From Physics to Data Science: Contemplating Careers Outside of Mainstream Academia

Academia and traditional research settings have long been the venue employing the majority of students graduating with degrees in physics, particularly at the doctoral level. At all degree levels the total number of degrees awarded in physics has increased dramatically over the past ten years. However, this same increase in the number of degrees awarded does not correlate with a similar increase in the number of tenure-track academic positions available for those graduates. Physics degree graduates then, by interest or necessity, may need to consider alternative employment options to the traditional academic path. In this talk, we will discuss the recent boom in industrial need for data scientists. The training that physics students receive at all degree levels uniquely positions them to fill the job that has been labeled by many business analysts to be “The Best Job in the US.” We will discuss what skills are necessary to develop as a viable applicant and how to best prepare for this exciting field. Most importantly, we will explore how a degree in physics makes a graduate uniquely suited to work in this fast-paced and rapidly-growing discipline.