Getting a B.S. in Physics was a big mistake aparently.

[Firefox123]

I'd apply to large companies anyway, despite what you've heard about needing to know someone to get in.

This is good advice...actually its excellent advice.

One time and one time only...I have gotten an initial interview because someone recommended me...every other job interview and job offer was 100% because of my resume, experience, and interview skills...

Another possibility is signing up for a technical temp agency. This a) gets money in your pocket, b) gives you experience, and c) might get you hired on full-time, because many companies hire that way - they use the temp route to "test drive" applicants.

Once again...good advice.

 

[xxChrisxx]

I have a B.S. in physics from a reputable school with a good GPA, numerous publications in highly reputable journals and I am still not able to get a job anywhere. Hell, I can't even get an interview because very very few jobs want someone with a degree in physics. They want an engineering discipline or computer science discipline. Both of which I'm very well versed in from my research experience and highly capable.

Yet, I've been told at least 20 times this year that a Physics degree is not what they are looking for.

I was planning on getting my M.S. right away, but I really need a job to pay for piling up bills and am thus only able to go part-time.

My advice, or rather statement, is do not try to get a job with just a B.S. in physics.

My problem was believing my advisors and online sources that engineering/comp sci disciplines would be intersted in a physics degree.

/Edit: I am so depressed lol

You are selling yourself in totally the wrong way then. A bachelors degree is less about exactly what you have studied and more about showing how you work.

And real science / engineering degree, shows you have very good analytical, mathematical, and problem solving skills. The fact you will have undoubtedly written many reports shows good communication is needed.

Basically you need to sell your skills gained, not the degree itsself.EDIT: Bloody old threads. I never look at the date :(

 

[206PiruBlood]

EDIT: Bloody old threads. I never look at the date :(

Nonetheless, it is still good advice for others.

 

[cronxeh]

I am a firm proponent of internships. You need to assume that those companies you've applied to don't want to hire you because 1) you don't know anything and 2) you don't have any experience doing the things you don't know anything about. The internship will give you access to the company's methods and if you are able to adapt they will offer you something more permanent.

And don't forget the military. Stop thinking materialistically and start thinking abstractly. If you join the Air Force as an officer, they will pay for you to go to AFIT for graduate degrees, you will learn leadership, management, and a myriad of other technical skills that will almost surely land you a federal gig after you are honorably discharged.

 

[creepypasta13]

Sorry I haven't logged onto PF in a while...



90%?

Nope...this is untrue...whoever told you that is dead WRONG.

All I have ever worked is defense and I have been involved with hiring new engineers...believe me...you are NOT screwed if you don't know someone.

What has been your job search approach so far?

Mostly just applying online at the aerospace/defense company websites.

Anyways, I've gotten plenty of interviews with companies that aren't in aerospace/defense. My blog, http://cypherscouter13.blogspot.com/, summarizes what's been helpful for me getting job interviews at companies that are not aerospace/defense companies. But my problem is that I can't get interviews at the aerospace/defense companies, which is where I'd much rather work

 

[Antiphon]

Bottom line: if you want to be a physicist you must get your phd. The ms in physics is widely regarded as the consolation prize for those who could not meet the rigours of the phd program. If you want to do engineering, get a degree in engineering.

Someone steered you wrong. A BS in physics might get hired to actually do physics but it's as unusual as a pre-law degree that doesn't go to law school.

Sorry but that's how it is.

 

[Shackleford]

Bottom line: if you want to be a physicist you must get your phd. The ms in physics is widely regarded as the consolation prize for those who could not meet the rigours of the phd program. If you want to do engineering, get a degree in engineering.

Someone steered you wrong. A BS in physics might get hired to actually do physics but it's as unusual as a pre-law degree that doesn't go to law school.

Sorry but that's how it is.

I'll be happy just to finish my BS and then get an MS. lol.

 

[Winzer]

In hind site, I probably should have switched to Chemical Engineering a while back, or at least double with physics and economics to set myself up for an MBA.