Physics: Now What?

Quick Facts: Physicists and Astronomers

Physicists and astronomers study the interactions of matter and energy

2023 Median Pay

$149,530 per year

$71.89 per hour

Typical Entry-Level EducationDoctoral or professional degree 
Work Experience in a Related OccupationNone
On-the-job TrainingNone
Number of Jobs, 202223,600
Job Outlook, 2022-325% (Faster than average)
Employment Change, 2022-321,100

A physics degree can lead you to a broad range of science, engineering, and technology careers. 

About one out of six physics bachelor’s degree recipients in the United States go on to earn a physics or astronomy PhD, and only about 30% of those work in academia. 

The others have fulfilling careers in the private sector, in government agencies or national laboratories, and in other sectors.

Check out the American Institute of Physics (https://www.aip.org/career-resources) for more information on careers in physics.

WHAT DOES A PHYSICIST DO?

Physicists study the interactions of matter and energy. Theoretical physicists and astronomers may study the nature of time or the origin of the universe. Some physicists design and perform experiments with sophisticated equipment such as particle accelerators, electron microscopes, and lasers.  Physicists typically do the following:

  • Develop scientific theories and models to explain the properties of the natural world, such as atom formation
  • Plan and conduct scientific experiments and studies to test theories and discover  properties of matter and energy
  • Write proposals and apply for research grants
  • Do complex mathematical calculations to analyze physical and astronomical data, such as finding new planets in distant solar systems
  • Design scientific equipment, such as telescopes and lasers
  • Develop computer software to analyze and model data
  • Write scientific papers that may be published in scholarly journals
  • Present research findings at scientific conferences and lectures

Physicists explore the fundamental properties and laws that govern space, time, energy, and matter. Some physicists study theoretical areas, such as the fundamental nature of atoms and molecules and the evolution of the universe. Others design and perform experiments with sophisticated equipment such as particle accelerators, electron microscopes, and lasers. On the basis of their observations and analysis, they try to discover and formulate laws that explain the forces of nature, such as gravity, electromagnetism, and nuclear interactions. Others apply their knowledge of physics to practical areas, such as the development of advanced materials and medical equipment.

Many physicists do basic research with the aim of increasing scientific knowledge. For example, they may develop theories to better explain what gravity is or how the universe was formed.

Others do applied research, using knowledge gained from basic research to develop new devices, processes, and other practical applications. Their work may lead to advances in areas such as energy, electronics, communications, navigation, and medical technology. For example, lasers are now used in surgery and microwave technology is now in most kitchens.

If you are considering graduate school, be sure to find research opportunities as part of your undergraduate work. 

A Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, or a related field is needed for most jobs, especially those in basic research or in independent research in industry. A typical Ph.D. program takes about five to seven years to complete. After receiving a Ph.D. in physics or astronomy, many begin their careers in a temporary postdoctoral research position, which typically lasts 2 to 3 years. Physicists also may work in interdisciplinary fields, such as biophysics, chemical physics, and geophysics.

Selection of Employers for recent (Class of 2023 & 2024) UMass Amherst Physics alumni:

  • CERN
  • Coherent Corp.
  • Dell Technologies
  • Harvard University
  • New York City Water Department 
  • Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education

Other Top Employers for UMass Physics Majors after Graduation (Class of 2021  - 2023):

  • Avanti Engineering
  • BlueCatBio
  • Cambridge Computer
  • Clinton Public School District
  • Cylindo
  • Epic Systems
  • Innovation Academy Charter School
  • Kubrick Group
  • Kuva Systems
  • Los Alamos National Laboratory
  • Marblehead Public Schools
  • Miranda & Ethier Plastering
  • Newgrange Design
  • Norte Dame Cristo Rey High School
  • RTX
  • Sapientai LLC
  • Skyhawks Sports Academy
  • Target
  • The Hanover Insurance Group
  • US Navy
  • University of Massachusetts Amherst
  • University of Massachusetts Amherst – Physics, Astronomy and Chemistry Departments

Previous Internship Sites as self-reported by UMass Amherst Physics students (2019 – 2024):

  • American Physical Society
  • Draper Laboratory
  • Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
  • Steller Building Technologies
  • UMass Core Facilities
  • University of Wisconsin River Falls
  • William Lee Science Impact Program (Lee-SIP)

(More information on students’ past internships can be found here

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A PHYSICS BACHELORS DEGREE?

Physics majors find jobs in a wide variety of settings including companies doing technical research or development, insurance or finance companies doing large-scale data analytics, national labs, hospitals, law firms, engineering firms -- many places where creative thinking, quantitative analysis and model building are needed. Other physics majors teach in schools at K-12 or college levels. Other students go to graduate school first to earn a PhD or Masters in Physics or something close to physics.

Starting salaries with a Physics Bachelor’s Degree: https://www.aip.org/statistics/physics-trends/starting-salaries-physics-bachelors-classes-2017-2018

  • Technician or research assistant in fields of physics, engineering, and computer science
  • High school math or science teacher - For advice on becoming a high-school physics teacher, please see High-school teaching careers for physics majors. The UMass Physics Department and College of Education can help you in this process - you can take education courses here as well as practicum (i.e., teaching in local schools).
  • Healthcare Fields
  • Legal work (physics majors understand complicated arguments from principle)
  • Business (a physics background will make the quantitative parts of business school curriculum pretty straightforward)
  • Banks, investment firms, insurance agencies, etc are drawn to science and math majors because of their strength with numbers and computers

INTERNSHIPS AND RESEARCH EXPERIENCE AS A STUDENT

Start your search early.  Begin with a game plan to increase your career potential and obtain a summer internship or research experience.

  • This link leads you to a listing of currently available projects in the different research groups in the Physics Department, which should give you a sense of what to expect. This is not a comprehensive list, since not all researchers choose to post positions online, so do not feel limited by this - if you are interested in working with a particular faculty member, you should feel free to contact that person directly.
  • Here is a Guide to finding research positions with UMass faculty. 
  • Physics majors also get paid internships with companies, national labs, or other universities over the summer: see this Guide to finding off-campus research positions & internships.  
  • Teaching assistantships are sometimes available to undergraduates, and can be found at the Jobs link for the Physics department, especially just before or after the start of each semester.
  • Make sure your resume is all set and up-to-date with summer experiences. Remember to always highlight you technical skills, as well as your professional skills.
  • What research are you going to pursue this semester?
  • What leadership and teamwork opportunities are you going to look into?
  • What career fairs are you planning to attend?  Are you ready?  If you need to attend a Career Fair Prep workshop, check Handshake for this semester’s dates and times.

Some large organizations fill summer internships in the fall.  Consider starting with these places:

  • Check Handshake for many different internships
  • Review the websites of the National Labs
    • Argonne National Lab
    • Brookhaven National Lab
    • Fermi Lab
    • Lawrence Berkeley National Lab
    • Lawrence Livermore National Lab
    • Los Alamos National Lab
    • Oak Ridge National Lab
    • Pacific Northwest National Lab
    • Sandia National Lab
    • Department of Energy Scholars
    • MIT Lincoln Lab
    • Naval Research Laboratory
    • National Institutes of Health
    • National Institute of Standard and Technology
    • US Air Force Pathways Internship Program
    • US Air Force Research Lab
    • US Army Natick Solder Research, Development & Engineering Center
    • US Army Pathways Internship Program
    • Us Army Research Lab
    • US Navy Pathways Internship Program
    • Mass Technology Collaborative Internship program
    • Mass Life Sciences Internship Challenge – You do not have to be a life sciences major. They are looking for students studying all different sciences to intern in life sciences companies.

Check out the CNS Completed Database of Internships and Research, to see where previous Physics majors have gotten experiential learning.  Add yours, when you have completed it.

Prepare for upcoming internship or research interviews with Big Interview, which teaches you how to answer questions, and practice video answers.

You can also schedule a mock interview with a CNS Career Advisor.  Bring a job description and your resume.

JOB SEARCH RESOURCES

Some Massachusetts employers who hire new physics bachelor recipients 
(from https://www.aip.org/statistics/massachusetts)

 

 

Some of the largest companies and industries that hire PhD physicists. (Check out their employment pages for internship or job opportunities, but keep in mind that this list doesn’t reflect all companies or ones that are necessarily hiring right now):

  • Raytheon
  • IBM
  • Lockheed Martin Corporation
  • Lucent Technologies
  • Boeing Company
  • Eastman Kodak Company
  • Science Applications International Corporation
  • General Atomics
  • Hewlett-Packard Company
  • Northrop Grumman Corporation
  • AT&T
  • Schlumberger Limited
  • Motorola Incorporated
  • Rockwell International Corporation
  • Seagate Technologies
  • Osram Sylvania
  • Maxwell Optical Industries
  • Varian Associates
  • 3M Company

Career Planning Resources & Websites

Career Exploration Tools                           https://www.umass.edu/careers/career-journey/self-discovery 

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook              www.bls.gov/ooh

Massachusetts Career Information System                                       http://masscis.intocareers.org 

(Click Mass Resident to login with “Amherst/01003”  Then click “Occupations” or “Assessments”)

Physics Job Search Links

IMPORTANT TRANSFERABLE SKILLS TO INCLUDE ON YOUR RESUME 

  • Advanced mathematical skills. Physicists perform complex calculations involving calculus, geometry, algebra, and other areas of mathematics. They must be able to express their research in mathematical terms.  
  • Analytical skills. Physicists need to be able to carry out scientific experiments and studies. They must be precise and accurate in their analysis because errors could invalidate their research.
  • Critical-thinking skills. Physicists must carefully evaluate their own work and the work of others. They must determine whether results and conclusions are based on sound science.
  • Interpersonal skills. Physicists must collaborate with others in both academic and industrial research contexts. They need to be able to work well with others towards a common goal.
  • Problem-solving skills. Physicists use scientific observation and analysis to solve complex scientific questions.
  • Speaking skills. Physicists present their research at scientific conferences, to the public, or to company management and other employees.
  • Writing skills. Astronomers write reports that may be published in scientific journals. They also write proposals for research funding.

Some information taken from Occupational Outlook Handbook, University of Pennsylvania Department of Physics & Astronomy, Purdue University Department of Physics, and Dartmouth College Department of Physics and Astronomy

Top 10 Skills Employers Seek on Candidate Resumes

  1. Problem-solving skills
  2. Ability to work in a team
  3. Communication skills (written)
  4. Strong work ethic
  5. Flexibility/adaptability
  6. Communication (verbal)
  7. Technical Skills
  8. Analytical/Quantitative Skills
  9. Initiative
  10. Detail-oriented

Top 7 Attributes that can positively influence employers the most

  1. Internship with the organization
  2. Internship within the industry
  3. Major
  4. General work experience
  5. Leadership experience
  6. Extracurricular activities
  7. High GPA (3.0 or above)