Career Choices for Physics Majors

Colleges help us decide on the career paths we wish to pursue, and some disciplines are easier to categorize than others. Undergrads in Physics are normally not decided on a career option when they join college or even at the end of four years. Most of them do go on to pursue a Master’s degree and then a doctorate because most jobs require a doctorate or at least a graduate degree.

 

Physics majors can concentrate either on the research aspect of the subject or on the study of its theory; the former find work as scientists, researchers and research assistants at universities, corporate offices, governments and industries. There are many branches of Physics that require qualified people to conduct research – nuclear science, medical equipment design, biology, optics, fluid sciences and plasma technology are just a few. Those who specialize in the theoretical aspects are sought after as teachers in schools or professors at college.

 

Physics graduates are grouped according to those who pursue the professional option and those who choose the applied option. The professional physicists go on to become researchers or lecturers after a graduate degree and a doctorate while the applied physicists choose a more technical career route. Some of them even write books and articles in peer journals and go on to become experts in their particular field.

 

If you’re looking for a job once you graduate, besides applying through your university’s placement program, you could also check out industries that deal in the manufacture of aircraft, chemicals, equipment related to information technology, precision instruments, defense equipment and electrical and electronic equipment, educational institutions, production facilities, laboratories and firms that offer technical consulting services.

 

Worldwide trends and statistics show that more than two thirds of physicists go on to take up positions at industrial institutes while the rest take up pedagogy as a profession. In the Philippines though, more people are eyeing the teaching sector as colleges and schools proliferate with the growth of the population. However, if you’re willing to relocate, you’re likely to find work in any sector of your choice, even the high profile aerospace and defense categories.

 

Planning a career path in your sophomore year of college is a wise choice because it gives you time to formulate a strategy and devise ways to get the job of your dreams. Check out the opportunities that will be available when you graduate and focus on earning the qualifications you need to be able to apply for those positions.

 

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This post was contributed by Kelly Kilpatrick, who writes on the subject of online state community colleges She invites your feedback at kellykilpatrick24 at gmail dot com

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