Getting a B.S. in Physics was a big mistake aparently.

ZapperZ

It is extremely difficult to work in physics with only a physics undergraduate degree. And this really doesn't matter where you graduated from. When I was writing my essay on being a physicist, I tried to impress upon two important things:

1. Making sure an undergraduate equip him/herself with "marketable skills", and

2. Being aware of the type of non-physics opportunities that might be possible after graduation.

There are several physics programs, mainly in less well-known schools, that are now slowly realizing this and tailoring their undergraduate programs so that their graduates can get a decent chance of getting a job. This includes making the physics degree program more interdisciplinary, such as physics and journalism, physics and law, etc. One can already see where such mix can be very beneficial and the kind of job opportunities that can open up.

Someone who plans on only pursuing a B.Sc in physics needs to make a more careful preparation while in school and needs to think about "employability" way ahead of someone who intends on going on to graduate school. That would be the best advice that I can give.

Zz.

ljackson

Its a good thing im not trying to work directly in physics as ive pointed out a few times...

As said before, Ive been trying to get jobs in the programming/comp sci/engineering disciplines as I have much experience and expertise in.

mathwonk

to get a job, you ask employers what they are looking for and then you provide it.

you do not sit around saying, here i am, when is someone going to appreciate me and pay me to do what i want to do?

although it might seem wrong, no one is advised to feel entitled to a job.

feeling sorry for yourself and blaming it on poor advice does not help a lot.

ljackson

I have the skills, education and experience of what they are looking for. The problem arises is that they see B.S. Physics and not B.S. Engineering/comp sci and won't even talk to me.

Ive never sit around saying "when is someone going to apprecite me and pay me to do what I want to do". Where did you get that from? It was certainly not from what I posted? I would love to do internship/ work for next to nothing to get my foot in the door in any science/enginering/programming setting.

You have problems if you don't think someone who is willing to work their *** off and do anything to prove themself is not entitled to a job.

I never once blamed it on poor advice, I simply stated that I was given poor advice.

What is your problem?

Next time you go to give advice, make sure it makes sense/ is applicable/ has anything to do with the topic (and what has been previously said) at hand.

The attitude you give off is very parallel to attitude of employers. Just as they see B.S. Physics and assume everything, you have read the thread title and assumed everything.

mace2

If this is how you approach criticism it might indicate why you have trouble getting a job.

Poop-Loops

Oh please. He was criticized for things he wasn't guilty of and rightfully objected to it. Now you tell him he should bend over and take it when people yell at him, even if it's not his fault? Just stop.

RasslinGod

Is this a good combo? I'm sort of interested in business. But is there a good chance i can be involved in both at the same time? Doing science AND business??

trinitron

"Oh please. He was criticized for things he wasn't guilty of and rightfully objected to it. Now you tell him he should bend over and take it when people yell at him, even if it's not his fault? Just stop."

Seconded.

Shackleford

I concur.

Poop-Loops

You bet. In fact, I am pretty sure that's where the big bucks are. For example, if you become a patent lawyer, you can make some good money. Not exactly business, but you get my meaning.

mace2

Perhaps I was wrong. I apologize.

ljackson

It is not that I was criticized. It was that the criticism did not apply to me as all of his accusations and assumptions were complete opposite to what I have said.

ZapperZ

It's a good combo, but outside of doing a double major, it isn't as easy to find a school with that kind of interdisciplinary program. If you can find one, great.

What I have seen a few physics majors have done are get their undergraduate degrees in physics, and then branch out at the graduate level, either doing an MBA, Law, or even Medicine. The Physics+Law combination is "lethal". Lawyers with science/technical background, especially computer science or computer engineering, are in quite a demand.

Zz.

AsianSensationK

The original poster is probably right about not being able to do much with a BS in physics.

Employers are really particular about what they're looking for most of the time. If you don't have it, you're out of the running and someone else is in. At least, that's what I've been noticing during my job hunt. Although I'm not quite as accomplished as the original poster.

I'm not really sure, but are there any professional certifications that people might be able to test for which would make them look like less of a risk? Sometimes employers like certifications because there's a standardized way of ensuring new hires have the knowledge that employers want them to have. In finance, the CFA is a big one (although it seems that industry is in ruins right now). Are there any common ones for engineering or programming?

The only other option is to take a job you might not have wanted coming out of school while continuing your education. Sales isn't the worst option in the world.

Smacal1072

A good certification to get is to become Sun-Certified in Java. It lets employers know that you can code. I'm about to get my useless BS in physics and plan on getting that certification. Also going to pursue an MS in Comp Sci

Shackleford

I thought about taking the Engineering-In-Training Exam after I graduate.

fizziks

I've thought about taking that test. Is it only limited to students with engineering degrees/major?