 Because physics provides the basic underpinning for
all of the sciences - and is even used as a model science for most social
sciences - physics is arguably the most versatile of all undergraduate
majors. While you may not know what type of work you would like to
do after graduation, and work as a pure physicist is unlikely without a
Ph.D. degree, you will nonetheless acquire knowledge and discipline as
a physics major that is applicable to many and varied fields of employment,
as well as to almost any technical position.
These skills include the ability
to solve both experimental and mathematical problems; the
ability to use a wide range of general purpose scientific instruments;
and the ability to carry out a complicated set of instructions requiring
organizational, research, reasoning, and communication skills. Since
physics is not a narrow or specialized field, physics majors are prepared
to fit into any one of a number of technical jobs more easily than most
college graduates.
Keep in mind that students who have majored in
physics at Gettysburg College have successfully entered such diverse fields
as business, general and technical sales, insurance, computer science,
education, telecommunications, metallurgy, medicine, law, psychology, economics,
theology, publishing, astronomy, biomechanics, molecular biology, mathematics,
and ocean and environmental engineering, in addition to the many sub fields
of physics. The integrity of the undergraduate physics curriculum
is almost universally recognized by other academic disciplines, and allows
physics majors to enter job markets and graduate schools in an unusually
diverse number of fields.
The following are some suggestions that may help in your career decisions.
Obviously, it is your responsibility to do everything possible to get your
career off to a good start, but any help Physics Department personnel can
give you is yours for the asking.
During your first year here, go to the College's
Center
for Career Planning to obtain a very helpful booklet on
job preparation. This office also offers aid in long-range career planning
and in job placement.
The American Institute of Physics
produces a very useful booklet on career possibilities for the physics
baccalaureate. Check with the Physics Department for a copy of this guide.
 Throughout
your college career, be alert for every chance to talk with faculty, alumni,
parents, and friends concerning the nature of whatever jobs about which
they might be aware. Try hard (and it may be difficult) to obtain
a technically oriented summer job at the end of your junior year. With
luck, you might obtain such a position even earlier. Check the
summer
research information on the Department's website and in the Masters
Hall Student Lounge (Room 206) for announcements. And again, don't hesitate
to ask faculty and staff members for help.
Please contact our Physics Department Chairperson
or other physics
faculty
for more detailed suggestions. Please remember that Physics
Department faculty and staff are here to help you in every way possible.
Back to
Guide to Physics
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