We suggest you contact the Association of American Geographers (AAG). (Email: gaia@aag.org.) They are an excellent source for information about the field of geography, and they have the following publications available:

“Careers in Geography” (four-page brochure) Guide to Geography Programs in the Americas 2005-2006

Both items can be ordered from the AAG Publications Division. Email: puborder@aag.org.

AAG also has a list of college and university geography departments in North America.

The University of Colorado at Boulder maintains a Virtual Geographer with links to geography departments at universities and colleges around the world.

Career opportunities at the National Geographic Society for persons with a background in geography are found primarily in our editorial research and cartography departments and in our geography education program. Staff members here are engaged in a broad range of activities promoting research and exploration, working with educators to improve the teaching of geography, and publishing geographical materials, including magazines, books, maps, films, and educational products, for both the school market and the general public. To produce these materials National Geographic employs writers, editors, computer specialists, researchers, artists, designers, and cartographers. Training in the discipline of geography is beneficial in all of these specialties. You can find all opportunities on our Jobs site.

Freelance work seems to conjure up images of sitting at home in your pajamas, typing away on the computer. But this is not always the case in freelance graphic design. Many freelancers may work in their own home office, but they often spend their time moving between several work environments. Here is some more information about becoming a freelance graphic designer.

1. Becoming a freelance graphic designer.

You can find many opportunities in freelance Web design and graphic design. Many freelancers are hired as production support assistance. Many graphic designers are hired to help support specific projects. You also have a chance of becoming a freelance art director. Freelance advertising art directors have become common in the industry. Almost every type of design operation uses freelancers. You can get a job freelancing at an in-house art department, or an independent design studio that is looking for freelancers to help with projects.

2. The graphic design industry relies on freelance power.

On both a creative and production level, the graphic design industry relies heavily on skilled freelancers. Highly-skilled freelancers demand higher hourly rates. Even if you are less experienced as a freelance Web designer, the freelance market is a great way to break in and educate yourself about the industry. Many young graphic artists use the freelance industry to sample different work conditions, jobs, and so on. In many cases, designers prefer to work with other freelancers. This is because they’re not locked into the same routine schedule.

3. Transitioning from freelancer to a business owner.

Transitioning between a freelance graphic designer and a graphic designer who owns his or her own business is not as difficult as you might imagine. Freelancing is a great way to establish rapport with clients and to build a solid client base. Freelancers who have worked with many different clients have a better chance of moving to this next professional stage. If you have loyal clients, make sure you remind them about your portfolio and the work they had hired you to do.

4. Setting up your own freelance practice.

Becoming a freelance graphic designer is more than just sitting at home and creating images for clients. You also have to understand the best way to run your business. You are responsible to set up your own home office. You need the necessary equipment. You also have to create a business plan. If at all possible, you may choose to work with an accountant, who can help you develop your financial goals and help you deal with getting a business banking account and squaring out tax information. You are better off keeping your personal finances and your business finances completely separate.