Do you play cards? You have got to play your cards right.
The wrong way talking to you respective employer:
I want a position applying quantum mechanics to transistors, tubes, sensors, computers etc.
Employer: we don't have anything like that. Next.
The right way:
My degree in physics has developed my mathematics, and physics to solve problems you are likely to have encountered.
Employer: Well we have a lot of legacy software that needs upgrading. We have the gravity field expressed as a series of Legendre polynomials, and spherical harmonics.
I learned about special functions in physics and you need a specialist on your team to validate and expedite your upgrading processes. A physicist can fix and locate trouble, your computer specialists can overlook. ...
In short, you keep receptive to everything your perspective employer needs.
Perhaps a year or two down the line. You approach the employer:
You know, A quantum mechanics class can expand my expertise. QM involves boundary value problems relating to special functions ...
Employer: Sure, why not. We can support this effort... We can give you time off for classes, maybe a year of advanced study leave of absence or support.
Do not laugh. I have known a lot of civilian employees that have furthered their education like this.
The main point, was expressed in a recent movie: The Big Night
First you give the customer (employer) what they want.
Later you can give the customer (employer) what you want