If there is one question that career counselors and faculty advisors are asked more often than all others by students seeking assistance with career planning, it is this: "What can I do with this major?" An undergraduate student in the liberal arts and sciences is actually developing a broad array of skills that might be applied to any number of careers, rather than developing an in-depth expertise in just one area. Therefore, a better question to pose might be: "What skills am I developing in my major, and how might I explore careers that would require these skills?"

A major in physics, complemented by a background in mathematics, geology, astronomy, or computer science, leads to career opportunities in research, industrial science, astronomy, meteorology, marine science, biophysics, geophysics, or health science. Students with a physics major can choose to enter the job market in positions such as laboratory technician, field researcher and production assistant, or go on to graduate school to expand their career opportunities within the field of physics. A major in physics nurtures strong analytical and experimental skills as well as mathematical abilities such as mathematical modeling. Students enjoy opportunities to design projects and work with mechanical, optical and electronic equipment. Writing research proposals, and synthesizing and summarizing data compliments theoretical and experimental skills to enhance career opportunities.

Skills and Abilities:

Performing calculations

˜ Mathematical modeling

˜ Maintaining records/tabulating data

˜ Utilizing mathematical formulas

˜ Clarifying problems and comparing factors

˜ Solving quantitative problems

˜ Theory development

˜ Testing an idea/hypothesis

˜ Designing research projects

˜ Organizing ideas/materials

˜ Defining/developing/generating ideas

˜ Experimenting with ideas/procedures

˜ Adapting ideas

˜ Seeing relationships between factors

˜ Gathering/analyzing/evaluating data

˜ Using computer technology

˜ Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and optical equipment

˜ Promotional writing

˜ Developing and writing research proposals

˜ Reviewing relevant literature

˜ Summarizing research findings

˜ Organizing and presenting data

˜ Informing/explaining/instructing

˜ Preparing technical reports.

Occupational opportunities for Physics Majors:

1) Physics Positions

˜ Solid State Physicist

˜ Electronics Physicist

˜ Chemical Physicist

˜ Biological Physicist

˜ Astronomy Physicist

˜ Laser Physicist

˜ Atomic and Molecular Physicist

˜ Nuclear Physicist

˜ High Energy Mechanics Physicist

˜ Optics Physicist

˜ Acoustic Physicist

˜ Design Physicist

˜ Thermodynamics Physicist

˜ Theoretical Physicist

2) Physics/Geology Positions

˜ Seismic Observer

˜ Meteorologist

˜ Geophysical Surveyor

˜ Marine Geophysicist

3) Physics Computer Science Positions

˜ Systems Analyst

˜ Applications Programmer

˜ Systems Support Representative

4) Physics/Astronomy Positions

˜ Space Technician

˜ Spacecraft and Ground Based

Navigation Equipment Specialist

˜ Flight Management Analyst

˜ Inertial Guidance Analyst

˜ Photogrammeter

5) Physics/Biology Positions

˜ Biophysicist

˜ Medical Physicist

*Electronics

*Radiation Control

6) Other Related Positions

˜ Technical Writer

˜ Operations Management

˜ Research Technician

˜ Administrative Assistant

˜ Congressional Researcher

˜ Photographer

˜ Sales Rep. for Technical Products

˜ Educational Television Producer

˜ Teacher

˜ Technical Librarian

˜ Laser Technician

˜ Instrument Technician

Suggestions to Enhance Your Skills

Join professional associations in your field, and join on-campus organizations such as the Society of Physics Students, Geological Society Council, etc.

˜ Acquire excellent oral and written communication skills.

˜ Get involved in a research project.

˜ Consider taking courses in psychology and physiology, speech and hearing, vibration and radiation therapy, and light and optics.

˜ Gain experience through work or volunteering in a planetarium, observatory, or science museum.

˜ Contact the American Astronomical Society for more information.

˜ Acquire information about state licensure required for technicians employed in hospitals or certain medical areas.

˜ Gain experience as a laboratory assistant, hospital orderly, or volunteer at a hospital.

˜ Earn a master’s degree for positions in industry.

˜ Develop a strong background in mathematics and chemistry, engineering and physics.

˜ Develop excellent laboratory skills & computer skills.

˜ Develop work habits that are systematic, precise, and patient.

˜ Gain experience using scientific instruments and equipment.

˜ Obtain experience working with electronics and computers.

˜ Request job listings from the American Institute of Physics.

˜ Visit government laboratories or research centers.