I'm a recent grad with a B.S in Physics

21 Comments

1. Amy CollinsOctober 2,2023 at 1:24PM UTC

   Consider applying for a contract or temporary position in your field.
   My son did that with his electrical engineering degree, and the short-term contract opened the door to a full-term role at another company.,
   Another suggestion is to work with a technical recruiter that specializes in your field. I'm aware of Sterling Engineering out of Westchester, IL.

2. Isabella TufanoOctober 2,2023 at 1:47PM UTC

   I appreciate that, I'll look into technical recruiters, normal recruiters haven't gotten me anywhere yet. I'd definitely take even a temporary job, so hopefully they'd be able to help find me that atleast.

3. AnonymousOctober 2,2023 at 2:32PM UTC

   I would go tto an agency and see if you can be contracted out. In your field, tbh, I see that higher education brings more weight. Surprised you graduated with out an internship to start you off. see if that is something that dept can help with, as a BS only gets so far.

4. Isabella TufanoOctober 2,2023 at 7:01PM UTC

   If I could have graduated with a job lined up, I definitely would have. I'm in contact with a couple of recruitment agencies, but there are no temp agencies in my area in the meantime.

5. AnonymousOctober 2,2023 at 3:18PM UTC

   Try finding free programs, programs for women, and/or reaching out on linked in. Linked in can honestly be the best way to network and get your foot in the door. A recruiter could be a good option as well so they are also searching for you. In addition, see if these certification programs offer payment plans. You'd be surprised how just one certification will help your algorithm during the resume vetting process. It's all about working your way up accepting the low paying job that can give you money to pay for your certifications can help you get that dream job next!

6. Isabella TufanoOctober 2,2023 at 7:03PM UTC

   I'll look into that. I think there are a couple certifications that are in reach, if I plan it out correctly.

7. AnonymousOctober 2,2023 at 4:51PM UTC

   Is the military an option? My stepdad had a B.S. in physics and got a job in the air force, and I know someone who worked for the navy interpreting sonar signals.

8. Isabella TufanoOctober 2,2023 at 6:58PM UTC

   It is, I'm apprehensive about joining the military based on personal beliefs, but there are a couple of military recruiters that always pass through my inbox.

9. KatOctober 2,2023 at 8:42PM UTC

   Have you contacted your school's career development office? They should be able to help you with your resume and job leads. Join your school's alumni association and any groups for women in the sciences. That will help you network and possibly find a mentor or two. Are any of the places you interned at hiring? While you may not want to join the military, have you considered the Coast Guard, FBI, or State Department? Or working for a government contractor that works in your interest area? Are you interested enough in coding to learn it? Would a MS help your job prospects? If so, then take some classes or try to find a job that offers tuition assistance to help pay for additional education.

10. Jennifer coppolaOctober 3,2023 at 12:16PM UTC

    I have a BS in Physics as well. I’m an analytics director for a media company. Going an analyst route might be something to consider. Depending on the data and industry, coding isn’t necessary (I don’t know how to code, either).

    Physics doesn’t have a straight line to a career like some academics do. But the discipline lends us to roles that are data-driven, follow the scientific method of problem solving, etc.

11. AnonymousOctober 3,2023 at 12:29PM UTC

    If you have a degree in physics, I'd assume you have a passion for science and/or math. I don't see the natural connection between physics and coding, so those types of jobs don't seem appropriate anyway. But what does seem like a natural fit is a science-based role - a lab, research, engineering, pharma company? A think tank or policy role with a science focus? Have you tried speaking with other people with physics degrees to see where they are now and where their path took them? They might have ideas or roles for you that skip the online application completely. Networking is the way to go!

12. Tricia BurroughsOctober 3,2023 at 12:57PM UTC

    Google has free certifications for several areas

13. AnonymousOctober 3,2023 at 1:08PM UTC

    Have you connected with your alumni office at your school? They often have resources like networking events, resume writing assistance, job search, etc. Another avenue would be to connect with professional organizations within your job space. They can be great ways to network with people in the industry and they will often also host job fairs/boards. There are usually fees associated but sometimes they have reduced fees for new graduates. Lastly, assuming you are in the US, check with your county/state employment offices. They also usually have resources available along the lines of job fairs/boards.

14. Sarah ROctober 3,2023 at 2:07PM UTC

    Try analyst level analytics positions. I used to hire your skills for financial services firms within risk.

15. AnonymousOctober 3,2023 at 2:24PM UTC

    I used to work for a company in Indiana, a CRO, that always hired physics graduates for physical chemical testing (they usually performed NMR, X-ray and other crystallography techniques). Good luck!

16. AnonymousOctober 3,2023 at 11:04PM UTC

    For now if you can do temp work even if it means admin work, so for instance if you have your eyes on a specific company reach out to the temp agencies in your area and let them know you are available for temp work doing admin things in those companies especially. When you are in the door people get to know you and then you can apply internally for roles that are more to your degree. You may not always get them but that can also build your resume up to show you had employment. Try writing on blogs in your area of specialization and see if you get nibbles that way. You cannot just apply and hope you get picked from the pile. Ask your advisor to write some accolades as well.

17. Barb HansenOctober 4,2023 at 1:59AM UTC

    You say that you don't have any coding skills.

    Does this mean that you aren't willing to get coding skills?

    You don't need to pay for coding courses - pick a lane that interests you (be that machine learning, data science, back-end development) and start learning (youtube is an amazing way to start learning to code).

    Don't know where to start --> follow the news. Machine learning (including AI and LLMs), and data science are hot right now and a lot of those jobs include coding but also include math, and data analysis skills that you learned to get your degree.

    I dont know if you want a job in tech but if you do, there are options for you that will use a lot of the skills already have.

    Good luck!

18. AnonymousOctober 4,2023 at 4:11AM UTC

    Many new college grads start with temping while they look for jobs in their target field. Good luck, it's a tough market out there right now.

19. AnonymousOctober 5,2023 at 11:42AM UTC

    Go talk to your schools career office. I will admit that a bachelors in physics can be difficult to get a job with only that level. Engineering masters degree? Teaching?

20. Isabella TufanoOctober 8,2023 at 3:49PM UTC

    I have no training to be a teacher, and don't have any resources to go grad school and am still wicked burnt out from senior year. I'm looking into being a substitute in the area, which might be useful

21. Communication CoachOctober 5,2023 at 10:34PM UTC

    Are you working with a recruiter? A good recruiter will help prepare you for interviews. Take any interview even if it's something that does not seem applicable to your education - consider it a practice interview if no job comes of it. Getting any job comes with advantages to get one you really would like - you hear about openings in the company and other companies - and fair or not, employed people get hired faster. A good resume, meticulous grammar and spelling with cover letter are essential. Good grooming and professional neat dress also is absolutely a necessity! It's worth going to a good recruiter can help with all of these things