Nanotechnology as a career option for Physics Major

[pergradus]

Hi, I'm in my Junior year and I'm starting to think very seriously about what I want to do once I graduate, especially about whether I want to go to grad school or not.

I've had a bit of experience doing research (spent two summers doing academic research) and I don't really think it's my thing - I really think I'd rather go into industry. I'm really enjoying learning about QM, and I think it'd be interesting to have a career where I can apply it, so it seems like nanotechnology might be a good route to go.

I guess I'm wondering, besides taking a course in Solid State physics (which I plan to next fall) and the required courses in quantum mechanics (Modern Physics, Quantum Physics, Intro to Quantum Mechanics) are there any other ways to prepare myself if that's the career I decide to go with? Also, should I be looking at getting a PhD and then going into Industry, or does industry typically hire Undergrads who've finished their B.S. and then train them to do a certain job?

Thanks.

 

[Reshma]

Hi pergradus, do keep in mind that research areas in the field of nanotechnology are very inter-disciplinary. There are number of companies which develop high-end research instruments like scanning electron microscopes, lithography tools, lasers etc. I don't know whether these companies hire fresh undergraduates, but it might be helpful if you find out what kind of research or engineering staff they hire. You can even try doing an internship at one of these companies while you are still an undergrad.

 

[zihan 3AM]

hi...i want to share my opinion through this forum...i think this forum is very beneficial for everyone to share thoughts and knowledge...i am a graduate in bachelor of science(physics)...and currently working in a failure analysis using microscopy.we also have lab service equipped with SEM-EDX..we use SEM to analyse and scan image of sample...and we also use SEM equipped with EDX (electron dispersive Xray) to scan sample from university labs and industry wafer and metal sample... thus we have lots of customers who deal with us , and through this our company can develop the nanotech, because our company is supported by the smart tech centre...so i think it is possible for a BS student who have knowledge in physics to survive and work in a nanotech research company... we can develop our knowledge, and then have a better career prospect in nanotech... :)