What's Next for a Physics Graduate Without a Career Plan?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges faced by a recent physics graduate, Mike, who is uncertain about his career path after completing his degree. Participants offer various suggestions and perspectives on potential career options, further education, and personal development.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Mike expresses feelings of being lost after graduation and a lack of direction despite having a physics degree.
  • Some participants suggest pursuing entry-level engineering jobs and emphasizing the applicability of a physics degree in engineering roles.
  • Others propose exploring careers in meteorology or leveraging personal hobbies, such as gaming, to find related job opportunities.
  • One participant recommends considering graduate school in physics for further career prospects.
  • Another suggests looking into banking or actuarial positions, highlighting the importance of applied mathematics knowledge.
  • Temporary technical or engineering jobs in large cities are recommended as a way to explore different corporate environments.
  • Investment banking is mentioned as a lucrative option, though it may require additional qualifications like a PhD or a business master's degree.
  • Some participants humorously suggest unconventional paths, such as traveling or pursuing a PhD in philosophy, as ways to find clarity.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the value of the discussion, questioning the effectiveness of advice given the broad nature of Mike's uncertainty.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present a variety of suggestions and viewpoints, indicating that there is no consensus on the best path forward for Mike. Multiple competing views remain regarding potential career options and the value of further education.

Contextual Notes

Some suggestions depend on personal interests and circumstances, which are not fully explored in the discussion. The effectiveness of different career paths and the impact of further education are also left unresolved.

Who May Find This Useful

Recent graduates in physics or related fields seeking career advice, individuals contemplating further education, and those exploring diverse career options in STEM disciplines.

Blue_Jaunte
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When I was in college, I had some direction, even if it was just the pursuit of a diploma. Now that I'm done, I feel like I'm stranded in mid-ocean with no discernible wind or current pushing me in any direction. Admittedly, this is my fault. I had a narrow focus and was concerned only with the short-term deadlines of exams and papers. There were many resources at my disposal (or so I'm led to believe) that would have given me some practical, career-related advice, but I never availed myself of them.

I got my BS in physics because I like physics, not because I had a particular career in mind. So at present, I'm very open to suggestions. If I don't get input from someone in the know, I'm sure I'll end up in some job I can't stand. I know there's a demand for science and math teachers, but I have absolutely no talent for teaching. Other than that, I'll try anything.

Thanks,
Mike
 
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Try entry level engineering jobs. Make sure to list on your resume how your physics degree applies to engineering.
 
How about meteorology? You could continue using wind and water metaphors.

Do you have other hobbies or interests besides physics that might contribute to your employability or make you suited to a particular job? (eg playing computer games => work as a game programmer).
 
If you are interested in physics, the obvious thing is to go to grad school. This way you can find work in physics.

If you are done with school, then you can apply for jobs in banks as you have a very deep knowledge of applied mathematics. An actuary is a lucrative job, but would require studying actuarial sciences and statistics in your spare time to pass the exams.

Ask yourself where youd like to work and find entry positions there, even if the pay is bad. This way you can advance and make decent money doing what you like.
 
If you're in a large city, try technical or engineering temp work. This way, you'll be able to "sample" several different jobs and corporate cultures. It may give you an idea of which direction you want to go.
 
If you want to be rich investment banking springs to mind, although you'd probably need a PhD to be taken on as a quant...or you could take a business masters on top of your physics bach, and be a trader 'close to the money'.

Nuclear engineer? or some other form of engineering...
Medical physics?
Software developer?
 
How about a few weeks of trip -alone- to some different places. Not very specific plan, no internet, limited phone access. It sounds you need this. Will be an interesting experience. :P
 
What should I do with my life?
Live it!

Use it wisely! It's the only one you've got.
 
just don't smoke. then you'll have about 10 years longer to decide!
 
  • #10
mathwonk said:
just don't smoke. then you'll have about 10 years longer to decide!

Funny, that's the same time it takes to get a BS and PhD in Physics...
 
  • #11
Get a PhD in philosophy from Brown.

And start running. Get addicted to runner's high.
 
  • #12
I actually think these threads are the ones that give the least to everyone participating at a forum.

First off, we don't have any more input than you don't know what to do with your life?

Second, you've got a degree, you have tasted most of the different ways of doing physics there is.

Third, people in our generation got so many choices that a lot of people get totally blank and just shuts down in front of the decisions. Which is a very bad thing. You shouldn't do that too often in life, because only dead fishes flow with the stream.

fourth, how did it go at college?

fifth, You must have done something more than just studying? Something extracurricular should have given you some perspective on what you want to do with your life.

sixth, get a grip... for the love of...
 
  • #13
find a girlfriend like myself, i don't have a boyfriend:-)
 
  • #14
Serbian.matematika said:
i don't have a boyfriend:-)

In my experience, such is the best kind of girlfriend to have.
 
  • #15
Signifier said:
Get a PhD in philosophy from Brown.

...:rolleyes:
 

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