Help for Physics Major With Low GPA Seeking Job

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The discussion centers on a Physics major with a concentration in Engineering who is concerned about job prospects due to a GPA below 3.0 and lack of direct experience in the field. Despite excelling in science and math courses and having a strong IT internship, the individual worries about transitioning into a physics-related career. Participants suggest that many physics graduates end up in IT roles and emphasize the importance of real-world skills gained through internships. They recommend highlighting the major GPA on resumes and addressing the cumulative GPA in interviews. Overall, the conversation highlights the value of practical experience and networking over academic performance alone in securing employment.
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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.
 
I don't know if anyone on here works for any of the well known defense companies of your country, whichever country you are from?? Also, if you choose to work in one, do you think the engineering education provide from your school would adequately prepare you for the job. What do I mean by that? Well if you work at say Lockheed Martin and you work in the latest iteration of a missile or if you work at Pratt & Whitney, they assign you to work in the team helping out with building the jet...
Hello, I graduated from undergrad a few years ago with a Major in Physics and minor in Electrical Engineering. I tried to get experience working on and testing circuits through my professor who studied Neutrinos, however covid caused the opportunity to go away and I graduated with no experience or internships. I have attempted to break into the engineering industry with no success. Right now I am considering going for a Masters in Electrical Engineering and I need advice on if this would be...

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