A degree in physics is not only an excellent foundation for a future in scientific research, but also for a wide variety of vocations in the fields of commerce, finance, information technology, and engineering.
Alternatives to employment
The following are examples of jobs that are closely connected to your degree:
researcher in the academic field
Acoustic consultant
Astronomer
Scientist in clinical practice and expert in medical physics
Geophysicist
Lecturer at a higher learning institution
Metallurgist
Meteorologist
Nanotechnologist
practitioner in the field of radiation protection
Scientist who does research (physical sciences)
Educator of students in secondary schools
Sound engineer
Technical writer and author
The following are examples of careers in which a degree might be beneficial:
a developer working on Actuary Applications
Technician in clinical laboratories
Data analyst
Nuclear engineer
researcher specializing in operations
Attorneys for patents
Technician of Prosthetics and Orthotics Software Engineer
researcher in the field of telecommunications
Don't limit your thinking to the positions that are mentioned here; many businesses are open to receiving applications from recent graduates with degrees in any field, so don't limit yourself.
Practice in the workplace
Make the most of whatever possibilities you have to get relevant job experience, such as a placement or year out in industry as part of your degree program, and do your best to seize these experiences. Make the most of this opportunity to supplement your academic studies with real-world experience and to expand your professional network by meeting new people.
Participate in many specialized groups as well as pertinent professional organizations, such as the Institute of Physics.
Find employment in a laboratory as a laboratory technician or assistant during your free time or while you are on vacation if you are interested in pursuing a career in the scientific field. Internships or part-time jobs during summer breaks that focus on developing leadership, communication, and collaboration skills are also beneficial.
Gaining experience that is relevant to the field in which you are interested in working can assist increase the likelihood that you will find work in that field. If you are interested in becoming a teacher, for instance, you should attempt to get some experience in the classroom by assisting teachers and watching pupils.
Conduct a search for available places, as well as research information about internships and work experience.
Common types of employers
Employers of graduates with degrees in physics include academic institutions such as schools and colleges, as well as government research organizations, the military, and private business.
There are many different types of businesses that need physicists, including:
aerospace and defence
education
energy and renewable energy
engineering
wellness and medical care
instrumentation
manufacturing
The study of weather and climate change
nanotechnology
gas and oil both
the fields of science and communications technology.
Graduates of physics programs often pursue employment in fields other than science. The banking and financial sectors, as well as the software, computer, and consulting fields, are among the most popular career paths. Other fields include auditing, the legal system, and the transportation industry.
Find information about employers in many employment categories, including science and pharmaceuticals, information technology, engineering and manufacturing, and more.
Skills for your CV
Your understanding of fundamental physics will improve, and you will acquire a variety of subject-specific skills, if you major in physics. These skills will prepare you for careers in fields such as astronomy, computational and experimental physics, condensed matter, dynamics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics.
You will also build skills that are valuable to a variety of organizations in a variety of fields, both technical and non-technical. These abilities include things like:
problem-solving, using a method that is both analytical and pragmatic
reasoning entails the construction of logical arguments as well as the comprehension of difficult issues.
research and statistical analysis consist of doing research and making use of analytical abilities.
talents in utilizing mathematics to discover answers to scientific issues, mathematical modeling, and understanding and presenting information visually are all part of what we mean when we talk about numeracy.
talents that may be used, such as the ability to organize, carry out, and report on experiments; utilizing technical equipment; and paying close attention to detail.
communication includes expressing complicated concepts, utilizing proper jargon for technical terms, debating ideas, and being open to other people's points of view.
collaborating with others on a project that requires collaborative effort is an example of teamwork.
Time management and organizational skills are required to achieve research and project deadlines.
information technology (IT), which may also include some programming and the use of specialized software packages.
Research in depth is required.
After receiving their bachelor's degrees in physics, some students choose to pursue further education at the postgraduate level in order to expand their expertise in a specific area of physics. Relevant topics include:
astrophysics
quantum physics
physics based on particles
mathematics and physical theory
thermodynamics
nanotechnology.
Those who graduate with a degree in physics also have the option of pursuing a teaching certification, such as a PGCE (or a PGDE in Scotland), in order to enter the field of education. On the other hand, some graduates choose to begin a PhD program in order to enter the field of research science.
Depending on the kind of work you want to do, you may also have the opportunity to attend classes in fields such as journalism, marketing, business, law, and information technology.
Visit the page on master's degrees to learn more about furthering your education, and search for postgraduate courses in physics to discover a program that appeals to your interests.
What kinds of careers are open to physics graduates?
Programmer and software development experts have the title of the most sought-after occupation among those who are now working in the UK; 15 percent of these individuals claim that this is their most essential activity. A secondary school teaching professional, a physical scientist, a finance and investment analyst and advisors, an engineering professional, and an IT business analyst are also among the top 10 jobs in the United States.