Career In Meteorology

Do I need both an NWA and AMS seal to be a TV Weathercaster? Or is NWA enough?

I'm an undergraduate student studying TV Journalism, and considering adding Broadcast Meteorology to my studies to give me a competitive edge as a reporter. The program would not qualify me for an AMS seal, due to a lack of Calculus classes. Should I spend time working for the NWA certification? Or do I really need the AMS seal to get any sort of job?

Public Comments

1. The problem you will find is that there currently is a rather large surplus of people who have a degree in meteorology that are having trouble getting a job who are getting separate degrees in journalism to get just such a job you are seeking. In other words, expect stiff competition. It is getting to the point that most tv markets are only looking at people who have degrees in meteorology even for weekend positions even in medium to small markets. I wouldn't say it is a lost cause in any way through. The smaller markets still use reporter/weathercaster positions and if you do well, you can move up to larger markets. I really don't know how important the NWA certification or the AMS seal is in getting hired in the entry level position. But, I have seen plenty of weathercasters with a seal that I didn't think they deserved one. I also have seen several very well known weathercasters that had neither but still had positions in large markets with 6 and 7 figure salaries. I believe that it is more important on how well you present yourself on TV and your attitude (hopefully very positive) in doing a good job in the position you get hired for rather than how well you know weather. I would suggest to get the NWA certificaiton if that is what you are comfortable with and put your best foot forward. Good luck