Any industry jobs for physics grads requiring no programming?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the job prospects for physics graduates, particularly those with a PhD in high energy theory, who lack programming skills and are seeking non-academic positions. Participants explore the feasibility of finding industry roles that do not require programming, as well as the implications of having a PhD in such contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern that without programming skills, it may be challenging to secure a position in industry or community colleges.
  • Another participant notes that historically, programming has become essential in many math-related fields, suggesting that this trend continues today.
  • Some participants argue that there are few positions that do not involve programming, particularly in technical roles.
  • One contributor shares personal experience of working in R&D without coding, emphasizing the importance of high-level systems design instead.
  • Several participants suggest that while minimal programming skills may be necessary, there are roles such as technical sales, project management, and regulatory positions that might require less programming.
  • Concerns are raised about the perception of being overqualified for certain positions due to holding a PhD, with some arguing that this could hinder job prospects.
  • One participant shares that their lack of programming experience did not prevent them from finding industry roles, highlighting the importance of relevant experience and skills.
  • Another participant mentions that theoretical physicists have found roles in various industries based on their analytical and modeling capabilities, despite limited programming experience.
  • There is a discussion about the potential need for the original poster to consider roles outside of traditional physics jobs to enhance job prospects.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that programming skills are increasingly important in the job market, but there is disagreement on the extent to which a lack of programming experience will hinder job prospects. Some believe that there are viable paths without programming, while others emphasize the challenges faced by those without such skills.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the job market has evolved, and the value of a PhD in physics may vary depending on the specific industry and role. The discussion highlights the importance of relevant experience and the potential perception of being overqualified for certain positions.

  • #31
ParlorPink said:
Thanks for your encouragement! I am currently planning to focus on applying for a tenure track job in community or small colleges.
Without a visa or other work documents, that would not really be possible in the US if that is your intention.
 
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  • #32
Dr Transport said:
Without a visa or other work documents, that would not really be possible in the US if that is your intention.
Could you explain more about this? As we know, the tenure track assistant professors in universities get green card without queuing. https://fordmurraylaw.com/employment-visas-for-faculty-and-staff-of-colleges-and-universities/

Is this different in the case of tenure track APs in small colleges? Do college professors get green card or H-1B?

I also have OPT available after getting PhD up to three years.
 
  • #33
ParlorPink said:
Could you explain more about this? As we know, the tenure track assistant professors in universities get green card without queuing. https://fordmurraylaw.com/employment-visas-for-faculty-and-staff-of-colleges-and-universities/

Is this different in the case of tenure track APs in small colleges? Do college professors get green card or H-1B?

I also have OPT available after getting PhD up to three years.
That isn't a government website, but a private law firm who will charge you a great deal of money to process that paperwork.

I would doubt that without a valid visa or other work documentation, you'll have a hard time gettijng an interview let alone a job offer. I can't offer anything more on the subject.
 
  • #34
Dr Transport said:
That isn't a government website, but a private law firm who will charge you a great deal of money to process that paperwork.

I would doubt that without a valid visa or other work documentation, you'll have a hard time gettijng an interview let alone a job offer. I can't offer anything more on the subject.
Thanks, I will keep you updated since I will soon apply to these jobs.
 
  • #35
Dr Transport said:
Without a visa or other work documents, that would not really be possible in the US if that is your intention.
I think that a possible chance would be H1B Visa teaching Chinese-speaking students, the criteria for that category of visa including that the employer can't readily find a US citizen as well-qualified for the unique requirements of the position.
 
  • #36
Dr Transport said:
I would doubt that without a valid visa or other work documentation, you'll have a hard time gettijng an interview let alone a job offer. I can't offer anything more on the subject.
Do you believe that what you wrote above applies specifically to "a tenure track job in community or small colleges" (the OP's expressed intent), or to any job in general? It doesn't apply at least to many jobs in industry. I've known many international students in the US who applied for industry jobs in the US while on their student visas prior to graduation. Once accepted to a position, they've worked via the OPT (followed by the H-1B) route; or, in some instances, directly via the H-1B route.
 
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  • #37
CrysPhys said:
Do you believe that what you wrote above applies specifically to "a tenure track job in community or small colleges" (the OP's expressed intent), or to any job in general? It doesn't apply at least to many jobs in industry. I've known many international students in the US who applied for industry jobs in the US while on their student visas prior to graduation. Once accepted to a position, they've worked via the OPT (followed by the H-1B) route; or, in some instances, directly via the H-1B route.
I have applied to over 60 colleges for teaching jobs in the last two months. It turns out many colleges and small universities do provide H-1B for lecturers and instructors, even for non-tenure track jobs. When they don't sponsor visa, they will state in the application system.
 
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  • #38
ParlorPink said:
I have applied to over 60 colleges for teaching jobs in the last two months. It turns out many colleges and small universities do provide H-1B for lecturers and instructors, even for non-tenure track jobs. When they don't sponsor visa, they will state in the application system.
Hey, thanks for the update. And good luck to you!
 
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