Physics is one my favorite subjects. I felt it was only fitting that it would be the first career spotlight.

A physicist is a scientist who studies the fundamental properties and laws that govern the universe. They may study theory, design and perform experiments, or apply their knowledge in developing materials or equipment.

Here are some of the specific things that physicists do:

• Conduct research: Physicists conduct research to learn more about the physical world. They may study the properties of matter and energy, the interactions of particles, or the structure of the universe.

• Develop theories: Physicists develop theories to explain the behavior of the physical world. These theories are based on mathematical models and experimental data.

• Design and perform experiments: Physicists design and perform experiments to test their theories and to gather new data. They use a variety of equipment, including particle accelerators, lasers, and electron microscopes.

• Apply their knowledge in developing materials or equipment: Physicists apply their knowledge to developing new materials or equipment. For example, they may develop new materials for use in electronics or new medical imaging equipment.

Physicists work in a variety of settings, including universities, government agencies, and private industry. They may also work as consultants or independent researchers.

The job outlook for physicists is good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of physicists will grow 14% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to be driven by the need for physicists to develop new technologies in areas such as energy, medicine, and computing.

If you are interested in a career in physics, you should have a strong background in math and science. You should also be able to think critically and creatively and to solve problems.

 Here are some of the skills that are important for physicists:

• Math skills: Physicists need to be proficient in math, including calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations.

• Science skills: Physicists need to have a strong understanding of physics concepts, such as mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics.

• Problem-solving skills: Physicists need to be able to identify and solve problems. They often use mathematical models to simulate physical systems and to predict the outcome of experiments.

• Critical thinking skills: Physicists need to be able to think critically and to evaluate evidence. They often need to come up with new ideas and to design experiments to test their theories.

• Communication skills: Physicists need to be able to communicate their ideas to others. They often need to write reports and give presentations to explain their work.

If you are interested in a career in physics, there are a few things you can do to prepare:

• Take math and science classes: The more math and science classes you take, the better prepared you will be for a career in physics.

• Do research: Getting involved in research is a great way to learn more about physics and to get experience working on real-world problems.

• Network with physicists: Talking to physicists and learning about their work can help you decide if a career in physics is right for you.

• Get involved in physics organizations: There are many physics organizations that offer opportunities for students to learn more about physics and to network with other physicists.

Links of interest:

ACC website

Physics at ACC

US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Society of Physics students

National

ACC ( Facebook page)

US News "What you can do with a Physics Degree"