Career Information for Physics Majors

It is important to understand that employers hire people, not degrees. The skills and knowledge you develop as a result of your education, as well as in your work and community activities, have the greatest impact on hiring decisions. Listed below are some specific knowledge and transferable skills you will acquire as a result of your university education and your focus on Physics.

Specific Knowledge Skills
Valuable Transferable Skills
Some Career Options for Physics Majors
Potential Employers
Websites

Specific Knowledge Skills

• Knowledge of the properties/states of matter and the structure/behaviour of the components of matter
• Proficiency in understanding and writing detailed, technical information, reports and presentations
• Ability to conduct, clearly explain and document scientific research and findings
• Experience in quantitative analysis using mathematics and applied science and physics
• Knowledge of computer programming and applied computer analysis
• The ability to use a knowledge of the properties of matter to create new, interesting and useful components
• Experience making careful measurements using equipment and scientific instrumentation
• Skills in generating and formatting hypothesis and then conducting tests and analysis
• The ability to develop complex models of interaction and behaviour for the purpose of testing and/or

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Valuable Transferable Skills

Information-gathering and Communication Skills

• The skills required to identify and access a wide range of relevant information and resources
• The ability to compile and organize facts and information and to comprehend and apply new and/or unfamiliar information to different situations and settings
• Skills in preparing interesting, creative and informative presentations which target diverse audiences
• The ability to develop effective reports, presentations and materials using current technology

 Thinking, Planning and Organizational Skills

• The ability to learn, understand and interpret information and apply your knowledge to new situations
• The ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and effectively plan/manage time, data and resources
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to make well-reasoned decisions, think creatively and search for, identify and consider all sides of an issue
• Skills to effectively analyze and interpret a wide range of information and data to discuss, support and/or reject ideas, opinions, reports, theories and proposals

Teamwork and Management Skills

• Skills enabling you to work effectively as part of the team by identifying your role in the team and contributing to the team through leading, teaching, motivating and/or encouraging others as required
• An understanding of how to successfully identify, plan and contribute to the goals of a project
• The ability to oversee, supervise and/or contribute to a project from beginning to end including determining outcomes, planning details, making decisions, assigning roles and completing tasks

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Some Career Options for Physics Majors

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 Potential Employers

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Websites

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