J M OMeara

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But What Can I DO
With A Physics Degree?
J M OMeara Department of Physics University of
Guelph
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How is studying physics useful?

• Physics plays a central role in addressing major
  societal issues
• e.g. global warming/climate change, pollution,
  energy sources, disease therapies, ...
• A knowledge-based economy requires a
  scientifically-literate workforce

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Existing perceptions

• National Science Foundation (US) survey, 2001
• 25 thought that scientists were apt to be odd
  and peculiar people

• 29 thought that scientists have few other
  interests but their work

• 53 of those surveyed agreed with the statement
  scientific work is dangerous

Physics is..... old-fashioned, outdated,
irrelevant to modern society
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Whats missing?

• appreciation of arenas of influence
• exposure to frontiers of physics research
• emphasis on transferable skills

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Employability Skills 2000 (Conference Board of
Canada)

• the fundamental skills you need in the workplace

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Employability Skills 2000 (Conference Board of
Canada)

• the fundamental skills you need in the workplace

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Employability Skills 2000 (Conference Board of
Canada)

• additional skills needed

Be Adaptable Learn Continuously Work with Others
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Fundamental Employability Skills
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21st Century World

• I believe that a solid education in physics is
  the best conceivable preparation for the lifetime
  of rapid technological social change that our
  young people must expect to face. The
  undergraduate physics major is the liberal arts
  education of the 21st century!
• David Goodstein, Caltech

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Profiles

• highlighting the unconventional

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By degree....

• After a B.Sc.
• Steve Bell
• After an M.Sc.
• JJ Offiong
• After a Ph.D.
• Erin Niven
• Mark Staley

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Steve Bell

• Education
• Hons. B.Sc. in Physics,
• Minor in Computer Science
• Class of 96, University of Guelph

• Current Employment
• Lighting Technical Director,
• PDIDreamworks

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• What does Steve do?
• works with programmers to put virtual lighting
  in the shots of animated movies

• How did Physics prepare Steve for this work?
• there is a lot of problem-solving involved,
  which transfers pretty well
• having an idea of how light works tends to help

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Steves success
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JJ Offiong

• Education
• Hons. B.Sc. in Physics, McMaster, 96
• M.Sc. in Physics,
• University of Saskatchewan, 99

• Current Employment
• Defence Scientist,
• Operational Research Division, Dept of National
  Defence

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• What does JJ do?
• uses mathematical and computational tools to
  synthesize information
• advises decision makers on solutions to key
  operational problems

• How did Physics prepare JJ for this work?
• the application of the scientific method to
  real-world problems
• practical mathematical training
• problem solving skills

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Erin Niven

• Education
• Hons. B.Sc. in Medical Physics, McMaster, 96
• M.Sc. in Health Physics, McMaster, 98
• Ph.D. in Medical Physics, McMaster, 03

• Current Employment
• Radiation Safety Officer,
• University of Guelph

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• What does Erin do?
• ensures compliance with safety regulations
• provides recommendations on sources, equipment
  and techniques
• collects dosimetric data

• How did Physics prepare Erin for this work?
• knowledge base in radiation physics
• rapid assessment of problems
• effective communication across disciplines

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Mark Staley

• Education
• Hons. B.Sc. in Physics, U of T, 86
• M.Sc. in Physics, U of T, 88
• Ph.D. in Physics, U of G, 95

• Current Employment
• Director of Core Engine Development,
• CIBC World Markets

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• What does Mark do?
• manages a team of programmers, analysts and
  mathematicians to develop risk models for the
  trading floor

• How did Physics prepare Mark for this work?
• the training in applying mathematics to
• an uncertain set of data has helped Mark to
  excel in this field

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The Bigger Picture
From the American Institute of Physics
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So, what can you DO with a Physics degree?

• jobs requiring
• - problem solving skills - intellectual curiosity
• numeracy - adaptability
• communication skills - team work
• - time management

• ... ANYTHING YOU WANT!

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Web Resources

• www.cap.ca/careers/
• www.vector.cfee.org/english/login.php
• www.spsnational.org/cup/
• www.aip.org/aip/careers/careers.html
• careers.iop.org