Clark

Kevin left Channel 2 in January. He and his brother in law are working on a big Internet project.

He is well and happy.

The only Utah school to give a degree in Meteorology is the University of Utah. At present, they have an EXCELLENT program. If your student really wants to be an on-air meteorologist, he will have to be dedicated to the science and do well at communicating. The hardest part is the scarcity of jobs. In all of Utah, for example, there are probably only 14 positions available. So even if you are good and dedicated, there may not even be an opening. You can start in small markets and work your way up, but that takes more time and dedication. If that is what the person really wants, it is worth it. Don't forget to consider the working hours. Mine is permanent evenings, others are mornings (3 am to Noon). Some people can't handle that.

With all of that said, if I were in the student's position, I would transfer to the UofU and get right to it. Another option would be to get a degree from BYU with a major in Physics and a minor in communications, THEN go to the U and start on meteorology. With a background in physics, I think a person might have a great background to do something creative in the forecasting area. It wouldn't necessarily help the TV part of it, but if a person found (developed) a nitch in quality forecasting, it would make a big difference.

Good luck which ever way you go!

Mark

>>> Clark Christensen <cgchristensen@byu.edu> 10/06/05 5:05 PM >>>

This is a KSL Online Form Message from: Clark Christensen

Message Category: Weather Comments

Dear Mark,

I am not a meteorologist, but I teach the introductory meteorology course offered by the BYU Physics Department since we have no meteorologists on our faculty.  I am a long term fan of yours.  I watch the Channel 5 10:00 pm weather whenever I am able.

I understand that you took a somewhat unconventional route to your present position, but I believe you could give a better response to a student question than I can, so I\'m pasting it here, hoping for your response:

"Dr. Christensen:

I am fascinated with meteorology and am in your Physics 137 class. I decided that I want to forecast the weather for a news program, so I was just wondering if you could answer a quick question. I know that BYU does not have a meteorological program, so would it be best to major in physics or communications now and then pursue meteorology in graduate school?"

Thank you in advance for your response.  Incidentally, whatever happened to your son, Kevin?  He used to be my second favorite TV weatherman.

Clark Christensen