Advice for a physics graduate seeking employment please

In summary: This way, you're not just selling yourself as a physicist, but as someone with relevant engineering skills. You may also want to consider writing a "resume for engineers" to help sell yourself to potential employers. Thanks for the reply, and good luck!
  • #1
alfredblase
228
0
Dear all,

I have an MPhys 2:1 honours degree from Sussex uni in the UK. Its a decent physics qualification. My referees think well of me as far as a I can tell. I am an intelligent chap with a strong physics vocation.

However I have been unemployed for a year. At first I was very picky concerning location and I have been applying to PhD's in string theory. I've also been applying for work here and there. I'm running out of ideas and still havnt received any offers of employment from my numerous applications.

Basically, now all I would ask for is interesting physics employment, in an interesting city anywhere in the world, that pays a decent wage (perhaps 15000 British pounds ?). I am bilingual in Spanish and English and have a talent for languages.

Can it really be this hard to find something physics related to do somewhere in the world?! I'm getting really discouraged =( . Anyone have any ideas/advice/suggestions?

Thanks in advance,

Alf.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Go into engineering.
 
  • #3
Did you try applying to Sussex for your postgrad study?
 
  • #4
Go into engineering

Like I said I have strong vocation for physics. Although I would consider work in engineering, for the sake of doing *something*... but I really want to work in physics, i really really do...

One of my referees has moved to Canada, and the other is an honorary professor. Although I am confident the latter writes good references for me, I doubt I ever impressed him that much. Like I mentioned I have a decent qualification but nothing brilliant. I always thought a 2:1 would be enough and so that's what I went for in my degree. A mistake in hindsight.. I didnt really impress anyone at Sussex although I did do a decent job of my undergraduate studies... Also worth considering is that a year of asking for references from my two referees, with no result, makes me think they are getting a bit fed up. I would be fed up with me by now...

Any other suggestions please?
 
Last edited:
  • #5
Nothing000 said:
Go into engineering.
i think he likes a paid job not anything engineering, but if u think engineering can give paid job then help him make it real NOT( :anger) to say its real
 
Last edited:
  • #6
Drimar said:
i think he likes a paid job not anything engineering, but if u think engineering can give paid job then help him make it real NOT( :anger) to say its real
Huh? I guess I think that "engineering can give paid job" (?), so how do I "help him make it real NOT to say...its real".
 
  • #7
well I was thinking about this engineering idea you had, last night. The question I would have and what I think Drimar was getting at is that if we imagine I were to "go into engineering" how would I go about it?

cheers,

Alf
 
  • #8
alfredblase said:
well I was thinking about this engineering idea you had, last night. The question I would have and what I think Drimar was getting at is that if we imagine I were to "go into engineering" how would I go about it?

cheers,

Alf


Think about what type of Engineering interests you. Would you look straight for employment, or consider doing a masters in engineering, for example, to improve your prospects. You could likely switch from Physics to large parts of engineering.
 
  • #9
Thanks for the reply mulder. I've never really thought about going into engineering so I wouldn't really know.

Why do I get the impression people are telling me I should give up on physics? Is it really true that that without a first class degree you aren't considered good enough for physics work?! If so I really wish somebody had told me when I began the degree... =( Is my dream of working as a phycisist really over?

I would like further posts to try and salvage my physics career instead of trying to convert it into something else that wouldn't make me very happy please =) if possible.. I repeat: I have a strong vocation for physics thx
 
Last edited:
  • #10
You don't have to give up physics to go into engineering. I work with at least 10 people who have advacned physics degrees (Ms nad PhD) who work as an engineer/scientist for major aerospace firms.
 
  • #11
Alf,
I don't know much about the market for physicists, but I do know something about selling and you may be selling yourself short. Engineering, for instance, is nothing but applied physics. Get the right engineering job and you may be quite happy using physics to solve engineering problems, (kind of hard to do with string theory, but then who knows ?), or even doing what you might consider "pure physics" as well if you're working in the right place.

You may also be not "packaging" your skills as well as you might, to SELL yourself and those skills to a prospective employer. For instance, you might consider discussing your resume with a professional resume writer in order to see if there is something that can be improved on it, in order to make your skills, background or attitude seem more attractive. Many times the initial people looking at those resumes and "filtering" them are not the ones making the final decisions and you could be reducing your chances by not making the right appeal. If you have a lot of competition then you need to stand out in every way possible.

I could go on at length, but I don't want to bore you. I know that it can be hard to do, but if you approach finding employment as a sales problem you may find an improved set of opportunities in places that you might not have considered before, (like maybe doing engineering work at a lab or school that does the type of physics that interests you. Sometimes the back door is better than the front entrance).
 
  • #12
Dr Transport said:
You don't have to give up physics to go into engineering. I work with at least 10 people who have advacned physics degrees (Ms nad PhD) who work as an engineer/scientist for major aerospace firms.

That sounds really good Dr. Could you give me any pointers as to where I could start looking for such jobs please? (advertisements and such, specific websites, etc)

Michael E said:
consider discussing your resume with a professional resume writer in order to see if there is something that can be improved on it

As you might imagine my money situation isn't so good at the moment. I have attached a generic version of my C.V. (which was looked at by the careers advisor at university) in case anyone may have some constructive critiscism. thanks.

you may find an improved set of opportunities in places that you might not have considered before, (like maybe doing engineering work at a lab or school that does the type of physics that interests you. Sometimes the back door is better than the front entrance

A lab at university or in industry sounds great, I'll look out for those kind of job adverts, do you have any suggestions as to where to look? I've done my best using google.. heh :blushing:

Thanks for all your replies, keep em coming please, I need all the help I can get! :blushing:
 

Attachments

  • alfredblasecv.doc
    45 KB · Views: 476
Last edited:
  • #13
The idea that one needs a PhD to do anything in physics is also beggining to sink in. If I greatly broaden my choices and apply to lots more places, not just string theory PhD's I suppose it should be quite possible for me to get into funded doctoral studies.. My only concern is that if I do a PhD in a field that isn't exactly what I want to go into career wise then I'll be stuck working in that field. I guess this isn't really a problem since there are many examples of people doing PhD's fairly unrelated to their later work. For example Heisenberg's PhD (although not as successful as he hoped) suggested the first method for deriving the critical Reynolds number, marking the transition from laminar to turbulent motion.. :P

So if I do a PhD which will atleast provide a good grounding for what I want to study later on I should be ok no?
 
  • #14
alfredblase said:
That sounds really good Dr. Could you give me any pointers as to where I could start looking for such jobs please? (advertisements and such, specific websites, etc)

I found my job on HotJobs.com, matter a fact when I considered changing careers a few years ago, I went back to that website and was getting contacted within 2-3 weeks for interviews and other offers. After 2 years of inactivity, I still get an occasional email requesting my updated resume.
 

1. What types of jobs can a physics graduate pursue?

A physics graduate can pursue a variety of jobs in different industries such as research and development, engineering, data analysis, finance, and teaching. They can also work in government agencies, national laboratories, and scientific organizations.

2. What skills do employers look for in a physics graduate?

Employers look for strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as a solid understanding of mathematical and scientific concepts. They also value technical skills such as programming, data analysis, and laboratory experience. Additionally, communication and teamwork skills are highly sought after.

3. How can a physics graduate stand out during the job application process?

A physics graduate can stand out by highlighting their relevant coursework, research experience, and internships on their resume. They can also showcase any publications, presentations, or awards they have received. Networking and obtaining professional certifications can also make them more competitive in the job market.

4. Is it necessary for a physics graduate to have a graduate degree?

While a graduate degree can open up more opportunities for a physics graduate, it is not necessary for all positions. Many entry-level jobs only require a bachelor's degree, and experience and skills can often be just as valuable as further education. It ultimately depends on the individual's career goals and the specific job requirements.

5. What resources are available for a physics graduate seeking employment?

There are various resources available for physics graduates, such as job search engines, career fairs, and professional organizations. They can also utilize their university's career services office, network with alumni, and attend industry events. Additionally, informational interviews and job shadowing can provide valuable insights and connections in the field.

Similar threads

  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
29
Views
391
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
11
Views
967
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
23
Views
849
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
24
Views
2K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
7
Views
823
Replies
6
Views
890
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
24
Views
2K
Back
Top