Where Can a Physics Undergrad Find Summer Work in Their Field?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding summer work opportunities for undergraduate students in the field of physics, specifically focusing on paid positions that are relevant to their studies. Participants share various suggestions and resources for potential job openings and research opportunities.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests asking professors about REU (Research Experiences for Undergraduates) opportunities, which are paid summer research positions in physics.
  • Another participant mentions that similar opportunities exist in New Zealand, where they pay better than typical summer jobs and are tax-free.
  • A participant notes that in Canada, the equivalent of REUs are NSERC USRAs (National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada Undergraduate Research Awards), and mentions the importance of checking university websites for application deadlines.
  • There is a suggestion to look into TRIUMF at UBC for summer job applications, although some deadlines may have passed.
  • One participant inquires about other summer opportunities beyond REUs.
  • Another participant asks if the university offers COOP programs as an alternative option.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of REUs and similar programs, but there is no consensus on the availability of other summer work options beyond those mentioned.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about application deadlines and the availability of positions, indicating that the situation may vary by university and program.

Who May Find This Useful

Undergraduate students in physics or related fields seeking summer work opportunities, particularly those interested in research positions.

NeoDevin
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I'm in my third year of undergrad mathematical physics, at University of Alberta, Canada. I want to find a job this summer that pays decently, but is strongly related to my field. Thing is, I don't know where to start looking really, do you guys have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance
 
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I do. Ask your professors about REU opportunities. It might have a slightly different name at your university, but REUs are basically paid summer research opportunities for undergraduates. It's not a "job" per se. But you make about the same amount of money, and your research will be in some area of physics.
 
We have them at our university in Auckalnd NZ, they pay better than a summer job and are tax free :D
 
arunma said:
I do. Ask your professors about REU opportunities. It might have a slightly different name at your university, but REUs are basically paid summer research opportunities for undergraduates. It's not a "job" per se. But you make about the same amount of money, and your research will be in some area of physics.

Yes, in Canada the equivalent are "NSERC USRA"'s - "National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada Undergraduate Research Awards".

It might be a little late to apply for these now, but it might be worth looking at some of the university websites to see if there are any whose deadlines haven't passed yet.

You can also try looking at TRIUMF, out at UBC, to see if they're still taking applications for any summer jobs: www.triumf.ca. Unfortunately, I think all of the jobs listed under "Undergraduate Student Jobs" had a deadline of Jan 24th, but who knows, something might open up in the future.

You can also try this, whose deadline is still open:

http://cqiqc.physics.utoronto.ca/job-openings/CQIQC2007.pdf

At very least, if you're not going to graduate next year (or even if you are), these are things to keep in mind for next year.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Hmm, are there anything besides REUs in the summer?
 
Doesn't your university offer COOP?
 

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