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I’m a Meteorologist

December 2024
by Matt Brickman as told to Ellen Song

Matt is a meteorologist for NBC 4 New York. Meteorologists use math and science to make predictions about the weather. If you’ve ever taken an umbrella to school because rain was in the forecast, you can thank people like Matt for helping you stay dry. Matt reports the weather on TV, but not all meteorologists work for news stations. They can work for the military, NASA (the U.S. space agency), agricultural companies, and other industries that are affected by the weather. If you’re curious about why it’s sunny one day and rainy the next, and you like studying nature, you might want to become a meteorologist like Matt. Here’s how.

When I was growing up in Connecticut, a tornado hit our area. Our house lost power, which was pretty scary. We relied on radio weather reports to learn when we could go back outside.

I studied journalism in college, then did an online meteorology program. I loved learning to read weather maps, which show details about the weather in a specific area.

I do a lot of work in addition to appearing on TV. I check nine different weather models to create my reports. I also design all the graphics of the weather maps you see on TV.

These days, I report the weather on the weekend evening news. I make up what I’m going to say as I go. I love getting to have fun and think on my feet during my segment. 

In New York, where I live, we have tornadoes, tropical storms, blizzards, and more. All the different environmental events are fascinating! I never get bored by my job. 

Matt’s Tips for Becoming a Meteorologist

1. Ideally, get a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or atmospheric sciences. 

2. You can also get a bachelor’s degree in another subject. In that case, you’ll need to complete a separate certificate program in meteorology after college. 

3. Apply for a Seal of Approval from the National Weather Association. 

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