Physicist
Doctoral degree
A doctoral degree is needed for most physicist positions. It takes around 6 years and physicists would need a PhD in Physics. Getting a doctoral degree would involve doing research projects and making a thesis as well as learning classical mechanics, mathematical physics, quantum mechanics, computational physics, and electromagnetic physics. Students will also act as teachers, faculty members, and do more positions in the campus. They will also do a qualifying exam in order to move on.
Masters degree
To become a physicist you will need a masters degree before getting a doctorate. A masters degree is often 1.5-2 years to become a physicist you will need to get a Masters degree in physics.
Entry level jobs/internships
Between undergraduate (such as bachelors degree) and post graduate studies many people partake in gaining experience for their future career. This includes working jobs such as a laboratory assistant which gives them hands-on experiences for the future as well as providing them with a possible part time job
Bachelors degree
Most people who plan on pursuing a career as a physicist often start by earning a bachelors degree in college in physics or applied physics. This takes 4 years.
High school
In high school it is important to take the necessary science courses which are physics, and chemistry and mathematics since physics involves a lot of math. It would be very beneficial to take advanced placement math for grade 12.
Skills/Work habits
Ability to use technology
Physicists will also have to use computers a lot when it comes to communication, monitoring data, and displaying and organizing info. They will have to be good at using various computers and various programs meaning the ability to use technology will be applicable.
Physicists have to use a wide range of technology and equipment when doing their job. They will come across various devices when doing experiments and so it is important they know how to use them without any problems.
Thinking skills
Thinking skills are also very important in a career a a physicist. Thinking skills are the ability to think clearly and efficiently. These skills are used in making decisions, problem solving, making plans, and organizing information.
Leadership
Teamwork is very prominent in a career as a physicist. When doing things such as collaborating or doing experiments it is important to know how to take leadership and lead others. When working with less experienced physicists it is important to be good at managing the team.
Teamwork
Physicists often have to work with others. When you are with a group of physicists and you are doing things such as conveying research or conducting an experiment it is important to work well with others and so team work is a very important skill.
communication skills
Verbal communication skills are also important. Being a physicist will require you to give presentations and talk to large groups of people and so it is important to be proficient in communication.
Communication skills are very important in a career as a physicist. As a physicist you should be able to do research, find information, and make reports. Likewise you will need to share this information with others and so to convey information communication skills are very important.
analytical thinking
Analytical thinking is a skill in problem solving where you would take a methodical step-by-step process to solving problems. This is useful for solving complex problems and being able to break down complex problems to smaller manageable problems is a useful skill in having a career as a physicist.
Knowledge
Science
Science is another skill needed for this career. Physicists use physics which is a science and to become a physicist you will need a PhD in physics. Physicists also use other sciences such as chemistry and so science is a necessary skill.
Math
As a physicist a skill that is important is Math. Mathematics is used very commonly in physics as a tool to find answers and explain theories/concepts. Working with concepts such as gravity and speed would need lots of mathematical calculations making Math a knowledge and skill necessary for the career
Related careers
Biophysicist
Biophysicists are scientists that study physical and chemical properties of living things. An example of this would be learning about nerve cells. Biophysicists work in offices and laboratory's and do research and conduct experiments on topics that combine physics, chemistry, and physics. Biophysicists often work for medical companies.
Astrophysicist
Astrophysicists are scientists who study the universe and contents of the universe such as stars, planets, and galaxies. They do this by applying the laws of physics. Astronomers find and analyze data about space and combine it with physics to get answers. Astrophysicists are similar to astronomers however astronomers are often referred to as those who do more observing.
Astronomers
Astronomers study the universe, the objects in the universe, how it works, and its origins. They study things such as planets, black holes, stars, galaxy's, and objects and forces in space. Astronomer research uses lots of science, computer programs, and calculations.
Astronaut
Astronauts are trained experts who are put in space crafts and deployed by spaceflight organizations. They are either commanders or crew members and are an essential part of space exploration. In the future there is going to be a high demand for astronauts since trips to the ISS, the Moon, and Mars is going to be more common. Likewise astronauts work for national space agencies such as NASA and for private space agencies such as SpaceX.
Engineer
Aerospace engineer
Aerospace engineering is the field of engineering aircraft and space craft. They design, manufacture, and develop planes, rockets, satellites, missiles, and more. They work for companies such as SpaceX and for government based groups such as the military and NASA
Electrical engenieer
Electrical engineering is the study, application, and design of devices, systems, equipment, and technology that uses electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. Electrical engineers design, develop, and manufacture various electrical items.
Influences
Societal impact
I want to have a career that will have a positive impact on the world and will benefit society. By being a physicist I will be able to do research and make theories that will increase our understanding of the universe. It will also push the world forward.
Interest
Being a physicist will also provide me with the opportunity to use various equipment for experiments and the chance to work with some of the worlds best technology.
Likewise in this career I will also have to opportunity to conduct experiments, meet others, and make discovery's in science
I am also interested in physics. Being part of this career allows me to learn about concepts such as time, energy, and matter as well as learning about space and how the universe behaves.
I am very interested in Science and want to be part of a career that involves science.
Financial aspect
A major influence in my future career decisions is the financial aspect. I want a job that pays well because having a high salary will make me more enthusiastic, engaged, and hard working. The average physicist makes $170,000 yearly however many physicists such as Stephen Hawking have made millions of dollars
Education
Becoming a physicist requires university level education and often a degree in physics. Most physicist positions require a PhD
Market
The job market as well as the future economy is going to influence my decisions in a career. Many industries such as retail stores, and travel agency's are dying out and so I need to find a career that will be relevant for the future. Physicists and scientists are going to be in a higher demand for the future and therefore I will be able to pursue a career as a physicist and have a long career
Flexibility
I want to work a job that is flexible. This means that instead of only having a 9-5 job I will have more freedom and will be able to be the boss of myself. I will also be able to do things such as work overnight and take time off to fit my schedule.
