skip to main content
Drew Lee

Drew Lee

CA State Agency

Career Roadmap

Drew's work combines: Science, Writing, and Working with Others

See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.

Take Roadmap Quiz

Day In The Life

Geologist

I assist in the negotiations between mining and geothermal companies with the state of CA regarding resource extraction leases and permits.

Skills & Education

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    California State University-Long Beach

  • Graduate Degree

    Geology/Earth Science, General

    California State University-Long Beach

Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers:

High School

Bachelor's Degree: Petroleum Engineering

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

I've taken a lot of twists and turns

  • 1.

    Attended an oppressive private catholic highschool where I was forced to get along with many types.

  • 2.

    Used music as an emotional outlet following HS, and thought I wanted to be a music teacher.

  • 3.

    I dropped out of music school due to poor grades/motivation; then began to work retail jobs.

  • 4.

    Got kicked out of my parents house and followed a bad relationship to the ghetto.

  • 5.

    Went back to junior college after 4 years of guitar playing and retail jobs in order to leave the ghetto.

  • 6.

    Returned to music school but was diagnosed with panic disorder 10 years after HS due to stress associated with return to music school.

  • 7.

    Switched to geology, panic attacks end, got my Bachelors and stayed for my Masters.

  • 8.

    Now I get paid to roam the CA desert and study the earth. :)

Defining Moments

How I responded to discouragement

  • THE NOISE

    Messages from Parents:

    I should get up and do something with my life.

  • How I responded:

    Sitting around being bored and poor was a necessary step required for me to figure out what I wanted to do. Poverty has a way of giving you a new perspective on life. I had to go through that period to figure that out.

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

Click to expand

  • When I was on my own, I was often very poor. So I ate a lot of cheap vegetables and fruits, since these foods still provide nutrition. Diet is critical! Never skimp on healthy food!

  • I was diagnosed with panic disorder because I was trying to study and finish a music degree when it was clear that I was NOT capable of completing it. Changing to geology (my other interest) eliminated my panic attacks - now I have none.