4–8 Aug 2015
America/Detroit timezone

Breaking the Myth of the "Non-Traditional" Physicist: The Real Story About Employment for Physics Graduates

7 Aug 2015, 10:45
35m
Lydia Mendelssohn Theater (Michigan League)

Lydia Mendelssohn Theater

Michigan League

Plenary sessions Session II-D

Speaker

Prof. Crystal Bailey (American Physical Society)

Description

Physics degree holders are among the most employable in the world, often doing everything from managing a research lab at a multi-million dollar corporation, to developing solutions to global problems in their own small startups. Science and Technology employers know that with a physics training, a potential hire has acquired a broad problem-solving skill set that translates to almost any environment, as well as an ability to be self-guided and -motivated so that they can teach themselves whatever is needed to be successful at achieving their goals. Therefore it's no surprise that the majority of physics graduates find employment in private--sector, industrial settings. At the same time, only about 25% of graduating PhDs will take a permanent faculty position--yet academic careers are usually the only track to which students are exposed while earning their degrees. In this talk, I will explore less-familiar (but more common!) career paths for physics graduates, and will provide information on resources to boost your career planning and job hunting skills.
Oral or Poster Presentation Oral

Primary author

Prof. Crystal Bailey (American Physical Society)

Presentation materials