Women in STEM: Jane Bunn, Channel 7 Meteorologist and Weather Presenter
A maths background doesn’t have to mean a lifetime of statistics and analysing data; there’s plenty of career doors that these diverse qualifications can open for you.
Jane Bunn is an Australian Meteorologist and Weather presenter for Channel 7, a trusted source for information on Melbourne’s always-changing weather. Armed with a range of qualifications; Jane Bunn is a great Ambassador for Women in STEM and proves that with the right qualifications, you can get anywhere.
We sat down with Jane to find out more about her exciting work, education, and why science, technology, engineering, and maths are in need of talented women.
Jane Bunn
About Jane
Qualified Meterologist
- Channel 7 Weather Presenter
- Over 10 years experience on television
- Worked as a forecaster for Bureau of Meterology
Jane’s Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science Majoring in Mathematics and Atmospheric Science
- Graduate Diploma of Meterology
- Graduate Certificate of Journalism
What qualifications do you have that allowed you to be in this career?
I have a Bachelor of Science from Monash University, majoring in Mathematics and Atmospheric Science. Part of this involved a semester exchange at Penn State University. I have a Graduate Diploma of Meteorology from the Bureau of Meteorology and a Graduate Certificate of Journalism.
Meteorologist Job Outlook
Stable future growth expected over the next 5 years
Bachelor Degree or Higher Qualification
Low rate of unemployment in Australia
Gender Employment Share
Full-Time Worker Share
Meteorologists employed in Australia
Average Salary for Meteorologists
Weekly Pay for Meteorologist vs. National Average
What made you want to be a meteorologist?
How to Become a Meterologist in Australia
While the exact requirements do change based on what area you’re looking to pursue, most Meteorologists in Australia have a background in atmospheric science, mathematics, statistics, or computer sciences. Prerequisite subjects such as biology, environmental sciences, and physics are a great advantage, with these principles used frequently as a Meteorologist.
meteorologist
Becoming a Meteorologist is possible at any age. Whether you’re researching University options or looking for a career change, there’s plenty of positions in this area that are accessible; from research to consulting. The usual requirement for a Meteorologist is a Bachelor’s Degree in Maths or Atmospheric Science. While postgraduate qualifications are common, they aren’t usually a prerequisite for most job openings.
If you’ve got your sights set on a successful career like Jane Bunn, meteorology is a great way to get into the world of broadcasting. To be a part of this exciting and challenging industry, you’ll likely need a background in journalism or communications to support your knowledge of television presenting.
Careers in Meterology
- Forecaster
- Climatologist
- Atmospheric Researcher
- Weather Consultant
- Weather Broadcaster
- Technical Officer
- Meteorology Lecturer
What are some of the best things about your job?
What Do Meteorologists Do?
Being a Meteorologist is more than just interpreting data. It’s about understanding the way the atmosphere effects us every day, on the Earth’s surface, in the oceans, and in different climates. As a Meteorologist, you can expect to spend the majority of your time analysing data and weather patterns, shaping predictions, and providing information and advice to a broad range of interested groups.
Weather affects almost everything we do day-to-day and without accurate predictions, it can create dangers and disarray. Meteorologists do more than informing us whether there’s a chance it’ll rain two days from now; they provide crucial insights and advice that can help predict natural disasters, severe weather warnings and assist us with being more prepared for events out of our control.
Not all Meteorologists are in front of the camera. Plenty of meteorologists in Australia work for organisations such as the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM). Other industries include radio, consulting businesses, aviation, education, military, and logistics.
The most common skills and tasks for Meteorologists include:
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Science and Mathematical Knowledge – 90%
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Environmental and Atmospheric Knowledge – 84%
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Critical Thinking and Analysis – 76%
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Communication Skills – 67%
Why are careers in STEM such as mathematics and science so important?
Women in STEM: Why These Industries Need You
There’s so much that women can offer to careers in STEM industries. The talent, knowledge, and ideas they can bring to the table are unparalleled and these industries need to attract skilled women to help innovation and breakthroughs well into the future.
The best way to help secure your position in this fast-tracked sector is to have the right skills behind you. Browse courses today and start your career journey.
Qualified Meterologist