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Career Resources

It is never too early to start planning your future in physics. Whether you are just starting your degree or are in the last stages, take a look at these resources to help you gain a better understanding of what to do once you have your diploma.

 

Not sure if you want to work in the private sector, conduct research at a university, or teach? If so, start here:

Look at the career paths other physics graduates have taken. This will help you to determine what careers would suit your interests and also what it takes to get there.

  1. Research Areas - Look over the different areas within physics. Once you know what area interests you most, you will have a sense of what career will fit you best.
    • Once you have found an area of interest reach out to faculty in that area to discuss joining their research group. Having research experience as an undergraduate will help boost your application when applying to graduate school.
  2. Depending on the career path you have chosen, you may need a graduate degree. Use GradSchoolShopper  to look up the different graduate schools that thrive in your field.
  3. Network - Whether you want to go into the private sector or pursue a PhD, you'll need references o. Make yourself known to your professors by attending office hours, setting up one-on-one meetings, and attending department events. The best letters of recommendation come from those that know you in and outside of the classroom. 

    4.  

    Below is a list of common job titles held by physics graduates. Use this list to help steer your job search.

    Systems Engineer

    Electrical Engineer

    Design Engineer

    Mechanical Engineer

    Project Engineer

    Optical Engineer

    Manufacturing Engineer

    Manufacturing Technician

    Laser Engineer

    Associate Engineer

    Application Engineer

    Development Engineer

    Engineering Technician

    Field Engineer

    Process Engineer

    Process Technician

    Product Engineer

    Product Manager

    Research Engineer

    Test Engineer

    General Engineer

    Technical Services Engineer

    Software Engineer

    Programmer

    Web Developer

    IT Consultant

    Systems Analyst

    Technical Support Staff

    Analyst

    High School Physics Teacher

    High School Science Teacher

    Middle School Science Teacher

    Research Assistant

    Research Associate

    Research Technician

    Lab Technician

    Lab Assistant

    Accelerator Operator

    Physical Sciences Technician

     

    Interested in pursuing a career in Arizona? The American Institute of Physics provides a list of employers in Arizona that hire physics graduates. To see the list of companies, click here. 

    ASU's Career Services staff can help you with the following:

    Building your resume or CV

    Practice Interviews

    Career Exploration 

     

    Handshake

    Students can utilize Handshake to schedule an appointment with a career services advisor, look for employment, find internships, and more! 

    Register for Handshake 

    Internship Opportunities:

    ORNL is the largest science and energy laboratory in the Department of Energy system.  Areas of research include materials, neutron sciences, energy, high-performance computing, systems biology and national security.  Visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSCdUJ8cavw to discover some exciting reasons why ORNL offers a great internship experience! 

    Benefits:

    •      400 hours of participation (spread over 16-week appointment period of August 19 – December 6) engaged in a technical training project under the direction of a laboratory scientist/engineer (CCI)

    •      Full-time participation August 19 – December 6 engaged in a research project under the direction of a laboratory scientist/engineer (SULI)

    •      Career development workshops/lab tours

    •      $500 per week stipend, based on 40 hours per week*

    •      Limited travel reimbursement/housing allowance* (for those who qualify)

    To be eligible**, applicants must:

    •      Be at least 18 years of age

    •      Be a U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident

    •      Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

    In addition, CCI applicants must:

    •      Be currently enrolled full-time at a community college or accredited two-year college and have completed at least one semester (at the time of application)

    •      Have completed at least 6 credit hours in science, mathematics, engineering, or technology course areas and have completed at least 12 credit hours towards a degree

    In addition, SULI applicants must:

    •      Be currently enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. institution AND have completed at least one year as an undergraduate (at the time of application)**

    *The stipend and housing allowance for eligible CCI students is prorated based on the weekly hours of participation.

    *The SULI internship requires a full-time (at least 40 hours per week) commitment onsite at ORNL in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.  Some students find it reasonable to take online or evening classes during the course of the internship.  Undergraduate credits obtained in  high school cannot be applied to meet the minimum one-year completion requirement.

    **Additional eligibility requirements may be found at http://science.energy.gov/wdts/.