Do you think your questions are similar to those that Newton had in his mind after the apple fell? Do you have the aptitude for analysis and the zeal to comprehend how the forces of the planet work? Do you consider yourself to be a math enthusiast with the ability to combine math and physics to create original theories for the next generation?
In that case, you most certainly possess what it takes to become a physicist.
Discover the career as a physicist, top industries, necessary skills, and much more by reading this blog.
What is a career as a physicist?
- Creating and carrying out experiments utilizing scientific techniques, and coming to conclusions
- Establishing rules and theories based on observation and experimentation and using these laws and theories to solve issues in fields like nuclear energy, optics, and aerospace technology
- As part of the study and assessment of data, performing computations
- Examining data from studies done to identify and quantify physical phenomena
- Designing, developing, and testing experimental, industrial, or medical instruments, equipment, and processes in conjunction with other scientists
- Creating models or theories for physical phenomena
- Developing methods for making lasers, masers, infrared lights, and other light-emitting and light-sensitive gadgets
- Assisting students with their study and experimentation
- Writing and publishing articles, research papers, etc.
- Teaching in institutions of higher learning
See also: How to become a Space Scientist.
Job Titles of a Physicist
- Photonics Engineer: Engineers in the field of photonics create cutting-edge technology by creating novel goods that are ultimately optimized for everyday use, such as new electronics and the production of solar-powered cells. These physicists design prototypes to determine whether or not their theories are workable. They create things that can be utilized every day, and prototypes can accurately convey the value of their job.
- Nuclear Physicist: A nuclear physicist may be responsible for researching radiation and subatomic particles. Nuclear physicists investigate atoms and subatomic particles to determine their properties. These physicists study physical phenomena, create hypotheses based on observation and experimentation, and create strategies for putting physical laws and theories into practice.
- Theoretical Physicist: A theoretical physicist is a scientist who develops theories to explain the intricate interactions between matter and energy in the cosmos as well as the workings of mathematics, computations, chemistry, and biology.
- Experimental Physicist: In a lab setting, experimental physicists typically test theories and hypotheses, identify novel phenomena, and create novel applications of concepts. Mathematical reasoning is a tool used by theoretical physicists to create new theories, forecast the future, and explain experimental results.
- Material Scientist: Material scientists investigate substances and look at how they interact with one another at the atomic and molecular levels. They apply their knowledge to develop fresh, better products and evaluate the calibre of created goods.
- Research Scientist: Research scientists perform a wide range of responsibilities, such as carrying out experiments, recording their findings, supervising personnel, reading peer-reviewed literature, delivering research papers, and more.
Career Path to become a Physicist
Path 1
- For entry into a bachelor’s program in physics, students must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Math at the 10+2 level and achieved a minimum score in each of these disciplines.
- B.Sc. Physics is the most popular course in this field that is given at the UG level. The typical course length is three years.
- After earning your undergraduate degree, you have the option of pursuing an MSc in Physics or an MS in Physics with a chosen specialization. In India, M.Sc. programs last two years, although MS degrees are often provided for one year at various foreign universities.
- If your resume, which includes your projects, research papers, internships, and research proposal, is strong, you may choose to pursue an M Phil/Ph.D. in Physics after finishing your master’s degree.
Salary of Physicists at different career stages
EXPERIENCE | SALARY PER MONTH (INR) |
0-2 years | 39,200 |
2-5 years | 51,900 |
5-10 years | 69,300 |
10-15 years | 82,700 |
15-20 years | 89,200 |
Is Physicist a good career option?
- Even in a difficult economy, employment prospects in physics are typically excellent. Employers are looking for physics majors in numerous fields making a career as a physicist a lucrative one.
- Physics and physicists are on the front lines, working to build the future in fields like robots, artificial intelligence, gaming, and the fight against disease and climate change. In an era where employment is changing, a career as a physicist offers a wide variety of professional options. A career as a physicist not only science and technology, either.
- Since 2004, the employment prognosis for physicists has been favourable. In that time, there were 14.28 per cent more jobs available nationwide, growing on average by 0.89 per cent annually. There will be a rise in the need for physicists, with 3,330 new positions to be filled by 2029 which is why you should pursue a career as a physicist.
Skills required for a Career as a Physicist
- Mathematical Aptitude
A career as a physicist will need to compute equations, solve numerical problems, interpret graphs, and analyze various measurements. Thus, having high mathematical skills is necessary in a career as a physicist.
- Technical Expertise
Since physicists are expected to employ technology for data measurement and analysis, you must be technically skilled for a career as a physicist.
- Writing abilities
A career as a physicist required you to have the ability to write research papers and articles on your experiments and studies.
- Presentation abilities
A physicist needs to be able to give reports and research papers to a variety of audiences, thus anyone wanting a career as a physicist must be proficient in this area. - Scientific Rationale
When tackling problems with scientific techniques and methodologies, physicists must use logical/scientific reasoning to come up with potential answers. - Teamwork
A career as a physicist requires you to operate in a team because you will frequently need to collaborate with others.
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Top industries for a Career as a Physicist
- Energy
- Instrumentation
- Manufacturing
- Telecommunications
- Aerospace and Defence
Top recruiters for a Career as a Physicist in India
- Wipro
- Infosys
- Maruti Udyog
- Bhabha Atomic Research Centre
- Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
- Tech Mahindra
- Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
- CTS
- Physics Research Laboratory
- Indian Institute of Science
Courses to Upskill for a Career as a Physicist
You can get a head start on your bachelor’s degree studies by enrolling in certification courses. It will provide you with experience with the topic and support the growth of a complete comprehension of it. Consider enrolling in a few of the following courses if you’re pursing a career as a physicist:
COURSE | DURATION |
Introduction to Mechanics | 1-3 months |
The special theory of relativity | 1-3 months |
Introduction to electricity and magnetism | 3-6 months |
Exploring Quantum Physics | 1-3 months |
Introduction to Thermodynamics | 1-3 months |
Qualifications for a Career as a Physicist
Degrees in India for a career as a physicist
You can pursue a BSc(3 years) or B.Tech (4 years) in physics or mathematics at the undergraduate level.
There are no such national/state-level tests for entry into the BSc program. The majority of institutions base admission decisions on merit, however, some also administer their own tests like the DUET and GSAT.
Candidates may need to take exams like JEE-Mains, WBJEE, UPSEE, KCET, etc. to be admitted to B.Tech programs to pursue a career as a physicist.
Degrees Abroad for a career as a physicist
A BSc in physics can be studied during your first three or four years of college to have a career as a physicist. As an alternative, you can pursue an MSci or MPhys, which allows you to extend your bachelor’s program by a year in order to turn it into a master’s. Typically, after the first year, you have the option to do this.
If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a similar field, you can enrol in a one- or two-year taught or research master’s program in physics as an MSc or MPhil. A physics PhD can be pursued if you wish to become a doctor, and it can take up to six years to finish and start a career as a physicist.
References
Books
- The Elegant Universe
- Thirty Years that shook Physics
- A brief history of the time
- Physics of the Impossible
- Cosmos
We hope you got a great understanding of how to become a Physicist and what a career as a physicist is and wish you luck with the same.
That’s all from us now, keep coming back for more and more information.
FAQ about how to become a Physicist
Who is eligible to study physics?
A job as a physicist is open to anyone with an interest in the subject who has successfully finished their 10+2 with PCM.
What is the specialization of a physicist?
Potential areas of specialization in Physics include particle physics, astrophysics, biotechnology, meteorology, nanotechnology, condensed matter theory, quantum dynamics, applied physics, plasma physics, aerospace dynamics, atomic and laser physics, atmospheric, oceanic, and planetary physics, and climate science.
Do physicists get paid well?
A bachelor's degree holder in physics can expect to make an average of INR 50,500 per month. Whereas they can make about INR 69,700 with a master's degree and about INR 91,600 with a PhD.
Can I become a physicist even though I don't have a physics bachelor's degree?
If a candidate has earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics, engineering, or electronics, they are qualified to pursue a career in physics.
Are physicists in demand?
The US Bureau of Labour Statistics projects that overall employment for physicists will increase by 7% between 2019 and 2029, which is faster than average for all occupations.