Dive into Industry

Dive into Industry

Dive into Industry

Wondering how to turn your physics degree into a career? Preparing for industry starts now. Whether you're interested in data science, engineering, tech, energy, or beyond, building relevant skills and experiences during college is key.

Below are some strategies you can pursue as an undergraduate to help you stand out after graduation.

(Source: https://whatcanidowiththismajor.com/major/physics/)

Acoustical Physics:

  • Supplement program with courses in engineering, environmental science, urban planning, remote sensing, physiology, performing arts, audio broadcasting, speech communication, film production, or other areas of interest.
  • Seek internship experience in your specialty area.
  • Stay abreast of federal, state, and local environmental regulations for environmental impact positions.
  • Become familiar with technologies used to measure/monitor noise levels.

Astronomy/Astrophysics:

  • Supplement a physics major with coursework in astrophysics, observational methods, galaxies and cosmology, computational methods, optics.
  • Obtain experience through part-time or volunteer positions in a planetarium, observatory, or science museum.
  • Cultivate broad knowledge of astronomy and speaking skills for jobs working with the public.
  • Develop strong writing skills for preparing scientific reports.
  • Seek undergraduate research opportunities with professors in the field.
  • Develop a specialty area of expertise such as remote sensing, instrumentation, computer applications, etc.

Biophysics:

  • Biophysics is considered an interdisciplinary field at the undergraduate level. Most students prepare to enter by majoring in physics, chemistry, or mathematics with supplementary courses in biology; or by majoring in biology, biochemistry or molecular biology with supplementary courses in chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
  • Plan to specialize in an area such as experimental biophysics or computational biophysics and choose courses accordingly.
  • Seek research experience through work with a professor or internships.
  • Earn a bachelor’s degree for most technician positions.

Engineering Physics:

  • Choose a major in engineering physics or supplement physics major with engineering minor, all of which require proficiency in mathematics and problem solving.
  • Seek internship or co-op experience in interest area.
  • Develop strong oral and written communication skills for working on interdisciplinary teams.
  • Complete applicable licensure through professional organizations which is regulated by state in the engineering profession.

Optical Physics:

  • Prepare to study the behavior and properties of light including generation and detection, linear and nonlinear optical processes, and spectroscopy.
  • Supplement physics program with courses in electricity, magnetism, quantum mechanics, and electronics.
  • Gain experience in the optics field through internships in industry or research with professors.

Geophysics:

  • Specialize in geophysics at the undergraduate level or supplement physics degree with geology major or minor.
  • Develop solid mathematics, chemistry, engineering, and physics knowledge.
  • Plan to develop skills in computer modeling, data analysis, digital mapping. Oral and written communication competence is integral for sharing reports with interdisciplinary teammates/clients.
  • Seek experience with national labs or industry researching specializations of interest.
  • Take business classes for increased marketability in advanced prospecting positions (risk analysis for drilling, mining, exploration).
  • Maintain physical condition and be open to travel.

Condensed Matter: 

  • Condensed matter physics is the largest subfield of physics and is closely related to other fields including materials science and chemistry.
  • Develop strong mathematical and computer science skills through coursework studying physical, electronic, and magnetic properties of matter.
  • Seek research experience through internships or by assisting faculty with projects.
  • Become familiar with various forms of characterization techniques such as optical and electron spectroscopy and neutron scattering.

Medical/Health Physics:

  • Gain experience with air/water testing techniques and analysis and radiation detection instruments.
  • Develop strong communication skills for training, protecting and collaborating with radiation workers, members of the general public, and with physicians in healthcare settings. Seek certification from the National Registry of Radiation Protection Technologists for some positions.
  • Maintain current knowledge of government standards and regulations.
  • Learn medical uses of radiation for work in the healthcare industry involving the protection, education, training of others.
  • Pursue medical physics certifications offered by the American board of Radiology, the American Board of Medical Physics, or health physics certification offered by the American Board of Health Physics, depending on your specialty.
  • Gain experience at a hospital or clinic to prepare for work in healthcare settings; clinical residency or postdoctoral work in a hospital may be required.

Chemical Physics:

  • Seek undergraduate research experience to develop laboratory and computer skills.
  • Gain experience in physics and chemistry fields, as most researchers practice in both over the course of a career.
  • Become familiar with the various forms of spectroscopy.

Nuclear/Physics:

  • Acquire a strong background of physics, mathematics, and computer science knowledge.
  • Develop competence in experimental design, data collection, and data analysis.
  • Choose a theoretical or experimental track and seek internship experience in industry, government, or academic settings alongside scientists and faculty.

Particle/High Energy Physics:

  • Plan to study the most fundamental aspects of the universe if pursuing this physics specialty.
  • Acquire a strong mathematics and computer science background. Scientific computing and data analysis skills are essential.
  • Choose a theoretical or experimental track and seek research experience through work at national labs or with faculty.

Science Education:

  • Develop excellent communication skills, verbal and written, for interacting with students, colleagues, and parents.
  • Gain experience working with age group of interest through volunteering and tutoring.
  • Become skilled in the use of computers and laboratory equipment.
  • Join the American Association of Physics Teachers for current information on the field and networking opportunities.
  • Acquire appropriate certification for K-12 teaching opportunities. Due to a shortage of physical science teachers, there are alternative certification programs across the country for those with science and mathematics backgrounds.

Teaching