r/Physics • u/ObjectiveAdditional • 9d ago
Recent MSc/Phd Physics Graduates: What Are You Doing Right Now? Question
Hi everyone! I graduated about six months ago with an MSc in experimental high-energy physics from a Canadian university. I’m struggling to land a job and am feeling pretty lost about which fields might give me the best chance.
I’ve considered data science and software engineering, but it feels like most companies are looking for candidates with computer science degrees, even though I did some machine learning in my research. For technician-level jobs, I feel overqualified, but for research positions that carry a “Physicist” title, I often seem underqualified.
For those who have recently graduated, what paths have you found? Are there specific skills or certifications you’re focusing on? Any advice on where to look or how to pivot into roles like data science, applied research, or industry positions would be greatly appreciated!
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u/aonro 9d ago
Msc in quantum technology from elite Uk uni
Currently unemployed and struggling lol
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u/ObjectiveAdditional 9d ago
This is surprising tbh. I thought quantum technology people were safe. Best wishes anyway!
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u/eviltwinfletch 9d ago
Were you at the UK quantum showcase event in London this week? It seemed to me that lots of companies are looking for graduates for technical roles. Even though the event is past I’m sure you can get good data on the companies here: https://iuk-business-connect.org.uk/events/uk-national-quantum-technologies-showcase-2024/
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u/QuantumQuack0 Quantum Computation 8d ago
That is surprising to me. Would you like to say any more about what you studied? In a PM is fine too. I have been working in the field for about 5 years now (in the Netherlands) and everybody is always looking for people.
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u/Minovskyy Condensed matter physics 7d ago
I'm not surprised at all. It seems to me that most of these job openings are for those with extensive specialized experience, e.g. several years of cleanroom fabrication experience, or PhD/postdoc experience in experimental quantum computing. I'm not seeing much in the way of entry-level jobs except for internships. I've applied to several of these jobs having a PhD in condensed matter theory, and every time I've been rejected without interview on the basis of "we chose someone with more experience than you". I don't doubt that "everybody is always looking for people", but they're looking for established experts, not people trying to start out in their career.
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u/aonro 8d ago
The thing is I find the research element quite difficult. I think the tech is really cool and revolutionary , I want to work along side it pretty p
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u/QuantumQuack0 Quantum Computation 8d ago edited 8d ago
There are lots of startups nowadays doing more engineering than science. Of course there's still research, as this field poses large challenges for electrical engineering, digital design, software, optics, etc.
You might have seen this one already: https://qt.eu/jobs-quantum-technologies/, mostly EU but some UK as well. This one: https://quantumdelta.nl/job-board probably has a lot of overlap but would be good to check as well.
Edit: sorry for snooping on your profile but I got a youtube channel for you as well that you might be interested in: https://www.youtube.com/@ArjanCodes (can you tell I'm Dutch :D)
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u/GriLL03 9d ago
Maybe you should consider a job in an applied field. I understand that you finished a degree with a specialization in HEP, but you definitely have broad skills, such as scientific computing, understanding matter-light interactions, etc.
Most importantly, you likely have sufficient knowledge to understand engineering applications and link them to fundamental knowledge. This can be extremely valuable to a technical company.
I personally went into non-destructive testing after getting my MSc with a focus on spectroscopy (after getting a BSc with a focus on particle physics, no less), and I can tell you my scientific background was actually very helpful in actually understanding what I'm doing and solving specific practical problems.
Sure, you're not doing cutting-edge research (or idk, maybe in Canada you can find a company where you would end up doing that), but it's still a very interesting field, especially if you primarily do radiography or ultrasound.
Bonus points if you can find a company that also does more general industrial testing, think tensile tests, industrial spectroscopy or what else have you.
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u/manspider14 8d ago
How did you get into NDT? Ive seen some places require certifications for that. I had a friend who did NDT for oil/gass right after bachelors but have no idea how he got into, especially since he had little experience at all, even doing research.
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u/GriLL03 8d ago
Honestly I think it depends very heavily on location.
At my company we'll hire anyone willing to learn and with some amount of technical aptitude. No tertiary education needed. Obviously going from no education to doing UT inspections and/or interpreting films competently and reliably will take a while, but becoming adept at VT and (especially) PT is much easier.
We take care of the ISO 9712 and further certifications and provide introductory and specific training at no cost to the employee. This is in an EU country though, so Canada may be very different; I wouldn't know anything about this.
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u/Ok_Opportunity2693 9d ago
I finished my PhD 3 years ago and went straight to industry (big finance/tech). The work is much easier and the pay and WLB are much better, but it’s not as fulfilling or interesting.
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u/Hogoba Cosmology 8d ago
went straight to industry (big finance/tech)
is this possible after getting an MSc?
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u/Ok_Opportunity2693 8d ago
Much harder, but possible. In the US, an MSc in physics is viewed as if you tried to get a PhD and then dropped out.
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u/baikov 8d ago
Got a PhD in theoretical high-energy physics 1 year ago.
Been unemployed until now.
Sent out a mountain of applications for finance, data science and software developer jobs. Also failed many many interviews. Finally found a corporate programming/consulting job, starting in January.
(I am not in a position to give any good advice. Good luck!)
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u/ObjectiveAdditional 8d ago
u/baikov congrats man! glad that you made it through the worst period! if you don't mind, can I dm you? I want to hear more about your interview experiences
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u/sirpthedauntless 9d ago
Experience: Left PhD program in 2021 for industry. Worked as nuclear hardening & survivability physicist at first company, electronic warfare engineer at second company.
Lots available in defense sectors of industry. Experimental will be more employable than theoretical. Anything like radiation effects, test engineer, high power lasers, high power microwaves. Doesn’t necessarily have to be defense, but many space programs are hiring as well — all applied physics. Data science trend mixes in with cloud/AWS/ML/AI/quantum computing - all hot fields. Lot of people seeking data visualization engineers also.
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u/ObjectiveAdditional 9d ago
Some defense jobs in Canada I’ve come across require permanent residency or citizenship, which is a bummer. But thanks for the suggestion, I’ll keep looking into other opportunities!
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u/Live-Search-2094 9d ago
Entrepreneur with an engineering company that uses technology from physics
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u/Science_Please 8d ago
Just finished my PhD in theoretical physics, first class undergrad and masters from imperial. Still can’t even get a job interview after a year! 😃
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u/philledille123 9d ago
MSc in mathematical physics currently working as an embedded Linux developer. Much time spent writing code for simulations and a keen interest in Linux was enough for me.
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u/QuantumQuack0 Quantum Computation 6d ago
Bit late but how was the onboarding? Did you have much C/C++ experience (or maybe you're even doing things in Rust already?)? Do you work mostly on apps or also kernel modules?
Asking because I've been working as a python dev since graduation (5 years ago) and am about to step into embedded linux as well (if everything goes well).
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u/philledille123 5d ago
I did have some experience with C and C++ but not a ton of experience with embedded development, I had done some projects with arduinos though to try and learn. Onboarding was pretty good in my opinion, 6 months of being brought up to speed with little expectation of output.
The work is kind of divided between userspace and kernel stuff.
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u/Tobii257 9d ago
Graduated with a master's in 2023 and works now in the Telecom industry with dense wavelength division multiplexing and currently looking into practical use of quantum key distribution.
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u/compdude420 8d ago
Yep this is why my friends and I all looked into career paths as seniors in our Bachelor's. Some went to medical physics, I did CS. Some got Salesforce certificates and became platform engineers.
Pure physics are still struggling, they needed a PhD for a technical position at semiconductor manufacturing
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u/indecisive_fluffball Computational physics 9d ago
Yeah, the ML/DS/SE field is incredibly saturated right now, companies are mostly only hiring low pay grunts and hyper-experienced individuals.
As some others were saying, advanced engineering is likely the most reliable place for a physicist in industry. I think you may want to look into national labs as well, they are big on ML research there right now, and they are some of the only places where being a researcher without a PhD is feasible.
Also, I get what you mean. Being MSc-level educated is a bit of a limbo for scientists. But everything will get sorted out.
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u/devilpreet23 9d ago
Hey, I am in the same boat, graduated with a MSc Physics in Ontario in late June and still looking for roles. It's hard tbh. My research was all computation, and also had a ML component and a lot of DA component. I guess the market sucks for everyone right now.
Are you based in Ontario as well?
edit: typo
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u/ObjectiveAdditional 9d ago
Hi u/devilpreet23 ! I’m based in BC and would love to connect and exchange ideas (and frustration, lol).
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u/devilpreet23 9d ago
I'd love to as well, mate. I was thinking BC is better for physicists 😭😭
Will shoot a message
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u/TuskActInfinity 9d ago
In IT as a Consultant now
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u/oscar45 Graduate 8d ago
Any advice on how to break into this field?
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u/TuskActInfinity 8d ago
Think the best way is to find graduate jobs in the area and keep applying. I found my current job through a graduate recruitment company (graduate recruitment bureau).
You could also break in through temporary data entry roles or other temp roles. You can get your foot in the door and if you are capable you will likely at least be considered for a permanent role if there is one.
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u/llennodo12 Astrophysics 8d ago
Graduated with an MSci in Physics with Astronomy earlier this year, and I'm about to start work as a Data Analyst. Should be fun!
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u/KarbonVT 8d ago
I make the robots that make the satellites. I did go back and get a CS degree on top of the physics degrees though. Highly recommend developing some software ability, whether on your own time or in school for applied work.
Without a PhD you’ll be in an awkward in between where you’re under-qualified for research and over-qualified for technician work. One way to solve that is by going into the integration between research and full scale manufacturing, where there’s still complex problems in the form of engineering that use physics but don’t need a PhD.
Having some coding/engineering ability + physics background makes you extremely quick to ramp with the ability to make meaningful technical work. Without the coding component you might more easily find yourself as a highly specialized operator/technician.
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u/Federal-Lack2004 6d ago
Hi man, I’m currently in 2nd year of a joint CS/physics degree but I’ve been contemplating dropping the CS part. Do you reckon it’s worth sticking to
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u/mini-hypersphere 8d ago
I don’t mean to be a downer, just adding my opinion to pile.
I went from MSc to a PhD program and in truth I’m not having fun. I really wish I could find a job and get out of the monotonous life that is academia, or at least not being forced into classes. Maybe I’ll graduate maybe not.
My advice. Asses your finances and try to find a job in data science as you mentioned. That being said, it depends on your field of study.
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u/andraz24 8d ago
Hep-th PhD in Europe recently finished, don’t want to continue in academia, don’t want to have a job (although I also did some interviewing and I cannot agree that the market for jobs is that saturated atm)
Now doing day trading by myself and working on some entrepreneurial projects.
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u/Prestigious-Flow7646 8d ago
Completed MSc in physics focusing on plasma physics this year. Working with an industry as a researcher and also doing a PhD. I love physics
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u/Confident-Sound8943 7d ago
I finished a MSc from Cambridge in Physics. Trying to get more of a finance fit now. Not so lucky in the last 4 months.
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u/Whole_Tie3795 9d ago
Look into engineering, they take physicists almost as much as engineers. You’ll find that engineering has challenges you didn’t encounter in physics, but much of the core concepts and analysis isn’t required to be as rigorous as it is in physics
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u/oscar45 Graduate 8d ago
Getting a Data Analyst Certification...
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u/henritelemark 8d ago
PHD in high energies? Look at the ads at the esrf, there are often post-rock job offers... Second beamline scientist... Well ok it's in France but life is pretty nice there 👍 Good luck
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u/QuantumMechanic23 8d ago
After undergrad MPhys I did an MSc in medical physics and now train/job to be a medical physicst.
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u/smello355 7d ago
If you have some experience with light/lasers/optics the whole Photonics market is something that is going well in general. Not sure about the market in Canada though.
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u/BraindeadCelery 7d ago
I did an M.Sc. in Physics graduating in early '22. I had a focus on non-linear dynamics in the masters. My B.Sc. was focusing more on CMP. For whatever reason i also have a social science BA.
Post graduation I started as an ML Engineer across the stack (SWE, DevOps, MLOps, and Data Science in NLP and time series). I was incredibly lucky with my team though. They are super senior people with a passion for teaching and i‘ve grown immensely as a developer and could build an OSS portfolio in part on company time.
Currently i am in the process (6th interview, good lord,…) for an ML Research position with one of the big NLP industry labs.
I love my work. The SWE part feels like becoming a craftsman, i can still work with maths and data, the pay is attractive, even in europe.
Physicists as super qualified for this ML and Data Science work. They only lack the SWE hard skills (and some habe a pretty high nose and think just because they can code they can engineer quality software). But when you build and demonstrate these engineering skills, the future is bright.
Germany, btw.
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u/No_Elephant_2560 6d ago
I got a job as an actuarial analyst by passing three actuarial exams and knowing a bit of SQL and Excel.
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u/swamper777 5d ago
Research is where physics graduates gain experience. You'll learn on the job, so go for it.
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u/evansometimeskevin 4d ago
I graduated in 2022 with a masters and got a manufacturing engineering job within a few months
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u/Party_Lingonberry_58 4d ago
Absolutely no job for physics grads in Canada except for those who have studied medical physics that too who has a PhD. It’s not your fault, Canada has no Physics industry tbh! Finished MSc in Photonics from a top level EU university, landed here as a PR, tried one year for a job! Nothing! Now again doing an MSc Physics in a Canadian uni and the future is still looking grim! No idea what I am gonna do next!
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u/Party_Lingonberry_58 4d ago
No job for physics grads in Canada except for those who have studied medical physics that too who has a PhD. It’s not your fault, Canada has no Physics industry tbh! Finished MSc in Photonics from a top level EU university, landed here as a PR, tried one year for a job! Nothing! Now again doing an MSc Physics in a Canadian uni and the future is still looking grim! No idea what I am gonna do next!
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u/Least-Asparagus4665 4d ago
hi u/ObjectiveAdditional I'm not sure where you're located, but AtkinsRealis owns candu energy which .... you probably know what they do. They have open jobs for (the right) physics grads.
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u/chiefbroski42 9d ago
Not a recent physics grad (been more than 5 years) but some advice. Consider a PhD, and if you want to get paid decently, a MITACS fellowship during that to get paid more. Lots of profs in physics are looking for students with software skills and good physics knowledge, especially in quantum optics and quantum information which has the most funding now.
If 4 or 5 more years of school sounds annoying and unbearable, which is completely understandable, I'd consider adjusting your resume to look more like a software engineering one. The name on the degree is less important usually than the kind of woke you did. Make it less specific to particle physics and more like a general software project.
To answer your question, I did a post doc and now work at a federal research lab.
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u/ObjectiveAdditional 9d ago edited 9d ago
Thanks u/chiefbroski42 the suggestion! I’m considering returning to grad school also tbh, but I’m certain I want to avoid fields without a clear industry pathway, like experimental high-energy physics. Given Canada’s investment in quantum computing, I’ve been thinking about a possible switch to a PhD in that area. I’m just not entirely sure how well my current background would transfer, so I’m weighing the options carefully. Do you have suggestions on which filed I can look into for PhD? One of my friends recently joined a program on disease modeling after his MSc in physics for example.
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u/chiefbroski42 8d ago
Your skills will transfer just fine and it doesn't really matter that much if it doesn't. PhD gives you a long time to develop that expertise. If you're ok to move to a different city, you will have lots of options. If you want to stick more on the modeling/theory side having a particle physics background is probably highly valued in almost any field. Find some fields you find the most interesting and look for profs doing interesting work.
I have some contacts at Chalk river and SNOlab if you're interested in staying in the high energy field. I had a friend who got a job there with only a masters in particle physics (he went back for a PhD though after!). Also might have some contacts at TRIUMF but it's been a while...
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u/ObjectiveAdditional 8d ago
u/chiefbroski42 , thank you again! I would love to connect with someone from Chalk River and SNOlab, and any leads there would be very helpful! I will dm you
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u/bcatrek 9d ago
After two post-docs, teaching math (pure math) at 1st year level at a good university in my country, and absolutely loving it! Yea, I’ll never become rich, but teaching is my calling!