Finding Employment with a BA in Physics Without Grad School

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In summary, the person is 50 years old and pursuing a BA in Physics, but has not seen demand for physicists in the job market. They want to do research and avoid grad school if possible. They have experience as a tutor in certain topics and are currently working on a project related to water waves. They try to stay updated by attending seminars and discussing with faculty. The chances of finding employment without a grad degree may depend on location and previous work experience. Upper year physics courses may not be applicable to most fields and "physicist" is not a specific job. The best option for entering industry may be finding an R&D position at a growing company, but the pay may be a concern.
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compxci
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I'm 50 years old and working on finishing my BA in Physics. I have not seen any demand for physicists (middle aged) anywhere in the job market. I want to do research and if at all possible avoid grad school. What are my chances of finding employment w/o a grad degree?

Have worked as a tutor in Differential Equations, some simple PDE's and complex variables and have some working programs using the Flex PDE 6.0 software and some very simple MatLab programs as well. Currently working on a project (senior seminar) of water waves in a ripple tank and waveguides. It is a simple experiment that does not use simple PDE's.

I try to stay up to date, attending APS seminars, discussing with faculty various topics, etc.
So what do you think? Don't be timid, give an honest answer.
 
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  • #2
It probably depends on where you live, and more importantly on previous work experience. As you may be starting to realize, your upper year physics courses aren't very applicable to most fields. Not to mention that "physicist" isn't really a job. Your best bet to enter industry would be to find an R&D position at a growing company. The trouble there is how much is a start up company willing to pay?

What previous work experience do you have?
 

FAQ: Finding Employment with a BA in Physics Without Grad School

What types of jobs can I get with a BA in Physics without going to grad school?

There are a variety of jobs that you can get with a BA in Physics without going to grad school. Some common options include working as a research assistant, laboratory technician, data analyst, or science writer. You can also explore opportunities in fields such as finance, engineering, or computer science.

Will I be at a disadvantage in the job market without a graduate degree in Physics?

While having a graduate degree may give you a competitive edge in certain job fields, it is not necessarily a disadvantage to only have a BA in Physics. Many employers value the critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that are developed through a physics degree. Additionally, gaining experience through internships and research projects can also make you a strong candidate for employment.

How can I make my BA in Physics stand out to employers?

One way to make your BA in Physics stand out to employers is by highlighting any relevant coursework, projects, or research experience on your resume. You can also consider obtaining certifications or attending workshops to demonstrate your proficiency in specific skills or technologies. Networking and building connections with professionals in your field can also help you stand out to potential employers.

Can a BA in Physics lead to a career in a non-science field?

Yes, a BA in Physics can lead to a career in a non-science field. The problem-solving and analytical skills developed through a physics degree can be transferable to a variety of industries, such as finance, data analysis, or engineering. You may also be able to leverage your physics background to pursue graduate studies in other fields, such as law or business.

What can I do to increase my chances of finding employment with a BA in Physics?

In addition to gaining relevant experience and highlighting your skills on your resume, there are a few other things you can do to increase your chances of finding employment with a BA in Physics. Consider joining professional organizations or attending conferences to network with potential employers. You can also seek out mentors or alumni who can offer advice and potentially connect you with job opportunities. Lastly, don't be afraid to apply for entry-level positions and continue to develop your skills and knowledge through on-the-job experience.

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