Careers by Major - Physics

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Careers for graduates

There are many different career options available for Physics graduates. Below is a sample of types of positions that Physics graduates may go on to.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list as there are many other careers available. Many positions require additional education or experience.

  • Acoustic emissions technician
  • Acoustical physics
  • Aerospace engineer*
  • Air traffic controller*
  • Ariel survey flight supervisor
  • Artificial intelligence developer
  • Assistant research officer
  • Astronomer*
  • Astronaut*
  • Astrophysicist
  • Atmospheric scientist
  • Avionics instrument mechanic
  • Biomedical engineer*
  • Biophysicist
  • Chemical physicist
  • Chemical technologist
  • Chemist*
  • Climate service specialist
  • Climatologist
  • Computer engineer
  • Computer programmer*
  • Computer software engineer*
  • Condensed matter research
  • Cosmologist
  • Data analyst
  • Database administrator
  • Electrical equipment specialist
  • Electrical engineer*
  • Embedded software developer
  • Engineering and natural sciences manager
  • Environmental physicist
  • Environmental scientist
  • Equipment designer
  • Exploration geophysicist
  • Flight management analyst
  • Geophysicist
  • Health physicist
  • Hydrologist*
  • Information specialist
  • Instrument designer
  • Investment analyst
  • Laboratory technician
  • Logistics specialist*
  • Market research analyst*
  • Materials/metallurgical engineer*
  • Mathematician*
  • Meteorologist*
  • Military engineer*
  • Military officer*
  • Molecular physicist
  • Museum exhibits planner
  • Nanotechnologist
  • Natural and applied sciences consultant
  • Navigation equipment specialist
  • Nuclear medicine technologist*
  • Nuclear physicist
  • Operations research analyst*
  • Optical physicist
  • Optical technician
  • Particle physicist
  • Photodynamic therapist
  • Photon scientist
  • Physicist*
  • Planetarium guide/lecturer
  • Plasma deposition scientist
  • Professor*
  • Project manager*
  • Public relations specialist for space agencies/manufacturers
  • Quality controller*
  • Radar indicator inspector
  • Radiation monitor
  • Radiation therapist*
  • Radiographer
  • Radiologist*
  • Researcher*
  • Robotics technician
  • Sales representative*
  • Science journalist
  • Scientist*
  • Scientific photographer
  • Seismologist
  • Space program manager
  • Space vision technologist
  • Software programmer
  • Sound engineer
  • Special librarian: science
  • System support representative
  • Systems analyst
  • Teacher*
  • Technical sales representative*
  • Technical writer*
  • Telescope engineer
  • Ultrasound technician
  • X-Ray technologist

Note: career profiles for many of the above jobs are available in the Career Centre.

Who employs physics graduates?

  • Aerospace industry, Airports
  • Colleges/universities/boards of education
  • Communications technology industry
  • Energy Development companies e.g. wind, fusion
  • Environmental and Pollution control
  • Governments
  • Hospitals and Medical Centres
  • Information Technology industry
  • Laboratories
  • Libraries
  • Manufacturing companies
  • Military
  • Museums
  • Observatories
  • Petrochemical companies
  • Planetariums, National/Provincial Parks
  • Newspapers and magazines
  • Research centres
  • Space industry

Skills developed by physics majors

Written/oral communication:

  •  Ability to explain complex concepts and theories to others
  •  High proficiency in written and oral communication
  •  Effective communicator, present information clearly and effectively

Information gathering:

  • Gathering/analyzing data
  • Conducting and clearly explaining scientific research
  • Quantitative skills
  • Reviewing scientific literature

Critical thinking/problem solving:

  • Seeing relationships among factors
  • Attention to detail

Research methodology/statistics:

  • Defining a research problem
  • Establishing hypotheses
  • Research & Laboratory experience
  • Apply and integrate fundamental scientific principles
  • Statistical analysis & complex problem-solving ability
  • Use of technical tools

Sample job listings for graduating students/recent graduates

Below is a sample of the types of positions that have recently been posted with the Career Centre for graduating students or recent graduates. To access full-time opportunities (for up to two years after graduation), you must first attend an orientation. Drop by or call us at 905-828-5451 for more information.

  • Frame Work Developer, NEXJ SYSTEMS INC
  • Graphical Software Testing Specialist, Research in Motion
  • Computational Flow Physics Software Developer, Virtualwind Inc.
  • Optical Engineering Apprentice, Xiris Automation
  • Scientific and Technical Writer, RDP Associates
  • Optical Designer, Science Tech Inc
  • Research Assistant, Sunnybrook Health Sciences
  • Scientific System Technician, RCMP
  • Quality Assurance Engineer, Sandvine Inc.
  • Molecular Scientist, Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion
  • Automation Systems Engineer, Grantek Systems Integration
  • Seismic Analyst, ESG Solutions

Don't forget about U of T Mississauga alumni!

Check out our Alumni Profiles page, to read profiles of UTM alumni who have studied in this area, find out about their career path and how their experiences have affected their career direction.

How to get experience

Start early by seeking relevant summer, part-time and volunteer opportunities that will help you gain experience and develop the skills that employers want. Below is a sample of the types of temporary positions that have recently been posted with the Career Centre. To access the summer, part-time, temporary and volunteer postings, register with the Career Centre Online.

Summer Positions

  • Electronics Engineer, ESI

Internships

  • Various Positions, Town of Bracebridge

Extern Job Shadowing Program

Extern is a career exploration program that offers you the opportunity to meet with people working in your preferred career area for placements of 1-5 days.

Professional Experience Year (PEY)

The Professional Experience Year (PEY) internship program allows students to apply their knowledge in a 12-16 months project-based professional internship. The length of the placement offers students enough time to be involved in large-scale projects, build relationships with employers and reach professional accomplishments and milestones. Students who elect to participate in the program make industry contacts, gain valuable career skills and obtain significant professional experience before graduation.

Learn more on the PEY website.

Research Opportunity Program (ROP) at U of T Mississauga

UTM's Research Opportunity Program (ROP) allows students in their second and third year to earn one full course credit by participating in a faculty member's research project. Check the ROP website for information about the program including application deadlines.

Other ways to get involved

UTM Clubs and Community Associations: Join on-campus clubs and community associations that demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm for particular industries.

U of T Student Associations:

Affiliated Institutes and Research Organizations:

These organizations are conducting research using physics and other related disciplines. Reviewing their work may assist students with understanding specific opportunities in research.

Professional associations

Each industry has affiliated associations. There are many benefits of becoming a member of an association, such as stating your affiliation on your resume. In addition to your experiences and the completion of your university degree, a student membership in an association is one ay to get an edge in the job market. It also furthers your knowledge of a particular field.

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
American Association for the Advancement of Science contains career resources and industry information.

American Astronomical Society
“The American Astronomical Society (AAS), established 1899, is the major organization of professional astronomers in North America. The membership (~7,000) also includes physicists, mathematicians, geologists, engineers and others whose research interests lie within the broad spectrum of subjects now comprising contemporary astronomy. The mission of the American Astronomical Society is to enhance and share humanity's scientific understanding of the Universe.”

American Institute of Physics (AIP)
The American Institute of Physics has information on careers in physics, job postings and information regarding related industries.

Association of Canadian Universities for Research in Astronomy
The Association of Canadian Universities for Research in Astronomy is an organization of Canadian universities dedicated to the advancement of research and teaching in astronomy and astrophysics in Canada. It assists in coordinating large-scale national initiatives of its member institutions, advocates for the priorities in the Long Range Plan for Astronomy, and is a liaison between Canadian member universities and international partners in international and world observatories.

Canadian Association of Medical Physicists (COMP)
The Canadian Association of Medical Physicists has more information on careers specifically related to physics in the medical industry as well as information on graduate programs, and certification.
 
Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP)
The Canadian Association of Physicists has a comprehensive Careers section, and also includes an educational/outreach section that has information and links to physics departments in universities across Canada.

National Research Council of Canada
“The National Research Council (NRC) is the Government of Canada's premier organization for research and development, active since 1916.”

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
“NSERC aims to make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for the benefit of all Canadians. The agency supports university students in their advanced studies, promotes and supports discovery research, and fosters innovation by encouraging Canadian companies to participate and invest in postsecondary research projects. NSERC researchers are on the vanguard of science, building on Canada’s long tradition of scientific excellence.”

Resources

Career Centre Resource Library

  • Career Cruising (via your Career Centre account)
  • Physicist Binder
  • Careers for Scientific Types & Others with Inquiring Minds
  • AIAC Guide to Canada’s Aerospace Industry (2003)
  • Opportunities in Clinical Laboratory Science Careers
  • Careers in Aviation : Aerospace

Web Links

The Career Centre Resource Library is located in DV 3094. For more information please visit us, call 905-828-5451 or e-mail: careers.utm@utoronto.ca

What's your next step? Take a look at our Sample Career Plan to see suggested steps that you can take towards developing your career-work search plan. Check our Events Calendar regularly for upcoming career related events (we offer several networking events and panels throughout the year). Watch for our Get Experience Fair (held annually in September), the Graduate and Professional School Fair (held annually in late September or early October), and the Summer Job Fair (held annually in January).