A young geographer speaks

Why is geography a rewarding discipline to study? A young geographer speaks. 

Parents frequently ask me whether their child who is interested in geography and wants to study it, can get a “good” job. Young students often tell me that they are very interested in geography but everyone around them (especially adults) tell them that studying geography is a waste of time.

I tell them that those days when you got X degree and Y job was waiting for you are over. Now, our youth have to acquire and develop skills that they know can help address real-world issues. This is true of any field of study, including geography.

Geography education should help students develop critical knowledge, critical understanding, and critical skills. Mechanical “learning” and rote memorization are okay for a general knowledge quiz. It is 100% outdated as educational method, and will not help you build a career.

I interviewed a young geographer, Mr Dhritiraj Sengupta, recently. A native of Guwahati, Assam, he got a BA in geography from S P College, Pune, and is currently pursuing MSc in geography at Mysore University.

Here are excerpts from our email interview.

1. When did you first get interested in studying geography?

I vaguely remember, but I think it was during the summer vacations of 2008. I was in 9^th standard.

2. What sparked that interest?

Many elements were responsible for that ‘spark’. The very location of my house near the river Brahmaputra gave me a space to understand how physical entities of nature are related to us. And of course, my social science teacher had a huge role to play.

3. What parts of geography are you particularly interested in? How have you explored your interests in these aspects of geography?

Currently, I am interested in Business and Locational Intelligence. It studies the importance of location for growth and development of an enterprise. Besides this, cartography and study of landforms (geomorphology) are some of the key segments of geography I am specifically interested in. Exploring these aspects was a long journey which included many discussions with elders and travelling. I travelled extensively during my undergraduate studies. This helped me to discover my core interest in the subject.

4. Did people try to convince you not to study geography? What arguments did they give you for that? What was your response?

Frankly, I never gave people a chance to do that. Of course, they used to test my factual knowledge in geography by asking me to name the capitals of countries. However, I answered them back by asking “Do you know why that city is the capital and how it influences us each and every day?” They used to reply by asking if I could teach geography to their children!

5. What fascinated you the most during your college study of geography?

One of the most interesting subjects I studied was surveying. We organized all the elements of the landscape using points, lines and polygons. My interest in cartography and map making was actually sparked during my practical classes.

6. You led a team of your college-mates in organizing the National Geography Youth Summit – 2014, a geography conference particularly aimed at young people. What did you learn from that experience?

• Leadership
• Perseverance
• Understanding the very essence of my subject – geography.

7. What exciting things are you learning as part of your MSc course?

My department at Mysore University allows us to get acquainted with the latest technologies used in geographical analysis. Remote Sensing and GIS (Geographical Information Systems) are two of them. This semester, I’ll explore advanced surveying and photogrammetry. Secondly, medical geography, which studies the role of geography in understanding not only the diffusion of diseases but also how health-care policies should be made keeping in mind the geographical setting of a region. Also, geomorphology helps me to explore hidden facts about landforms around me. I love what I am studying and I practice it every day.

8. There is a common perception among young people and parents that geography is not a promising job or career option. What do you think of this, based on your experience so far?

The perception is not correct. Geography is the only subject where you can customize your job profile. It is just like building a modular kitchen for your house. Along with my studies at Mysore University, currently, I am interning with Royal Mysore Walks to develop a better understanding of business and tourism, and how maps can make the experience better. I am also a project intern with HERE Maps where my prime role is data collection. I came across these opportunities via various social media platforms. It is as simple as that. If you can convince people that you can solve a problem, it clicks. But no degree, no university, will teach you how to convince different mindsets. You need to find other ways of developing that skill.

9. What do you plan to do after your MSc in geography?

I plan to convert my part-time jobs into full-time and gain experience in the field of business and locational intelligence. Then, I plan to pursue a PhD specializing in location analysis.

10. What would you like to share with my readers on the importance and usefulness of studying geography?

Put on your geographer’s lens and observe the world, you will come across numerous questions … from why there is so much of traffic to why your friend speaks a different language, or why farmers in your state are committing suicide. Try to build up the curiosity and find answers. You will find that geography is the best tool for you.