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If you have ever wondered aloud what to do after you get your Physics degree, you have probably been told that you can do "whatever you want." Since this is only slightly more useful than the answer "nothing at all," we have decided to make a few suggestions.

The role of a physicist is to understand how the world works to the highest level of detail. Physicists study problems in science and technology, and develop solutions for instrumentation, measurement techniques, and model development in a wide variety of areas. You work hard over the four years of your undergrad to develop an understanding of the underlying processes in the universe and, perhaps more importantly, to develop a set of skills related to critical and creative thinking that make you employable in diverse areas both within and outside of academia.

Possible Careers

If you have a Bachelor of Science in Physics:

  • Laboratory Technician
  • Research Technician
  • Field Researcher
  • Production Assistant
  • Technical Writer
  • Operations Management
  • Photographer
  • Sales Representative for Technical Products
  • Educational Television Producer
  • Laser Technician
  • Instrument Technician

With additional education/training:

  • Marine Geophysicist
  • Systems Analyst
  • Applications Programmer
  • Systems Support Representative
  • Space Technician
  • Flight Management Analyst
  • Photogrammeter
  • Meteorologist
  • Seismic Observer
  • Professor
  • Teacher
  • Physicist
  • Nuclear Physicist
  • Chemical Physicist
  • Electronics Physicist
  • Optics Physicist
  • Thermodynamics Physicist
  • Biophysicist
  • Medical Physicist

Areas of Employment
  • Astronomy
  • Meteorology
  • Marine Science
  • Biophysics
  • Geophysics
  • Product Development
  • Consulting
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Research and Development
  • Teaching
  • Computing
  • Education
  • Finance
  • Journalism
  • Health Sciences
  • Management and Administration
  • Industrial Science

Professional Associations

Professional associations can be a means of meeting, learning from and networking with professionals in your field of interest. Furthermore, their sites often offer further information on careers and job opportunities related to the field. Some associations offer student memberships, often at a reduced rate. Below is a sample of such associations: