Physics What Are Alternative Career Paths for Physics Masters Graduates?

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Graduates with a Master's in Physics are finding limited job opportunities in the UK, primarily in software development and the nuclear and defense sectors, which are not appealing to everyone. Attempts to enter the oil and gas industry have been unsuccessful, as HR departments often overlook physics graduates for roles like geophysics or reservoir engineering, citing a preference for Earth scientists. Despite having relevant skills, such as computational astrophysical fluid dynamics, graduates feel their qualifications are not recognized in engineering contexts. This situation highlights a disconnect between physics education and industry hiring practices. Exploring alternative career paths that leverage analytical and problem-solving skills may be necessary for these graduates.
sam_021
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Hi,
I graduated with a 1st class in "master of physics & bachelor of science", but I can't seem to find an interesting job that I am able to apply for.

I am not interested in software development or the nuclear and defense industry.
And it seems these are the only industries in the UK employing Physicists.

I have tried looking at oil & gas and engineering but it seems the HR of these companies don't acknowledge physicists :(

Any suggestions ?

EDIT: I called TOTAL recently and the HR said I can't apply for geophysics graduate positions, because they Earth scientists
 
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So I called another oil and gas company about resoiuvr engineer and they said I wouldn't qualify

It doesn't make sense because my modules are as applicable as engineering modules to these job
e.g. my masters project involved computational astrophysical fluid dynamics, which is pretty much analogous to regular fluid dynamics theory
 

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