Expert: Carlo Segre - 5/31/2011

Question
Carlo I'm looking at getting a B.S. in Physics and I was wondering what kind of 'good' jobs might be available other than teaching?  Is it difficult to get a decent paying job with just a B.S. in physics?

Answer
Dear John:

It is not generally known but physics majors are usually very competitive with engineers for R&D jobs.  The reason for this is that physics programs feature a lot of math, programming, electronics and of course the theoretical physics that underpins many of the engineering disciplines.  As you mention, there is the possibility of teaching at the high school level with a B.S. in physics but there are a lot more opportunities.  In my Introduction to the Professions class for Freshmen physics majors here at Illinois Tech, we have the Career Management Center people come to talk with the students every year.  Last year, he had the students think of careers where physicists are involved and we came up with about 20 different possibilities.  These include: engineering, software development, finance, insurance, patent law and more.  Of course these are not specifically using physics in the job but the skills one learns studying physics are valuable to the employer.  I have been told that a major aerospace company is ready to snap up as many physics majors as they can find.

Beyond this, there are a number of careers where physics is the primary component of the activity.  These include health and medical physics as well as technician positions at major facilities in national laboratories.

The glib answer, therefore, is just about anything is possible but the reality is that you have to do a proper job of selling yourself and your skills.  But that is the case for any major, I think.  As to how difficult it is, well it all depends on the economy and in the United States, that is slowly turning around.  In 4 years or so it should be much better.

If you love physics, don't be afraid to study it.  Take advantage of the kind of preparation that such a degree can provide.  Get involved in research even if you are not planning on an advanced degree, the experience is valuable to potential employers.  Take practical courses for your electives, such as technical communications (any scientist of engineer NEEDS to know how to write well!) and statistics.  If you are interested in business, then add a bit of that to your curriculum too.

Cheers,

Carlo