Physics Backup jobs if PhD in physics isn't a goal

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A Physics Master's student in the USA, with a background in Mathematics and a minor in Physics, is seeking advice on career options outside of academia, particularly in computational physics. They have completed one semester and are currently working on a cosmology project related to Fischer analysis. The student plans to complete their master's by December next year and aims to find employment in the US. Concerns about job prospects and the need for a backup plan are emphasized, alongside the importance of developing programming skills during their remaining time in the program. The discussion highlights the variability of job markets based on location and timing, and references resources like the AIP for employment statistics relevant to physics graduates. The student's previous experience as a data scientist is noted as a potential advantage for networking and job opportunities.
taabut
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Hello everyone, I am a Physics Masters student in USA (international student). I have completed a semester so far. Currently, I am working on a project under cosmology, which is related to Fischer analysis.

Background: I have graduated with a BSc Mathematics with a physics minor. While starting my Bachelors, I was enrolled in Computer Science for the first 2 years and later I decided to switch to Maths. I also did a year-long internship as a data scientist which was till last year.

I am concerned that if PhD. isn't a goal and not leaning towards academic jobs, what are the computational physics jobs or any job I can get into which will be suitable for my career uptill now?
 
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Job markets vary a lot with locality. You say you are an international student currently studying in the US. Let's start with this question: In which country or countries do you plan to work in after you complete your master's? Job markets can also vary a lot over time. When do you plan to complete your master's (e.g., is it a 1 or 2 yr program)?
 
CrysPhys said:
Job markets vary a lot with locality. You say you are an international student currently studying in the US. Let's start with this question: In which country or countries do you plan to work in after you complete your master's? Job markets can also vary a lot over time. When do you plan to complete your master's (e.g., is it a 1 or 2 yr program)?
I will complete my masters by Dec next year. And will be looking for job here in US. I need to work on the backup plan as well so that I don't waste my time later on during the job search. Also I can work on some skills during the remaining time like on some of the programming language.
 
I see you had a 1-year internship as a data scientist. Didn't you meet career employees in this (or allied) areas while doing the internship. If you did a good job, it seems your intern supervisor, mentor or whatever, might put in a good word for you, or would be a source for positions you could apply for.
 
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