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Career Paths in Physics

The following list shows possible career paths in the field of geography: 

Physics, at least in regards to how it’s taught at universities, is not exactly famous for preparing students for the job market. Nevertheless, the unemployment rates reported for physics graduates have been below average for years. But why? Is it because so few study physics in the first place? Or is it because physicists have skills that transcend their discipline?

The physics department at the university conducts basic research, and students who study here should have an interest in the fundamentals of research. After all, the education gained by students who critically engage in these fundamentals is exactly what enables success beyond the realm of higher education.

The key to success for those working in physics is the “experiment.” Every experiment follows the creative and rigorous process of theory, hypothesis, setup, measurement, analysis, and documentation. Elsewhere, this is usually called a “project.” For each measurement, small to large setups are devised and equipment is used: technology. In order to analyze the measurements and interpret the results, it’s necessary to be able to think mathematically and analyze statistically: applied mathematics. Nowadays, many experiments are no longer conducted on a test bench, but can be simulated with the help of software, though unfortunately with software that was not necessarily designed for this purpose. Thus you not only have to be able to think through the simulation, but also be able to program it. An experiment can only be considered valid if it is able to be reproduced elsewhere by others: documentation is perhaps the most demanding takeaway from studying physics, with collaboration, exchange, and communication being the most surprising.

Reading, writing, calculating, measuring, analyzing, programming, simulating, documenting, communicating – all of these skills can be learned in physics at a relatively high level, and right from the start. The demand for these skills continues to increase, not only in science, but also in business and society. The higher the aspirations, the longer students of physics should study in the department, perhaps aiming for a master’s degree. To be successful as a physicist nowadays, there’s hardly any way around doing a doctorate. But, for those prepared to apply themselves and their skills to other fields, it is still possible to successfully start a career with just a bachelor’s degree. In fact, this is significantly easier for physicists than for graduates of other natural sciences.

To this end, it can be worthwhile to “borrow” from the fields of information science, economics, education, or communications and flesh out your own portfolio. Physicists also prove to be successful in this regard, as there is something they can definitely do: learn and understand!

This information is based on information provided by the BERUFENET of the German Federal Employment Agency and surveys conducted with graduates of Marburg University. We would like to thank Edgar Losse from the Marburg branch of the Federal Employment Agency for the suggestions and support.