Ms. Borden, Meteorologist for National Weather Service
Published 08 Jun 2020
Tags: meteorology, science, weather, women-in-stemWhy did you choose to pursue this career/major? What made you certain this was the right path?
I knew I wanted to be a meteorologist since I was 7 years old. Knowing one wants to be a meteorologist from an early age seems to be a recurring theme across the National Weather Service. I broke my leg snow skiing when I was 7. As my bones were healing, I could feel the weather change. My mother suggested I become a meteorologist when I grow up. Once I looked it up in the dictionary, I knew that it was what I wanted to do. Up until that point my only exposure to “weather” were the people on TV. At that time most of those people (especially in the area I grew up) were not degreed meteorologist and were broadcasters. Once I found out meteorology was a science I wanted to learn as much as I could and decided it was what I was going to do when I went to college. In most ways this was good because the math and science required for a meteorology degree is massive and I was not the strongest math or science student in grade school through high school. At the time I did not realize teachers were trying to steer me away from that field, especially being a girl. My passion was too strong, and I was able to reach my dream.
What events, prior employment, or educational experiences led you where you are today?
I was a student trainee at the National Weather Service office in Alaska while I was in college.
What schooling, education, and/or certifications did you earn to prepare for this career?
BS Degree in meteorology MS Degree in Education Lots of communication courses Lots of Emergency Management/FEMA courses
How did you make the best use of your time in both your education and career?
I worked hard and tried to get every opportunity to experience my chosen field. I looked for volunteer positions, and paid/non-paid internships.
What advice would you give to a high school or college student interested in pursuing this field of work?
Learn as much about the field as you can. If you are passionate pursue it. Also pair a meteorology degree with something else you might be interested in such as math, computers, education, Emergency Management. If you really love what you do, going to work 20+ years later is still exciting.
What opportunities would you suggest high school students participate in?
Visit your local NWS office or another opportunity to watch someone in action. Form a mentorship with that person. Join a professional organization in your desired field. Very often there are student rates. Surround yourself when you can with people that share similar interests.
What opportunities did you take as a student that helped advance your career (research, internships, etc.)?
While in high school there wasn’t much help I could get. While in college I worked for a program in my field. I attended professional conference where I presented research I worked on. I tried to create a large personal network.
Is there anything you wish you had done differently with regards to your career/education?
Not at the time. I am glad I decided to get a master’s degree in education even though it was not exactly advised positively to me. It has helped me get to where I am today.
What does a typical day at your job look like? What sort of projects do you work on?
The best thing about being a forecaster at the National Weather Service is each day is usually different! Weather is never the same from day to day, so it is not boring. Also, I get to work in the community with partners and provide them with lifesaving information.
What was a surprising aspect of your job?
How much I enjoy mentoring new employees.
What qualities are necessary to be successful in your field of work, and why?
Being an excellent communicator. Understanding all the English and history classes you are forced to take are important. I write every day, sometimes for a major portion of my day. I must be able to communicate and figure out multiple ways to get a message across.
Do you have any advice you would like to share? If so, please include here.
Be passionate. Follow that passion and be willing to pair multiple passions together, even if they do not seem like they naturally fit together.