Help for Physics Major With Low GPA Seeking Job

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the challenges faced by a Physics major with a low GPA seeking employment in the field of Physics or related areas. Participants explore the implications of academic performance, internship experience, and potential career paths.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about their low overall GPA and lack of direct experience in Physics, questioning their job prospects in the field.
  • Another participant questions the definition of "in the field of physics," suggesting that many physics graduates may end up in IT roles rather than traditional physics positions.
  • Some participants propose that the skills gained from IT internships may be more beneficial for employment than traditional research experience in physics.
  • A suggestion is made to highlight the major GPA on resumes instead of the overall GPA, with the idea that employers may overlook lower grades in unrelated subjects if explained properly.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best path forward for the original poster. There are differing views on the importance of GPA versus practical experience and the definition of working "in the field of physics."

Contextual Notes

Participants express various assumptions about the job market for physics graduates and the relevance of different types of experience. The discussion does not resolve the implications of GPA on job prospects or the value of IT experience versus research experience.

Who May Find This Useful

Students in STEM fields, particularly those with concerns about GPA and career prospects, as well as individuals considering internships in non-traditional fields related to their major.

Slakjak1215
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Hello, I am new here so bare with me please!
I am a Physics major with a concentration in Engineering from a university that does not have a very well known physics department, nor does it have an Engineering department. I currently have just below a 3.0 overall GPA and above a 3.0 GPA in my science and math courses. I have a paid internship that I have been working at for the past three summers but the problem is it's in an IT field. They hired me when my major was computer science but I have been doing a really good job so they keep asking me back. The CEO's and almost everyone I know here likes me as an employee and friend. A couple people that run the company would certainly write recommendations for me and help me move along.

Now the question is, How screwed am I for getting a job in the field of Physics? My grades aren't great but I can work when it comes to employment and have a whole company that can vouch for me and back me. What I see as a concern is that my grades aren't the greatest for one and I do not have experience in the field. I have one more year left until I graduate and I am nervous that I will not be able to find anything for myself.

Thank you for your inputs ahead of time!
 
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What does "in the field of physics" mean? All I can think that could be is a professional physicist with a PhD working at a university or national lab, or perhaps a medical physicist.

I would conjecture that far more physics graduates end up doing IT than working "in physics".

As far as getting into a position as a physicist, its not going to be easy with those grades. In fact, its not easy with good grades... You need to be doing research and publishing (rather than doing IT internships) and applying to graduate schools for a PhD.

IMO, you are doing a better job at fostering real world and marketable skills by doing IT as an intern than pursuing a career in physics by doing research.
 
I wasn't thinking anything in the field of Physics. What I meant was being able to use the Physics I have. As in maybe get paid to go back to school to get an engineering degree or work with my Physics degree next to Engineers.
 
As far as the grades go... Just put your major GPA on resumes instead of your regular gpa and you'll be fine. As long as you can explain the low cumulative most employers won't think twice about you getting bad grades in English classes.
 

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