FROM STUDY TO SKILLS:
All academic programs offered at the UM help students develop valuable transferable skills. The goal of Physics is to understand the behavior of matter and energy on every level: from the origins of the universe in the Big Bang to the interior of atoms in your computer screen. In pursuing a degree in Physics, you will learn theoretical and experimental techniques as you study the laws and properties of motion, heat, light, electricity, radiation, magnetism, particles, and matter.
Students who concentrate in physics develop the ability to solve problems by working with their smaller components. They learn to summarize what is known about physics problems through research, acquire shop and technical laboratory skills necessary to answer questions experimentally, and learn mathematical and computer methods to solve problems in theoretical physics. The following list presents some examples of the abilities associated with physics majors.
Related fields include Astronomy, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Computer Science.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Problem-Solving Skills
Breaking problems into their component parts
Performing calculations
Modeling complex systems mathematically
Data analysis
Reviewing relevant literature
Designing equipment to perform a desired measure
Creating computer simulations
Communication Skills
Summarizing research findings
Writing research proposals
Giving seminars on physics topics
Teaching basic physics ideas
Preparing technical reports
Contributing to project teams
Radio, television and cellular communication
Technical Skills
Metal shop abilities
Equipment design
Electronics design and repair
Cryogenic methods
Computer programming
Medical imaging techniques
Research / Project Development Skills
Reviewing literature
Developing theories
Testing hypotheses
Organizing ideas & materials
Defining / developing /generating ideas
Integrating theoretical approaches
BUILDING YOUR SKILLS OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
Employers seek out individuals who can demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, teamwork and interpersonal skills, initiative, and a strong work ethic. Student organizations and campus employment, including research with Physics Department faculty members, offer valuable opportunities to add to the skills you are developing in your classes. Most concentrations sponsor specific student groups like an undergraduate organization or an honor society. Other options include study abroad, off-campus employment or volunteering in the community. Finally, a summer internship may be the best way of all to test out a career field and develop marketable skills.
FROM SKILLS TO CAREER
Students graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics are prepared for advanced study in physics or professional school. Many graduates work in related technical and scientific occupations, while others combine their physics expertise with additional skills in such areas as industry, education, medicine and finance.
Problem-Solving Skills
Science advisor
Mathematician 
Flight management analyst
Test engineer
Financial analyst
Attorney / Lawyer
Physician
Communication Skills
Science librarian
K-12 teacher
College instructor
Museum curator
Sales representative
Technical writer
Technical Skills
Cardiac imaging researcher
Technician: laser, accelerator, electronic
Computer specialist
Television engineer
Automotive engineer
Computer systems engineer
Space technician
Satellite data technician
Medical physicist
Medical device designer
Optometrist
Meteorologist 
Research / Project Development Skills
Physicist
Research scientist
Laboratory manager
College administrator
National lab researcher
Laboratory technician
Oceanographer
Astronomer
Hydrologist
= Green Jobs = Further Study Required
For more career information, see O*NET at http://online.onetcenter.org/
CONCENTRATION REQUIREMENTS
The Physics concentration is normally declared after prerequisite courses have been completed. Due to the sequential nature of course offerings, students should use the LSA Bulletin or talk with concentration advisors to determine the appropriate course of study. Students interested in physics are urged to contact the Physics Department as soon as possible to discuss placement in a research activity and to get advice about course sequencing and research skill training.
Department of Physics
450 Church Street
734-764-5539
www.lsa.umich.edu/physics
Newnan Advising Center
1255 Angell Hall
734-764-0332
www.lsa.umich.edu/advising
NEXT STEPS / RESOURCES
To begin connecting to professionals in fields that interest you, create your own LinkedIn account:
http://careercenter.umich.edu/article/getting-started-linkedin
To identify internships or job opportunities, visit Handshake: https://careercenter.umich.edu/article/handshake
Maize Pages list hundreds of organizations for students to get involved in: http://studentorgs.umich.edu/maize
On-campus jobs (work-study and non work-study jobs) are listed at:
https://studentemployment.umich.edu/JobX_Home.aspx
The Career Center
3200 Student Activities Building
734-764-7460
www.careercenter.umich.edu
www.facebook.com/careercenter.umich
http://twitter.com/careercenter
The Career Guide series was developed by the University of Michigan Career Center, Division of Student Affairs, in cooperation with the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. ©2011 Regents of the University of Michigan