Physics, Applied Physics and Astrophysics

Physics, Applied Physics and Astrophysics
The list below contains a sample of some of the common career paths chosen by physics majors (some fields may require additional education and/or training). The skills you develop as an undergraduate (communication, analytical/problem solving, and technical) may be used in many different occupations. However, most physics majors tend to seek work in the field of science.
COMMON CAREER PATHS:
Traditional Fields: Acoustics Astronomy Astrophysics Biophysics Chemical Physics Electrical Engineering Electronics Fluid and Plasma Physics Geophysics Health Physics Material Science Mechanical Engineering Medical Physics Medicine Nuclear Engineering Optical Physics Solid State Physics Teaching	Other Fields: Aerospace Engineering Automotive Engineering Special Effects (e.g., movies) Oceanography Civil Engineering Mining Computer Games Computers (software, hardware, quality control) Transportation Securities, Banking, Actuary Science journalism/Technical publications Telecommunications Architect Museums and Libraries Meteorology Patent Attorney Medical Doctor Technical Sales and Marketing
SAMPLE EMPLOYERS (extended list available at the Career Center)
Accenture Bain & Company Boeing Booz-Allen & Hamilton Corning, Inc. Electro Scientific Industries (ESI) E-OIR Measurement, Inc. Hewlett-Packard IBM Intel ITT Level 3 Communications	Lockheed Martin LSI Logic Corporations Lucent Technologies Micron Technologies Microsoft Motorola Naval Research Lab Northrop Grumman Qwest International Raytheon TRW, Inc. Verizon Wireless
INFORMATION WEBSITES Occupational Outlook Handbook JOB WEBSITES Physlink Work in Optics PhysicsWeb Cern Courier brightrecruits.com Physics Jobs Nature Jobs PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS (includes job opportunities) American Institute of Physics (job listings) American Physical Society (job listings) The Optical Society of America Acoustical Society of America (job listings) The Society of Rheology American Association of Physics Teachers (job listings) American Astronomical Society (job listings) American Association of Physicists in Medicine (job listings for members) AVS Science and Technology Society (job listings) American Geophysical Union (AGU) (job listings for members) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) (job listings at http://www.nasajobs.nasa.gov) Institute of Physics Society of Physics Students (annual dues of $20.00) JOB PREPARATION STRATEGIES Develop public speaking skills and writing skills Obtain lab and field experience via coursework and internships Develop strong computer skills Obtain an internship, summer or volunteer work in different fields (see SlugQuest) Learn about federal, state and local government job applications process Join a student branch of a professional association Take a chemistry course Read the American Institute of Physics booklet “Landing Your First Job”