Careers with a Physics Degree: Alternatives & Advice

Full Chapter List – So You Want To Be A Physicist… Series

• Part I: Early Physics Education in High schools
• Part II: Surviving the First Year of College
• Part III: Mathematical Preparations
• Part IV: The Life of a Physics Major
• Part V: Applying for Graduate School
• Part VI: What to Expect from Graduate School Before You Get There
• Part VII: The US Graduate School System
• Part VIII: Alternative Careers for a Physics Grad
• Part VIIIa: Entering Physics Graduate School From Another Major
• Part IX: First years of Graduate School from Being a TA to the Graduate Exams
• Part X: Choosing a Research area and an advisor
• Part XI: Initiating Research Work
• Part XII: Research work and The Lab Book
• Part XIII: Publishing in a Physics Journal
• Part XIV: Oral Presentations
• Part XIII: Publishing in a Physics Journal (Addendum)
• Part XIV: Oral Presentations – Addendum
• Part XV – Writing Your Doctoral Thesis/Dissertation
• Part XVI – Your Thesis Defense
• Part XVII – Getting a Job!
• Part XVIII – Postdoctoral Position
• Part XIX – Your Curriculum Vitae

Nontraditional career paths for physics graduates

We are still discussing the final year of your undergraduate education. So far, we have covered what you need to consider if you want to go on to graduate school and how to best prepare for that part of your journey. That is the traditional path many physics students follow, but it is not the only option. Many physics degree holders do not continue in physics graduate programs — this installment discusses alternatives and how to prepare for them.

Build a broad skill set

Early in the series I emphasized one crucial point: acquire a wide range of skills during your undergraduate years. This includes computer programming, experimental techniques, data analysis, electronics, and anything else you can pick up in advanced labs. Those practical abilities often determine employability if you leave school with only a bachelor’s degree.

Employers rarely hire someone simply because they “do physics.” Rather, they hire people who can solve problems, analyze models, write code, or operate equipment. The things you pick up in a lab course or research project — sometimes almost by accident — may be the exact skills that get you a job.

Teaching

One common path is high-school teaching. Many students pursue a simultaneous education credential during their undergraduate degree so they are qualified to teach upon graduation. Others obtain certification afterward — it’s never too late.

Keep in mind state-by-state requirements vary. Some states allow you to begin teaching while completing certification. Check local rules before making plans.

Law and patent work

A growing number of physics graduates enter law, particularly patent law, where technical expertise is highly valued and salaries can be attractive. Physics provides strong analytical and problem-solving skills that translate well to intellectual property careers.

Medicine and medical physics

Another path is medical school, which some physics graduates follow, especially those interested in medical physics. Note: you do not need an MD to work in medical physics research; training programs and career tracks vary. Physics graduates are increasingly contributing to medical imaging, radiation therapy, and related fields.

Science communication, journalism, and public policy

Some graduates pivot into science journalism, writing, or policy work. Cross-disciplinary programs now allow science majors to add minors or double majors in communication, journalism, or political studies. There is clear demand for scientists who can explain technical topics to the public and policymakers.

Industry and engineering roles

Many physics graduates (B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.) move into industry and hold titles such as engineer or industrial physicist. This is especially common in electronics and semiconductor sectors. Although job titles may say “engineer,” an employer frequently hires physics-trained candidates for their analytical and experimental strengths.

For statistics and employment trends see the AIP job statistics: http://www.aip.org/statistics/

General advice for undergraduates

There are many career avenues for someone with a physics degree; the few listed above are examples, not an exhaustive list. Regardless of the direction you choose, the preparation remains the same: gain as broad an experience as possible during your undergraduate years. That breadth increases the chance that one of your skills will match a specific employer’s need.

Next in the series

In the next installment we will move beyond undergraduate life and into the first year of graduate school and the challenge of qualifying exams.

Next Part Coming Soon: Entering Physics Graduate School From Another Major