Explore a career in Physical Sciences.
Physical science careers represent diverse disciplines, finding new approaches to solve problems and creating new knowledge.
Professionals in physical science fields can be experimentalists or theorists, or some combination of both. They are both “problem solvers” and “problem creators” in academia and industries from oil/gas to pharmaceuticals to federal laboratories. “Problem solvers” perform research to develop knowledge to specifically address a known issue (e.g., climate change, incurable cancer). “Problem creators” conduct fundamental research, asking questions that have never been asked before; they create knowledge for its own sake.
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Sample Disciplines
- Astronomy
- Chemistry
- Environmental science
- Geology
- Meteorology
- Oceanography
- Physics
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Sample Research Jobs (advanced degree usually required, but technician jobs are available at the bachelor level)
- Industry research and development
- Academic research
- Government & nonprofit laboratory research
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Sample Teaching Jobs
- K-12 or college/university level
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Sample Industry Roles (bachelor level opportunities)
- Field scientist
- Quality control
- Lab technician
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Recruiting Timelines
Employers recruit and hire according to specific cycles that vary by employer and opportunity type. By understanding and adapting your job or internship search strategy to the industry’s recruiting timeline, you are putting yourself in the best position to secure a full-time or summer position.
The graphic below details when employers of differing types and sizes hire throughout the year. The darker areas indicate a higher level of recruiting activity, which is when you can expect most applications to open and close.
Key:
- Large companies: 1000+ employees, public or private
- Small companies and start-ups: Fewer than 250 employees, public or private
- Mid-size companies: May hire on either timeline, depending on the employer
- REUs: Research Experiences for Undergraduates, competitive opportunities for summer research, mainly in academia, funded by the National Science Foundation
- Government agencies: Federal, state and local
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Candidate Profile
Check out the career competencies to understand the skills that will make you career ready!
Technical Skills
- Abilities and knowledge acquired through class work, research, internships, and independent projects
- Relevant coding and software skills
- Hands-on skills such as laboratory techniques, equipment, machine shop, etc.
Communication Skills
- Proficiency in written, oral, and electronic communication
- Skills in addressing multiple audiences, including peers, management, and clients
- Ability to communicate technical concepts in an accessible way to non-technical audiences
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
- Skills in identifying, assessing, and analyzing complex problems
- Ability to organize one’s thoughts and present a well-reasoned argument
Teamwork, Leadership and Interpersonal Skills
- Demonstrated experience as an effective member of a team or group leader
- Conflict resolution skills
Academic Achievement
- 3.0 minimum GPA is typical for competitive opportunities
