Physics
Learn more about the Physics program by visiting the Department of Physics & Astronomy website.
Physics majors develop a range of skills that support a variety of occupations. Below are some examples of those skills, as well as a list of sample occupations where those skills may be used.
These are not exhaustive lists, but they can help you see how your skills as a Physics major are relevant in the workplace.
What skills do Physics majors bring to the workplace?
- Designing and performing experiments with particle accelerators, lasers, mass spectrometers, and other equipment
- Applying physical laws and theories to problems in nuclear energy, electronics, optics, materials, communications, aerospace technology, and medical instrumentation
- Exploring and identifying basic principles governing the behaviour of matter, the generation and transfer of energy, and the interaction between the two
In addition, as a Science student, you develop the ability to analyze problems, identify tools and pathways towards a solution, and communicate results. You may also gain experience working cooperatively within a team of people from a variety of professional, academic, and cultural backgrounds.
What are some career possibilities to consider?
Occupations that Physics graduates might pursue include:
Business systems analyst
- Systems analysts use their knowledge of human-computer interaction to design effective, user-friendly computer systems for different environments.
- Learn more about becoming a business systems analyst at Career Cruising (Campus-Wide Login required).
High school teacher
- Teachers pass on their knowledge of an academic subject, and help students develop personal goals, values and opinions on important issues.
- Learn more about becoming a high school teacher at Career Cruising (Campus-Wide Login required).
Technical sales representative
- An understanding of machinery and an awareness of people’s technical needs allow technical sales “reps” to provide information and advice for customers.
- Learn more about becoming a technical sales representative at Career Cruising (Campus-Wide Login required).
Next Steps
1. Explore your career options
Career Cruising is an online listing of occupational profiles. To explore your career options:
- Log in using your Campus-Wide Login
- Click “Explore Careers” in the left-hand menu
- Type in an occupation to view its profile
- Select the occupation and learn more by clicking the following menu items.
| Menu item | What you’ll learn |
|---|---|
| Job description | Skills and qualifications the employer wants in applicants, and duties/tasks of the position. |
| Education | Educational requirements for the career, including additional training and certification. |
| Earnings | Expected earnings or salary ranges. Note: These are general estimates of salary ranges. Actual salaries vary with your experience and where you work. |
| Working conditions, photos |
The occupation’s work environment. |
| Sample career path | Chart the roles people have taken to help develop the skills and experience necessary for their ideal role, beginning with entry-level positions. |
| Related careers | Other occupations that might be of interest. |
| Other resources | Networks and professional associations that offer opportunities to network, access job postings, volunteer opportunities and more. |
2. Build your portfolio at UBC
Don’t wait until after graduation to get started on your career. As a UBC student, you can get involved in campus work and leadership opportunities that will help you develop transferable skills and experiences invaluable to your post-graduation work search.
Download these great resources:
- Getting involved at UBC (56KB PDF)
- Making time to get involved (55KB PDF)
High-commitment activities
These programs require a greater time investment, but will likely provide more opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and learning.
- Science Co-op: Gain paid work experience related to your studies.
- Science Undergraduate Society: Volunteer and have a voice in your student government.
- SCI Team: Help plan and promote Faculty of Science events.
- UBC Peer Programs: Help other students on campus through one of many programs.
- Go Global: Live and study internationally to gain cross-cultural experience.
- Student Leadership Conference: Join the student planning committee or present a workshop.
- Work Study and Work Learn: Find an on-campus job related to your studies.
Low-commitment activities
Volunteer to work at an event or simply participate. These work and leadership opportunities are great ways to connect with people, develop new skills, and determine your involvement interests.
- Student Leadership Conference: Attend and develop your leadership potential.
- Career Days: Volunteer at UBC’s largest on-campus career fair.
- Reading Week Project: Contribute to your community during the Reading Week break.
3. Access resources and get informed
Career Services workshops and events: Get feedback on your resumé, learn to network like a professional, practice interviews with employers, and more.
Beyond the BSc: Open forum groups where science grads discuss life after graduating with a BSc.
Meet with a Career Educator: Book a 30-minute session for guidance on career planning, job search strategies and career development.
Connect with employers: Check out employer information sessions and the annual Career Days.
