Which Minor Will Make Me More Marketable in Applied Physics?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the decision between pursuing a minor in Chemistry or Computing while enrolled in the Honours Physics Program at the University of Waterloo, specializing in Applied Physics. The consensus is that a minor in Computing is more advantageous, as it equips students with essential skills that are highly sought after in the job market for Applied Physics roles, particularly in research and energy development sectors. While a Chemistry minor may have its benefits, employers typically prioritize candidates with a strong Applied Physics background and may provide on-the-job training for Chemistry-related tasks.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Applied Physics principles
  • Familiarity with job market trends in physics-related fields
  • Basic knowledge of Computing skills relevant to physics applications
  • Awareness of energy sources like nuclear and solar power
NEXT STEPS
  • Research job profiles in Applied Physics on the AIP website
  • Explore programming languages commonly used in physics, such as Python or MATLAB
  • Investigate the role of Computing in energy source development
  • Examine the intersection of Chemistry and Applied Physics in industry applications
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics programs, career advisors, and professionals seeking to enhance their marketability in the fields of Applied Physics and energy development.

smartdude00111
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I am enrolled at the University of Waterloo's Honours Physics Program with a specialization in Applied Physics. In the future I would like to either work as a physicist conducting research or work on developing energy sources like nuclear or solar power. My main options would include a minor in chemistry or computing. I would like to complete a minor to make myself more marketable in the future and was having trouble deciding which minor I should choose.
 
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Personally, I would choose Computing as its a skill used everywhere today. Applied Physics jobs will expect you to have the requisite computer skills to do the work and this will come up in job interviews and should be on your resume.

Its harder to make a case for Chemistry and Applied Physics although I'm sure there are jobs where the combination would be helpful. However for those kinds of jobs the employer most likely would hire you for your Applied Physics background and train you onsite for the necessary Chemistry needed for the job.

You can do some research here on available jobs in Applied Physics to see what they are looking for skills-wise:

https://www.aip.org/jobs/profiles/applied-physics-jobs
 

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