<p>As parents I was wondering if all of you could help out. I am currently a sophomore in HS and am looking into options for my major. Since I do have an interest in the sciences - particularly physics and chemistry - I was wondering what sorts of job opportunities would be out there awaiting a physics/chemistry graduate? What would the pay be like? Would there actually be a demand for physics graduates?</p>
<p>Have a look at this site, which Carolyn discovered.
<a href=“http://www.careercornerstone.org/[/url]”>http://www.careercornerstone.org/</a></p>
<p>Thank you, that site is very useful. I’m currently browsing it. ;)</p>
<p>Edit// I’m afraid to say the future of physics graduates doesn’t look too bright. :(</p>
<p>I think majoring in chemistry, physics, or math have alot to offer. </p>
<p>Some jobs I know about -</p>
<p>Chem Major - works in plastics research lab at Milliken Company
Math Major - does analysis for Medicaid fraud for government
Math Major - works for major research university dept of ob/gyn doing various math related studies
Physics Major - works for trucking company that makes chassies (sp?) for big 18 wheeler trucks</p>
<p>These are people I know personally and they all do well enough financially to have a comfortable life - I know other people who have these degrees but have also gone on to do masters and PhDs and they also all have good jobs and opportunities. </p>
<p>I did not major in a “hard” science but I believe that once you get in the major you can pick a focus depending on your interest - for example - at the University where I did my undergraduate degree - the chemistry majors could decided to concentrate in inorganic, organic, physical, biochem, or education.</p>
<p>Don’t rule out combining both of your interests, as a physical chemist (or chemical physicist). You can choose a career path that emphasizes either the theoretical or applied aspects of science. Science is becoming more and more interdisciplinary every day, and physical chemists are leading the way in the field of nanotechnology. Advanced degrees and/or minor concentrations, added to your science credentials, can take you in still other directions: law, finance, education, journalism, etc. The possibilities are almost endless. Rest assured that you will have the chance to learn about many career options while you’re in college–from your profs, the campus career services office, invited guest speakers/lecturers, and your co-op/internship experiences.</p>
<p>Medical physics is also a big field. I know a physicist whose company does work for NASA and also does work for European sailboat makers, something to do with the design of masts. It’s the underlying basis for all science, and not everyone can do it. Don’t sell it short.</p>
<p>yes - good point Driver - medical phsyics is especially a big field in prosthetic limb development as well as medical equipment research and development</p>
<p>The problem is that it’s very difficult to decide what to major in. I have developed an interest in the sciences and I’m not ruling biology out, but the problem is that the currently-booming fields may fade away such as nanotech and biotech, etc. They look promising at the moment but I know that such fields usually die out…such as the genetics one.</p>
<p>I do know that I’m not really interested in becoming a doctor but would that rule out all medical fields? Also, just out of curiosity since I have been unable to find this anywhere, perhaps some of you may know: Which field is the most sought-after today and which offers the highest pay to its graduates?</p>
<p>Thanks again for everyone’s help.</p>
<p>I’ll second the law school idea - intellectual property (patent law) is huge now, and science backgrounds are generally required to practice it well.</p>
<p>Hm…law school…but the idea is that what is huge now may not be by the time I graduate.</p>
<p>Very unlikely that patent law will die down. Even if it’s not technically “hot”, there has been over the past 20 years or so a lack of well-trained patent lawyers. As long as people are inventing things, and others are copying them, there will be the need for patent lawyers.</p>
<p>I think driver’s suggestion of medial physics may not be a bad idea…I’ll try and find out more about it first though. If I find it is something I would like, my next step would be to seek colleges and set goals.</p>
<p>Diagnostic Radiology is probably the most important medical specialty that depends on physicists, and that’s not a flash in the pan. NMR, CT, even basic X-Rays all require physicists to set up and monitor the equipment.</p>
<p>I’ve heard, though, that fields such as management/finance/accounting/business will generate more income. Unfortunately I have no interest in them whatsoever.</p>
<p>The reason I single out physics is because I am actually interested in the ideas and concepts discussed. I have recently studied AP Physics B and have realized that such things as time dilation intrigue me, and I’d like to actually be able to create things that can expand the boundaries of what we know…</p>
<p>Biology may also be an option since the way living things interact and the molecular aspect of it also interests me. The problem comes where I can’t find something that I would be happy doing for the rest of my life.</p>
<p>Diagnostic radiology is something I’ve not heard of before, but for some reason it doesn’t appeal much to me to oversee equipment etc. Are there perhaps any other opportunities?</p>
<p>In my experience biology degrees are not a sought after in industry as are chem/math/physics. Most of the bio majors I know either went to med school or did PhD work to become professors. </p>
<p>As for the comment about genetics, I think someone like Mario Capecchi might disagree with your belief that it is on the down slope. </p>
<p>I think you should do what you are interested in and enjoy - realize things may change - I started my undergraduate degree as an elementary education major - ended up majoring in something else and have had 2 major career interest changes in the past 2 years!</p>
<p>Another great site for careers in a particular major:</p>
<p><a href=“Home | Career Center | UC Riverside”>Home | Career Center | UC Riverside;
<p>First off, calm down! You’re a sophomore in high school. That gives you FOUR YEARS before you have to declare a major. And SIX YEARS before you have to get a job! You will change so much in the next few years - the difference between sophomores and seniors in high school is dramatic. Remember what you were like four years ago; you will continue to grow and change just as much in the next four years.</p>
<p>Continue to explore what you’re interested in, and learn as much as you can. When looking for colleges, look for ones that have good departments in your interests, and with good career counseling offices. But don’t look at college as vocational training; it’s so much more than that!</p>
<p>Also, remember that you only know the few things that you’ve already been exposed to - the subjects in high school. There’s so much more to learn and explore - things you’ve never even imagined. Most kids change their potential majors at least once during college. You may find yourself in a career that hasn’t even been invented yet!</p>
<p>So relax, enjoy high school, look for a college that “fits” you, and leave the vocational planning for later. You have plenty of time!</p>
<p>Hm…okay. I actually am looking for what I want to major in so I can begin planning for college (specifically money issues). XD That’s why.</p>