How a Physics Major Prepares You for the Job Market
A physics degree prepares students to enter numerous fields, where they can apply their specialized skills and knowledge toward explaining phenomena and making new discoveries. Physics majors study theories and laws of matter, motion and energy. Their main focus is to understand nature and the universe and why certain events occur. Physics students learn about mathematical physics, quantum chemistry, astronomy and other related subjects. Students will also participate in lab experiments and research training, while gaining a greater appreciation and understanding of the universe and everything in it.
Best Career Paths for Physics Majors
Physics majors can bring their science knowledge and advanced skills to many unique occupations, including these top career paths:
- Physicist. Physicists are scientists who study physics. They explore a range of topics within physics, such as sub-atomic particles, cosmology, motion, energy and all aspects of matter. Physicists strive to understand all components of the universe and its many phenomena. They observe, test and develop theories to understand how and why events happen. Using mathematics and scientific knowledge, physicists explore the basic principles and laws of motion, energy and structure of matter for educational and technological purposes. In order to better understand the nature of the universe, physicists develop and perform experiments using lasers, electron microscopes and particle accelerators to test theories and apply their knowledge to practical uses. Physicists are committed to exploring and attempting to explain the laws of nature, with the hopes of applying their discoveries to solve problems in nuclear energy, optics, aerospace technology and health care materials and instruments. They are often employed at scientific research and development firms, academic institutions or government agencies and labs, where they can apply their knowledge to education, computing, engineering and much more. Physicists made an average salary of $102,890 in 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Astronomer. Astronomers are scientists who explore the universe and phenomena in the sky. They study celestial elements, such as stars, planets and galaxies, as well as researching the fundamental properties of nature. Like physicists, astronomers explore theories and try to interpret them using the principles of mathematics and physics. The majority of an astronomerís work involves researching. Some astronomers study laws that govern and explain celestial bodies and astronomical events. While, others analyze data from satellites and observatories to report their theories and findings. A smaller percentage of astronomers use highly-sophisticated telescopes to analyze the universe, which is usually done as a team and only a couple times a year. Astronomers hope to apply their knowledge and experimental findings toward designing new technologies, solving problems in navigation, space flight and satellites, as well as develop and improve astronomical instruments. Like physicists, most astronomers are employed by scientific research and development services firms and the Federal government to work in the U.S. Department of Defense and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Astronomers made an average salary of $101,300 in 2008, according to the Bureau.
How to Market Your Physics Degree
Physics graduates should market their degree by promoting the specialized education they received in school. Depending on the area of work you want to do, you can promote the mathematics and specific science classes you took and how they enhanced your physics education. Be sure to promote your experiments and talk about what you gained from your observations and data, as well as how you can apply these practices toward professional work.
