Degrees
Colleges
About
First, some facts. Of the Physics graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 1073 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 71%, Physics graduates have a slightly higher likelihood (+4%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 58% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Physics graduate.
See the details:
|
Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2023 from Rochester Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Physics. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONTransformational Physicist Northrop Grumman Jun 2023 - Present ABOUTPhysics student graduating with BS/MS degree in Spring 2023. Currently working on theoretical quantum optics master's thesis on SU(2) parity entanglement and spin squeezing in collections of two-level atoms. Proficient in Python, Mathematica, Matlab, and LaTeX. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
The exploration of career paths for individuals with a degree in Physics reveals a diverse landscape, showcasing various options that leverage different aspects of their education. It's essential to note that while a solid foundation in Physics equips graduates with valuable problem-solving abilities and analytical thinking, not every job they pursue will utilize these specific skills in a meaningful way. As I analyzed a range of LinkedIn profiles, several patterns emerged that highlight both common career trajectories and the relevance of Physics knowledge in those roles.
Many individuals who graduated with a degree in Physics found themselves in research-oriented positions. Roles such as Graduate Research Assistant, Postdoctoral Researcher, and Research Scientist are highly prevalent. These positions typically require a robust understanding of physics concepts, as they involve conducting experiments, analyzing data, and publishing findings. For instance, a significant number of graduates have taken on positions in national laboratories or educational institutions where their physics knowledge is employed daily in research activities. This aspect definitively shows high relevance, emphasizing that a physics degree often leads to opportunities where core skills and theoretical knowledge are directly applied.
On the other hand, as we examined other employment sectors, it became evident that while some positions benefit from analytical skills honed in Physics, they do not closely align with the Discipline itself. Careers in software development, consulting, finance, and management often welcome individuals with physics degrees due to their quantitative and analytical skill sets. However, in these roles, the direct application of Physics principles is frequently absent. For example, jobs in technical sales or project management may rely on problem-solving skills acquired through physics training, but they do not engage with physics content or methodologies daily. More so, many Physics graduates also venture into education, teaching subjects that utilize their physics background, which, while related, doesn't necessarily involve the same depth of knowledge required in traditional physics research roles.
In summary, the trends observed indicate a clear bifurcation in the career paths of Physics graduates. A substantial portion gravitates toward research and academic roles where their knowledge is directly applied and highly relevant. In contrast, others leverage their Physics training in various fields, including finance, software engineering, and education, with varying levels of relevance. While Physics graduates possess valuable skills applicable in various sectors, the extent to which they employ their Physics knowledge depends significantly on the chosen career path.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Physics graduates:
Analyzing the LinkedIn career trajectories of various Physics graduates reveals some interesting trends. Many of these individuals began their careers in roles that leverage their theoretical knowledge and practical skills, primarily in research-oriented positions, engineering roles, or in academia. In the immediate years following graduation, it seems that job titles like Research Assistant, Graduate Researcher, and various technical or engineering internships are common starting points. This indicates that newly minted Physics graduates tend to gravitate toward opportunities that allow them to apply their knowledge and continue learning in a hands-on environment. These roles often provide solid experience and help build a network in their respective fields, which is essential in science and technology sectors.
As these graduates progress five to ten years into their careers, many are moving into more senior roles, including leads, managers, or specialized engineers, often in industries like aerospace, tech, or healthcare. Notably, many have remained in or transitioned to research and academia, indicating that those initial positions in graduate research or postdoctoral roles have substantial long-term benefits. However, it's also apparent that a number have diverged from strictly Physics-related career paths into areas like software development, finance, and education. While some have successfully integrated their Physics background into diverse fields, it’s also evident that not all Physics graduates are finding their way into positions that directly utilize their specialized training. This divergence can suggest a saturation of certain job markets or shifts in industry demands away from traditional Physics roles.
Despite this range of outcomes, many graduates from well-known institutes have successfully secured positions in research and development roles, working with organizations like NASA, major tech companies, or renowned universities. These positions are solid indicators of a successful transition from academia to a fulfilling career that is relevant to their field of study. Nevertheless, there are also many examples of Physics graduates who moved into unrelated fields or less impactful roles, highlighting that while a Physics degree is versatile, the inherent connection to the subject can diminish for some over time. Ultimately, this suggests that while there is a core group thriving in relevant careers, there exists a significant contingent navigating less relevant trajectories, showing a mixed bag of success stories among Physics alumni.
A Bachelor’s degree in Physics can be pretty challenging, so if you're thinking about it, be prepared for some serious math and problem-solving! You'll dive into complex topics like quantum mechanics and electromagnetism, which can feel overwhelming at times—definitely tougher than average degrees in, say, liberal arts. That said, if you enjoy puzzles and have a passion for understanding how the universe works, it can also be super rewarding. Just keep in mind that you'll need to stay on top of your studies and seek help when you need it, because it’s not a walk in the park!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Physics.
Looking at the job histories of these Physics graduates, it's kind of a mixed bag in terms of financial success. Some have landed prestigious positions with respectable organizations and impressive pay scales, like research scientists at national laboratories and roles with tech giants. For instance, graduates from top-tier institutions like MIT, Stanford, and UCLA often end up in lucrative tech or research roles that typically come with good salaries and benefits. On the flip side, there are also graduates who have taken on more modest positions, such as teaching or entry-level engineering jobs, which might not pay as well. So, while some are likely earning hefty salaries right out of the gate, others are still working their way up the ladder or have opted for careers that may not be quite as profitable.
Overall, it seems like many of these graduates have decent earning potential, especially those who have pursued advanced studies or have practical experience in high-demand fields. However, it's worth noting that fields like teaching or positions in government might not pay as high but can offer job security and other benefits. In the end, financial success in physics can heavily depend on one's career path, leveraging opportunities, and how one navigates their early career choices.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Physics. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Physics (ordered by the average relevance score of their Physics graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 University of California, Berkeley
|
83 | 12 |
 UC Santa Barbara
|
81 | 12 |
 University of California, Los Angeles
|
79 | 10 |
 The University of Texas at Austin
|
66 | 24 |
 University of Washington
|
55 | 14 |