"Thinking about the future: What's in it for me?" Prof. Donald D. Koetke Professor of Physics Valparaiso University Department of Physics & Astronomy Colloquium 8 February 2002

? ? ? ? ? What are future possibilities? Which directions to follow? How to prepare? What resources are available?

"So, you'll have a degree in physics -- what now?" What can you do now to improve your chances of success immediately after leaving Valpo?

Note the feedback loops -- Your study should inform your career considerations Your career considerations should inform your study plans  What do you like most?  Experimental  Theoretical  Writing  Computer applications  Teaching others  Problem solving Attempt to match your curriculum and your career ideas/plans/aspirations.

How can you attempt to match your curriculum and your career ideas, plans, aspiration? Here are some suggestions -- Try to anticipate your future Make use of available resources  The www  The library  The faculty  Valpo grads  Coop education  The Career Center …more on these ahead...

Try to anticipate your future Begin thinking about your future now - Perhaps, begin by asking the question... “What happens to VU physics and astronomy graduates after graduation?” [Alumni]

Which sub-field of physics or astronomy interests you? You do not have to cement this now but it helps to have some ideas. Words from our graduates: “When I was at VU I could not have imagined I would be doing what I am doing now!” Will it be physics or astronomy or … Medicine, Law, Applied Physics, or something else?

What are some physics sub-fields? Condensed matter physics Nuclear and particle physics Atmospheric physics Electro-optics Laser physics Biophysics Geophysics Astrophysics Medical physics …and many more... Moral: Think broadly about your future possibilities

Here are more physics sub-fields? AcousticsApplied Physics AstronomyAstrophysics Atmospheric SciencesAtomic, Molecular BiophysicsChemical Physics Computer ScienceCondensed Matter ElectromagnetismElectronics Energy SourcesEnvironmental Physics FluidsGeophysics History/philosophyLow Temperature Phys. Marine SciencesMaterials Science Nuclear EngineeringNuclear Physics OpticsOceanography Particles and FieldsPhysics Education Physics of BeamsPlasma Physics/Fusion Polymer PhysicsRelativity & Gravitation Space ScienceStatistical/Thermal Phys Systems ScienceComputational Physics Laser PhysicsSurface Science Mathematical PhysicsAccelerator Physics Electron Optics Moral: Think broadly about your future possibilities

How to select a graduate school? Consider your preferred field Rule out geographic areas Be realistic - GPA GRE MS or PhD Discuss it with faculty Consult grad school profiles [AIP][AIP] Look at preferred schools on the www See VU www page for help (soon) Begin the process early!

Plan for graduate school -- Grades Do your best; study hard Don't be unduly anxious about grades Be ambitious to learn Take a broad curriculum of courses Be solid in math

Plan for graduate school -- Graduate Record Exam - General (verbal, quantitative, analytical) -- take it early (e.g., summer of junior -> senior year) Try practice test Physics (take this in fall of senior year) -- but -- You must prepare - early Begin in spring, junior year Take the department’s prep- course

Plan for graduate school -- Recommendations Probability for success in grad school Shows imagination/creativity Promise of a good career Communications skills (written & oral) Good computer and laboratory skills Evidence of reliability and responsibility

Plan for graduate school -- What is average time for an MS after VU? About 1.5 years. Seek advice on schools. What is average time for an PhD after VU? About 6 years. 2.5 years of course work, 3.5 years of research. What does one do with a PhD in physics? Physics research in industry Physics research at government lab. College teaching and research And, many other options… [Alumni][Alumni] You do not pay for grad school in physics! Free tuition Stipend (TA/RA)

What does a physics graduate do????? Think of your marketable skills… Problem solving skills Computer/analytical skills Laboratory skills Communications skills (written/oral) Think of what you enjoy doing most… Computer applications Working with people Working in the laboratory

What do employers look for? Applicable skills Be computer literate! Develop problem solving skills Know your way around the laboratory Communications skills If written and/or oral communications are a limitation for you, get help now! Teamwork and independence Adaptability Be educated -- not merely trained. (There is a difference!)

What do employers look for? Reliability and Responsibility Get assignments in on time! Don't miss class or appointments without excuse! Creativity Think! Don't merely do the minimum. Read! Spend at least some time reading beyond the texts. Interact! Try ideas out on others (including faculty). Question! Keep asking questions. It is one mark of a good student!!

What do employers look for? Experience Summer research experience Follow the opportunities posted Apply early and often! Summer employment Search out guidance...

VU Career Center (www)(www) Career guidance Interest inventory Career opportunities Interview training Resume writing help Talk with faculty Ask VU Alumni (more later..) Look at www employment sources Consider a coop experience...

What resources are available? Let’s look back at the overall plan… We can explore each “resource” in more detail Find out what is to be learned from each...

What is “coop(erative) education?” How can it help me? It is a “cooperation” between VU and some employer You work for the employer for a semester & summer You get paid ($$) by the employer, often rather well You earn 3 credit-hours from VU You learn real-work experience You gain appreciation how VU education can be used You move toward career decision(s) Is this an option for you?

How can faculty help you to plan for your future? Faculty (especially your academic advisor) knows you --  Your academic abilities and performance  Your demonstrated skills We (faculty) will try to ask helpful questions --  To get you to think through your options  To help you to explore possibilities  To connect you with resources - people, www, print,... When have you last discussed your future with your advisor?

What can you learn from print resources? The library resources for career planning are vast! Consult the reference librarian for more definitive help!

What do VU alumni have to offer for your career planning? Graduate school choice -- “been there; done that” Sub-field selection -- “made the decision” Employment opportunities -- “job openings here” Career advice -- “it’s not physics, but I love it!” MS or PhD? -- “it was my choice and I am happy with it” Specific company -- “sure I work here; glad to offer advice”

What’s on the www for career planning? Probably more than we can profitably use! Graduate school information [AIP][AIP] Connections with alumni [Alumni][Alumni] Career planning resources [Career][Career] Job searches Some specifics --- American Institute of Physics (AIP) [AIP][AIP] American Physical Society (APS) [APS][APS] Suggestion: Take some time to explore your career options on the www

? ? ? ? ? What are future possibilities? Which directions to follow? How to prepare? What resources are available? Have we begun to answer some of these questions? I hope so...