Career Compass: Physics and Astronomy

As a Physics and Astronomy student at the University of Manitoba, you will learn about the properties of energy and non-living matter.  The Faculty of Science has many opportunities for you to explore within Physics and Astronomy:

1. Physics: the study of structure and behaviour of matter, transfer of energy, and interactions of matter and energy. The Department of Physics and Astronomy also offers a specialized honours program in Medical Physics, and joint programs in conjunction with the departments of Chemistry, Mathematics, and Computer Science.
2. Astronomy: the study of the universe, galaxies and stars.

Skills you will gain by studying Physics & Astronomy

• The ability to observe the natural world and develop hypotheses or explanations of physical phenomena.
• The ability to design and conduct experiments to quantitatively test hypotheses, selecting appropriate techniques and procedures.
• The ability to build and operate complex equipment, and follow technical manuals with accuracy and proficiency.
• The ability to collect and analyze data using statistical analysis and computer modelling techniques, and make reasoned judgments on the basis of available data.
• The ability to communicate effectively both verbally, by giving effective presentations, and in writing, by preparing technical reports.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
PHYS 1050 (or PHYS 1020) & PHYS 1070 (or PHYS 1030), MATH 1500 & MATH 1700, MATH 1300, COMP 1012 and ASTR 1810 (Honours: Astronomy and Astrophysics concentration only).

To do this year:

1. Physics – what's right for you? An academic advisor in the Faculty of Science can help you decide.
2. Use UM Achieve by running "what-ifs" to explore different program options & corresponding requirements.
3. If you need academic support, visit the Physics Help Centre or attend a Supplementary Instruction session through the Academic Learning Centre.

CAREER TIPS

Start planning your career:

1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests.
3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
4. Explore your Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

1. Student groups including the Organization of Physics University Students, and Science Students' Association.
2. Volunteer for UM Orientation events to help welcome new students to campus while gaining experience and volunteer for Science, Engineering & Technology (SET) Day or with the UM Space Applications and Technology Society (UMSATS).
3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Considering international opportunities? Visit the International Centre website to learn about international opportunities for UM students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit the Indigenous Student Centre and learn about local agencies via Manitoba 211.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements in your Honours or Major program.

To do this year:

1. Submit an online request through the Science Office to declare your Honours or Major program.
2. Use UM Achieve to prepare a plan for registration.
3. Considering a professional program? Refer to the Applicant Information Bulletin to familiarize with the pre-professional requirements.
4. Consider taking an optional minor, and choosing courses that will open opportunities.

CAREER TIPS

Make professional connections:

1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
3. Attend the Physics & Astronomy Colloquium Series.
4. Develop professional connections with professors by applying for an Undergraduate Research Award.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Explore student research opportunities: Volunteer with a professor and apply for a Research Assistant position, Undergraduate Research Award, NSERC grant, or other research grant-funded positions at the UofM.

Gain relevant work experience: Get involved with Let’s Talk Science, The Manitoba Museum, WISE Kid-Netic Energy or Science FUNdamentals.

Check out student job opportunities with: Check out UMConnect, CSIS, Accountingjobs.ca or other job boards.

Earn while you learn: Consider applying to the Science Co-operative education program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange or service-learning program, My World Abroad or SWAP for a "working holiday".

Staying local? Check out the WUSC Student Refugee Program or Community Engaged Learning. Practice your use of additional languages through the Language Partner Volunteer Program.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements in your Honours or Major program.

To do this year:

1. Meet with the department or a science advisor to discuss course selection.
2. Use UM Achieve to prepare a plan for registration.
3. Meet with your co-op advisor (if applicable).

CAREER TIPS

Investigate your career options:

1. Use sample job postings to determine additional qualifications to build prior to graduation.
2. Consider student membership with professional associations such as the Canadian Association of Physicists.
3. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning including the Stu Clarke Centre for Entrepreneurship, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government.
4. Attend a LinkedIn workshop on UMConnect to create a profile and network with professionals.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Extended Education or other academic institutions.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Continue or start research: Participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition.

Gain practical experience in your field of interest: Consider opportunities in one of the department’s research areas or partner organizations such TRIUMF.

Search for job opportunities online: Check out UM Connect, Canada Job Bank, Math-Jobs.org, Tech Manitoba, CSIS, or other job boards.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Did you travel abroad? Become an exchange mentor for the International Student Mentorship Program, join the exchange student community at the University of Manitoba or write an article about your experience.

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus such as the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program, volunteer for the International Student Mentorship Program or take part in Graduation Pow Wow.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements: Refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements in your Honours or Major program.

To do this year:

1. Meet with your Department Advisor and Science advisor for Honours or Major program approval.
2. Meet with your Co-op Advisor (if applicable).
3. Confirm eligibility to graduate with a science advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

CAREER TIPS

Start job search 9 months in advance: Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing on to graduate school: Finalize your application materials and required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as the Post-Secondary Recruitment Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus.

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

• Astronaut
• Atmospheric Scientist
• Air Quality Specialist
• Data Analyst
• Environmental Assessment Specialist
• Forensics Firearms Specialist
• Insurance Broker
• Insurance Underwriter
• Laboratory Technologist
• Quality Assurance Technologist
• Radiation Safety Specialist
• Research Technologist/Junior Scientist
• Science Communicator
• Science Policy Analyst
• Technical Sales Representative
• Technical Writer

Options requiring other education

• Aerospace Engineer
• Astronomer
• Chemical Physicist
• Electrical Engineer
• Flight Dynamics Analyst
• Meteorologist
• Laser Fusion Scientist
• Lawyer
• Medical Physicist
• Nanotechnologist
• Physicist
• Quantum Computing Specialist
• Science Teacher
• Seismologist
• University Professor

Industries like aerospace, biotechnology, business, education, medicine, and pharmaceutical development would value a Physics and Astronomy degree in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. These include:*

• Oral and written communication
• Numeracy and data use
• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Teamwork
• Digital literacy
• Industry specific knowledge
• Continuous learning

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000⁺ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.

Details of that report can be found here.