Apr 2020

6 Career Paths That You Can Join As A Physics Graduate

April 17, 2020

There is no better gateway to technical jobs than pursuing a degree in physics. A degree in physics equips you with the versatility and skills that will enable you to fit into various professional roles. With the right work ethic, you can look forward to an exciting career full of options and possibilities. Here are 6 multiple sectors that can comfortably accommodate physics graduates.

Research scientist

Having a physics degree equips students with a broad range of research skills that are highly applicable in the current job market. Some of the most common tasks of a researcher include performing experiments, documenting findings, interpretation of research, managing staff, and many more. A research scientist is required both in the private and public sectors. There are also plenty of research opportunities in learning institutions and government agencies.

Data Scientist

Data scientist ranks as one of the most lucrative jobs in the job market. This is because a physics major is one of the requirements for becoming a data scientist. The job entails analyzing, interpreting, and coming up with consumable insights from large quantities of complex data. Physics graduates have strong quantitative backgrounds and adequate knowledge when it comes to solving complex problems. Even though the job requires a master’s in physics, undergraduates are able to take up minor roles.

Medical physicist

Physics plays a vital role in the pharmaceutical sector. For instance, a medical physicist combines the knowledge of the human body and radiology to research and come up with early diagnosis and effective treatment for illnesses such as cancer. The medical physicist also educates medical practitioners to oversee and implement procedures using radiology equipment.

Astronomer

An astronomer studies how the Universe operates. They consider the planets, stars, the sun, and the outer space. Astronauts work for government agencies like the Department of Defense and NASA. Anything to do with space has everything to do with physics. Some of their tasks include observing telescopes, writing and reading research papers, and attending astronauts conferences where they share ideas with their colleagues.

Physics teacher

If you want a career in academia, becoming a physics teacher or professor should be on your table. If you prefer less research and instead would like to pass knowledge to students in school or through physics tuition, a physics teacher suits you too. However, if you are interested in research and writing research papers, becoming a professor satisfies your qualities. It is noted that both professions require excellent communication skills.

Optical engineer

Physics knowledge is paramount for an optimal engineer. The profession involves designing optical instruments using physics knowledge. Some of this equipment includes sensors, microscopes, lenses, telescopes, and many more. The business requires a lot of research and coming up with designs that fit individual specifications. They then liaise with manufacturers to bring their ideas to life. After a series of tests and optimization, their products come to the market for use.

Conclusion

Even though there are many more technical professions related to physics, the 6 above mentioned fields are the most popular. The job market follows the law of demand and supply principle. For instance, the demand for physics teachers is on the rise. As such, many physics graduates find themselves moving to the education sector. Compared to other courses, physics graduates are able to begin work immediately after graduation.

WhatsApp chat