GETTING A JOB

Physics majors who seek employment at the Bachelor's Degree level may find that the job market for them is more promising than for graduates in many fields. But it is still necessary to prepare carefully and effectively for finding the best opportunity.

Employers value physics graduates for several reasons. Two are the breadth and adaptability physics training usually identifies. Another is the analytical ability traditionally associated with physics graduates. Still another is the experimental attitude and knowledge which come from thorough laboratory training. The real object of the undergraduate program in physics is the development of these attributes. In finding a good job, these are the skills which will make you an attractive employee. Your task is to convince the employer that you have them and that you can make them effective in the situation open to you.

The UW's Center for Career Services (134 Mary Gates Hall) provides several services that can help you. Since most interviewers for employers visit the campus during Autumn and Winter Quarters, it is important that students seeking jobs begin to prepare toward the end of their junior year in college. By that time you should have begun to work with the Placement Center.

One of the greatest problems encountered by students is in preparing reasonably attractive resumes. The Center for Career Services schedules seminars on how to do this, how to make the best of yourself in job interviews, and how to prepare applications. Unless you have experience in this, you should consider participating in this program.

The Center also arranges interviews, maintains a library of employment information, maintains a resume file, and offers counseling on how to organize a job search.

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