Two cohorts of Earth & space science PhDs have been surveyed. The first survey is from the cohort graduating between 1 July 1996 to 30 June 1997. The second survey is from the cohort graduating between 1 July 1997 to 30 June 1998. These surveys have been carried out under the auspices of the Commission on Professionals in Science and Technology (CPST). The surveys have inquired into the following questions: where have the PhDs found employment; how long did it take to find that employment; is the position temporary or permanent; even though employed, is a better position still being sought; what methods of job search were used; in what sector are you employed; what specifically are you doing; what is your starting salary; and what is your opinion of your present position?
The response rate to the PhD survey has been nearly 50% which corresponds favorably with rates from other disciplines that have been involved in the survey. CPST with funding from the Sloan Foundation and NSF has surveyed 12 disciplines using the same survey instrument. Comparable data will be presented from some of the disciplines that are closely allied with the atmospheric sciences such as physics and computer science.
Another completely independent survey that has been used at the AGU's Job Center was included with each of the other two surveys. It addressed graduate school experiences. Data have been collected for eight years from the Job Center that operates during the Spring and Fall AGU meetings. Although the job market has been improving, students entering that market have not thought kindly of it. The perception of the market situation seems to be worse than the reality of the market.