of-approval programs. The Certified Consulting Meteorologist program is a service for the general public. The AMS has established, through the CCM program, high standards of technical competence, character, and experience for consultants providing advice in meteorology to the public. The certification was established to ensure that certain individuals have been tested and found to meet or exceed those standards. The awarding of a CCM enables users of meteorological services to choose consultants who have proven technical reliability and integrity. The certification is also formal recognition by the recipient's peers that he or she is well qualified to carry on the work of a consulting meteorologist.

The AMS Seal of Approval programs for television and radio ensure that meteorologists who hold the seal(s) exhibit scientific competence and effective communication skills in delivering their weather forecasts. Certain minimal academic credentials are required, as well as specific skills as demonstrated in "on-air" video- and/or audiotapes. These skills include technical competence, communication, and delivery of sufficient information and explanation relative to weather conditions. The goal of the Seal of Approval programs is to continuously upgrade television and radio weather programs.

Even if you do not take advantage of any of the AMS certification programs, you should become and stay an AMS member--and not just because it "looks good on the resume." The Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, which you will receive as part of your membership, provides an easy way to stay current with research programs, activities of other organizations, and trends in the profession. It also provides a calendar of conferences, symposia, and short courses that you can attend to keep your knowledge base current and to network with others in the field. All of these activities provide a means of lifelong learning that enhances your ability to move up in your job or obtain a better one.

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