Possible jobs for the Physics
major
Or: I may not want to be stuck in a
University for the rest of my life
Two possible routes
Advanced degree Job right after Bachelor’s
• Master’s and/or PhD degree
• Grad School • A job is not a career
• Professional research • Your first job will
– Professor likely not be your only
– Other research job
PhD
• Grad School in Physics, Astronomy,
Engineering most common
• Takes an average of six years to complete
• Two years for a master’s degree
• Most PhD education is funded
• If interested, should get BS not BA
• Undergraduate research important
What do Physics Bachelors Do?
Or: What if I don’t want to rot in grad school?
• 28 % - Software
• 17 % - Engineering
• 10 % - Science & Lab Technician
• 19 % - Management, Owner & Finance
• 12 % - Education
• 5 % - Active Military
• 9 % - Service and other non-technical
Where do physics bachelor’s work?
• See http://www.aip.org/statistics/
Employers in California that Hired New
Physics Bachelor Recipients
• American GNC • Lawrence Berkeley National Lab
• Audio Engineering Associates • Mojave National Preserve/ECO
• Aurora Biosciences • NASA Ames
• Beyond.com • National Highway Traffic Safety
• Boeing Admin (NHTSA)
• Britannica • Pacific Bell
• Chabot Space & Science Center • Panasonic
• Cisco Systems • Raytheon
• Electronic Arts (Maxis) • United Airlines
• EMC² • Verizon Wireless
• Ford Engineering & Construction • Walt Disney Company, Inc.
• General Dynamics • Xenogen Corporation
• IBM • Zyomyx, Inc.
• Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Typical starting salaries for physics
bachelors, Classes of 2000 & 2001
Steps to a job
• To do now
– Make decisions to strengthen your resume
– Establish contacts
– Know yourself
As you prepare
• Have informal interviews at 2 or 3 companies in order to
broaden your knowledge of the workplace.
• Target 2 or 3 potential employers and study them.
• Expand your network to include people employed by your
targeted employers.
• Determine positions to apply for.
• Design each cover letter and resume so it is targeted.
• Prepare for interviews.
• Be ready to negotiate compensation.
Preparation for the Job Search
1. Take one burden off your back
– Relax
2. Make the acquaintance of alumni from
your department.
• Get to know upperclassmen
• Invite alumni to visit.
3. Make choices that will set you apart.
Set yourself apart
• A physics degree with a solid GPA is the first
step.
• Develop other skills
– Computer programming, writing, communication
– Second language, business course
• Do an internship
– Or, arrange for a shadowing experience or do
independent research
Know yourself
• What do you want to accomplish in your
life?
– Write it down! Write it as an obituary.
• Overarching goals?
• Tangible accomplishments?
• Generalist or specialist?
Other questions
• What do I enjoy doing?
• What are my personal strengths/weaknesses?
• What are my technical skills and experiences?
• What are my non-technical skills and experiences?
• Am I more a leader or a follower?
• Am I an idea person or a detail person?
• Am I a people person?
• What is important to me – Money? Job Satisfaction? Prestige?
• Am I willing to relocate?
• What are my salary needs?
Skills most desired by employers
• Ability to absorb, process and apply new
information quickly.
• Reading, writing, and computation
• Communication
• Creative thinking and problem solving
• Motivation/goal-setting
• Group effectiveness
• Organizational effectiveness and leadership