Employment of Physics BScs in Canada

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the employment prospects for individuals with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in physics in Canada, specifically focusing on non-educational career paths.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the value of a BSc in physics, suggesting it may be perceived as "useless" without further qualifications.
  • Another participant notes that in the US, individuals with a BSc in physics often find employment in engineering roles, working alongside engineers on various projects, but not as physicists.
  • A different viewpoint argues that working as an engineer can be enjoyable and intellectually stimulating, suggesting that those interested in basic research should pursue a PhD.
  • It is mentioned that even Physics PhD holders frequently end up in engineering positions.
  • One participant highlights a historical example of Einstein's engineering work, implying that engineering roles can be valuable and impactful.
  • A participant shares their personal experience, indicating they have worked in technical roles such as Production Technologist and Technical Sales after obtaining a BSc in physics.
  • Another participant mentions that some physics graduates have pursued law degrees, specifically in patent law.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the value and applicability of a BSc in physics, with some arguing it leads to engineering roles while others suggest it may not be a worthwhile pursuit without further education. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the overall employment landscape for physics graduates.

Contextual Notes

There are varying assumptions about the job market and the roles available to physics graduates, as well as differing perspectives on the desirability of engineering positions versus research roles.

Nusc
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Where are those with a BSc in physics, in Canada, usually employed?

Don't mention education.
 
Last edited:
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No response?

So a BSc alone is useless.
 
In the US people with just a BSc in physics generally work in engineering jobs. I know people who have finished their undergrad and gone to work for Northrop Grumman, Boeing, more than few to various tech companies in silicon valley, etc. However they do not work as physicists, they work with engineers on engineering projects.
 
What a sad fate.
 
No it isn't!

Working as an engineer is fun. It is challenging and interesting. If you want to do basic research, get a Phd. Even then, the majority of Physics Phds work basically as engineers of one sort or another. If you don't want to work as an engineer, don't sudy physics unless you are top University straight A smart and even then you will probably end up as an engineer. Even Einstein was basically an engineer until he published his famous papers in 1905.
 
Einstein and one of his students developed a new type of refrigerator (at the time). Engineering isn't bad.
 
Nusc said:
Where are those with a BSc in physics, in Canada, usually employed?

Don't mention education.

I've worked as a Production Technologist for an instrumentation company and then in Technical Sales for an automation components manufacturer.
 
At least two of our students have gone to law school to study patent law.
 

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