Overview
Overview
Gravitating towards careers that the modern world revolves around.
Description
Have you ever wondered what those bright twinkly blobs in the night sky actually are? Oh sure, your science teacher says they're stars, but you've always secretly suspected there's more to it than that. (Otherwise, why would Jiminy Cricket be so obsessed with them?)
Well, you're right—there is more to it than that. It's called astronomy, and it fills you in on the secret lives of stars, planets, and everything in between. This is just one of the things that physicists study in college, along with chemistry, molecules, and string theory (which is a lot more than a knot-tying technique).
Physicists are the geeks...er...um...people who attempt to explain how the physical universe works. They ask important questions and then go about finding the answers. What are the immutable laws of nature? How fast can we make a particle travel, and if it gets loose, could it break my windshield? Also, is that covered by my insurance? How does matter interact and why does it behave the way that it does? Why does it…matter? (Sorry, we had to.)
It takes an inquisitive, mathematical, and scientific mind to become a successful physicist. If that sounds like you, go for it, because you'll be rolling in the dough—especially if you work for the Federal Government. They may not pay their postal workers all that much, but that doesn't mean they're always tightwads.
For the most part, those with degrees in physics work in the private sector. They can be employed as engineers, computer scientist, or high school physics teachers. However, when asked, they'll probably still call themselves physicists. You should just let them have that.
Famous People who majored in Physics
- Albert Einstein
- Greydon Square
- Bryan May
- Elon Musk, CEO and Chief Product Architect of Tesla Motors
- Stephen Hawking
- Jimmy Carter
- Sheldon Cooper (from The Big Bang Theory)
Percentage of US students who major in Physics:
0.18%
Stats obtained from this source.