What are some options for a physics major unsure about grad school?

[sjohnson80]

Hey guys.

I'm about to graduate from college with a B.S. in physics from a California State University, and I don't really know what to do next. I used to think the next step was grad school, but now I'm not so sure. My grades are about a 3.1 GPA, I have no internship / real field experience, and I didn't do so well on the physics GRE (< 50th percentile), so it seems like I'd maybe like to try something else. Hopefully related to physics / mathematics, but it could be pretty detached. I guess my main question is, was / is anyone on the forum in my position, and would there be any guidance for someone like me? I know this question is somewhat difficult to answer, but really anything is appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[phyzguy]

You should look into engineering. There are lots of great careers out there in engineering. Decide which branch of engineering interests you the most, then go get an MS in that, which you could probably do in two years.

 

[Mindscrape]

I didn't do so well on the PGRE, if I remember I was right about 50%, I think a little under. Meh, the test was too fast for me, and I didn't really study correctly. But enough with my excuses.

Sounds as though grad school may not be the best thing for you right now. If you want to go into industry, you'll probably be looking at engineering. Maybe if you like what you work in you can later get a masters/PhD in that field.

As for me, my situation was a bit different. My grades, especially in physics, were very good, and I had a lot of research experience. I applied to physics and ECE, and decided to go into ECE for optics. I'm actually pretty happy about it. I still take physics classes, along with engineering classes, and do a lot of physics in my research. I feel as though I have a lot of options right now, and will when I graduate (years away). I feel as though the number of opportunities I have in ECE may not be possible with a physics degree. These are just my opinions though, and maybe I'll be proven wrong.