Developing the Next Wave of Operational Meteorologists

The Weather Forecasting Office in Huntsville, co-located with the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), has been able to partner with the Atmospheric and Earth Science Department to offer two courses that revolve around preparing students for a successful career in Operational Meteorology. During the fall semester, we have offered a class titled ‘Operational Weather Forecasting’ since 2014, which is coming up on its tenth anniversary. The spring course, titled ‘Advanced Forecasting for Decision Support Services’, has been offered in spring 2021, as well as spring 2024. These classes provide a unique opportunity for students to build their resume while earning class credits without having to formally apply for an internship. This is beneficial due to many being unable to commit time outside of school in the case of other life circumstances.

The fall course teaches a multitude of topics presented by Meteorologists from the National Weather Service (NWS) in which students are able to dissect, interpret, and communicate scientific information to their peers and partners brought in to provide feedback on real-world applications. The final exam for this course consists of a mock operational environment in which the students are challenged to act as simulated NWS forecast offices. The spring course dives into forecasting, operational simulations, and end-user feedback more in-depth than the fall course. During both courses, all students are offered opportunities to act as “team leads” within their groups, allowing everyone to gain leadership experience and learn task delegation. Students are also required to present and defend their work, allowing multiple chances for increasing comfort level with scientific public speaking. This past year, the class was surveyed on their self-confidence from the beginning of the semester to the end. There was collective agreement that the students’ confidence improved throughout the semester from these verbal briefings and the feedback provided.

Many students who take these courses continue into successful meteorological careers. All course alumni who have gone into the NWS have remained with the agency thus far, as opposed to an average 10% of new hires that leave within their first year. This presentation will also include diverse perspectives from instructors, alumni of the courses, and alumni who now serve as guest instructors.