How Can get a job as a photographer for National Geographic?

I am out of high school right now. I always wanted to get a job in nature photography and i felt my skills will best used working with National Geographic. Any tips you can give me? Do i really need a college degree in photography when I already know so much about photography?

We get this a couple of times a week … a search would have found quite a few answers or even going to NG’s website would have yeilded the following answer:

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/faq/careers.html#photographer

How can I be a photographer for National Geographic?
We are often asked by aspiring photojournalists for advice about entering this highly competitive field.

National Geographic photographers have college degrees in a variety of disciplines. Most did not major in photography, but all took photo courses. The most common majors have been journalism, anthropology, sociology or psychology, fine arts, and sciences. Our editors and photographers agree that it is important to complete a degree in a discipline other than photography. Freelancers usually come to us with at least five years of photojournalism experience or with specializations such as wildlife, underwater, nature, or aerial photography. We seek balance and an eclectic blend of interests, abilities, and photographic styles in the freelancers we hire.

Our Photography website includes photo galleries, photographer bios, photo tips from our pros, wallpapers, screen savers, and more.

There’s more info there on what books to read and so on.
Again, this is STRAIGHT from NG’s website under jobs.

National Geographic Magazine’s Top Photos of 2008

Nikon School DVD – Fast, Fun, & Easy 5 for D3000, D3100, D5000 and D7000 Great Digital SLR Pictures & Movies $4.95 This Nikon School 2-DVD set, featuring the Nikon D3000, D3100, D5000 & D7000, is full of valuable insights on taking pictures and movies you’ve always wanted with ease. Award-Winning National Geographic Traveler photographer Bob Krist and Award-Winning Wedding and Portrait photographer Kevin Kubota show you how to capture it all….

Lava Fountains (Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii) Art Poster Print …

Brand New Valusoft National Geographic Herod’s Lost Tomb High Quality Popular Modern Design $14.39 Hunt down elusive hidden objects as you are led by exciting footage from the actual tomb of Herod. Look for Herod’s coins in each excavation site – each one you find will earn you an extra 30 seconds to locate your next clue. Uncover the clues through 16 environments that have been left behind in the Judean Desert – your next clue may be found at a previously visited area. Recreate the mysterio…

Sam Abell, Sight and Insight: Photographer Sam Abell’s Art of Simplicity [VHS] $35.00 National Geographic staff photographer Sam Abell relates the pictures he takes to his visual thinking: what he sees and how he interprets his impressions, finally translating them into pictures. Abell takes us on assignment as he photographs the Shaker heritage in Kentucky and Maine, identifying the qualities that he looks for in his subjects and explaining how he interprets, captures and communi…

The Sharks: National Geographic Video $4.95 One of the most famous programs from the National Geographic Society! “The Sharks” takes you on a special expedition to study these fish of fearful legend and challenge the myths surrounding them….

Nikon 7216 Action 8×40mm Binoculars $79.00 Refurbished Nikon 7216 8X40 Action Birding Binoculars With/Case, protective lens covers and caps included. Refurbished in perfect condition, with 90 day factory warranty.Includes deluxe case, strap, instructions, and box.Refurbished Nikon 7216 8X40 Action EX Extreme BinocularsAspherical eyepiece lenses with multi-coated prisms Quick central focus system 420-foot field of view at 1,000 yards Magnif…