Tools for Career Advisors

Helping Students Become Physicists

Statistics indicate that the majority of physics graduates will find permanent employment in the private sector. However many educators and mentors who wish to advise and prepare students for their future careers only have access to a network of academic colleagues, themselves having spent most of their career in an academic field. 

The key to providing students with adequate preparation for a successful future is to broaden their career focus, and make them aware of the wide variety of options available to those with a physics degree. These resources are designed to help educators and mentors do just that.

College & University Faculty

APS Professional Guidebook for Physics Careers
The APS Professional Guidebook for Physics Careers is a one-stop shop for career advice for all early career physicists. Covering topics like career planning and self-assessment, network building, resume and CV writing, interviewing and negotiation, the guide also links to valuable resources throughout the APS Careers website.

APS Webinars
APS Webinars cover a variety of career exploration and professional development topics for undergraduate students, graduate students, and early career physicists. All broadcasts are archived and available for on-demand viewing.

Best Practices for Educating Students about Non-Academic Jobs
A document to help departments reexamine their programs in light of the wide range of possible careers for physics graduates.

Physics Employment Data
The AIP Statistical Research Center publishes a host of reports about trends in physics employment, including typical salaries and skills and knowledge used by recent physics grads in the workforce. For an at-a-glance listing of statistical data from the reports library, visit our employment data page.

Physics Innovation and Entrepreneurship (PIE) Education
The majority of physics graduates at all degree levels will become scientists and innovators working in the private sector, yet very little of the knowledge they gain while earning their degree intentionally prepares them for these roles. APS has joined in on nationwide efforts to promote physics innovation and entrepreneurship (PIE) education.

Other Resources

One of the best ways to get information to students about non-academic careers is to invite representatives from those paths to speak in your institution or department.

Distinguished Lectureship on the Applications of Physics
The APS Committee on Careers and Professional Development (CCPD) and the Forum on Industrial and Applied Physics (FIAP) have created a distinguished lectureship to honor physicists in industrial and other non-academic careers.  Lectureship award recipients are encouraged to speak at APS Section Meetings and at local institutions about their careers in industrial and non-academic contexts. Institutions interested in inviting the Distinguished Lectureship Award recipient to speak should contact Crystal Bailey (bailey@aps.org).

K-12 Educators

5 Myths About High School Physics

The "5 Myths" brochure is intended for high school students and anyone who advises them―teachers, guidance counselors, parents, and others. The brochure helps address harmful preconceptions that students and those that advise them often have about physics.

5 Myths about High School Physics
If you know someone with negative perceptions of physics, we recommend you use the brochure as a conversation starter.

Careers Guide

2022 Careers GuideSee the breadth of opportunities for physics graduates in industry, national labs, and beyond. And get the guidance you need to land one of those jobs.

Careers In Physics Brochure

Careers Brochure ThumbnailOur brochure is a comprehensive guidebook for students interested in exploring career options for those with a physics degree.

For a copy of the brochure, contact Crystal Bailey (bailey@aps.org).

Physics InSight

Download Free Slide Shows!

InSight logoPhysics InSight slide shows inform and excite students about careers and opportunities in physics. The slide shows are easy to download and install on PC and Mac based viewing systems.
Gray arrow InSight: Physics Slide Shows