What to do with a degree in Physics

[suzzer99]

I have a BS in Physics from Northeast Missouri State (now called Truman State). But don't be overcome with awe. Although I did graduate from "The Harvard of the Midwest", I put my pants on one leg at a time just like everyone else.

I was a truly god-awful horrible student. I just squeaked by with my degree, and didn't really care for most of the college environment. So grad school really was never a consideration for me.

FWIW (chronologically) - mailroom worker, delivery driver, landscaper, waiter just about every other odd job in the world for many years while I tried standup comedy, stereo installer, network guy, internet programmer, and now trying it as a pro poker player. Keep in mind I graduated in 92 when *real* jobs for college grads were pretty scarce. At the restauant I worked at in the Virgin Islands every waiter I worked with had a degree and our manager had a masters.

[Paluka]

[ QUOTE ]
I have a BS in Physics from Northeast Missouri State (now called Truman State). But don't be overcome with awe. Although I did graduate from "The Harvard of the Midwest", I put my pants on one leg at a time just like everyone else.

I was a truly god-awful horrible student. I just squeaked by with my degree, and didn't really care for most of the college environment. So grad school really was never a consideration for me.

FWIW (chronologically) - mailroom worker, delivery driver, landscaper, waiter just about every other odd job in the world for many years while I tried standup comedy, stereo installer, network guy, internet programmer, and now trying it as a pro poker player. Keep in mind I graduated in 92 when *real* jobs for college grads were pretty scarce. At the restauant I worked at in the Virgin Islands every waiter I worked with had a degree and our manager had a masters.

[/ QUOTE ]

That school isn't even the Harvard of Missouri.

[kevyk]

Zero,

The great thing (and also the curse) of a Physics degree is that people will hire you for all sorts of things. I got my B.S. in Physics from the University of Maryland in 2003, and have been working for a defense contractor doing engineering work ever since. I'm leaving in about 6 weeks to pursue a MA in international relations.

I did have a double major in US and European history, but you'd be surprised how favorably prospective employers and graduate admissions people from other disciplines look upon a hard science degree. Try to figure out what you want to do for a career--with a few rare exceptions, your degree in Physics will be an asset, not a liability.