About half of all physics degree recipients ultimately have careers in the private sector [1]. Many students report physics department cultures that prepare them well for a career in academic or national lab research, but not for industrial or other careers [2]. Students are therefore less aware of and prepared for non-academic careers, having not taken advantage of opportunities to gain skills and experiences which will make them competitive in this job market.
The APS Committee on Careers and Professional Development (CCPD) has facilitated the collection of responses to a series of questions which should help elucidate opportunities made available by departments to students interested in learning about non-academic careers.
[1] AIP Statistical Research Center, Focus on Physics Bachelor’s Initial Employment (2012), Focus on Physics Doctorates Initial Employment (2012), Focus on Physics and Astronomy Master’s Initial Employment (2011), www.aip.org/statistics
[2] AIP Statistical Research Center, Focus on Recent Physics Doctorates: Skills Used and Satisfaction with Employment (2013), www.aip.org/statistics
If you are a department chair, and would like to add (or change) your institution's contribution, please email Crystal Bailey (bailey@aps.org) for the web site address where data can be entered.
3 total surveys as of today