Private Sector Physicists Symposium:
Organizers:
- Dr. Daniel Cluff, CAP Director of Professional Affairs
- Dr. Ian D’Souza, CAP Director, Private Sector Physics
- Mr. Steffon Luoma, Chair, CAP Division of Applied Physics and Instrumentation
What the Symposium will look like:
- Presentations by invited speakers from the private sector will provide an insight into the careers of physicists working outside academia.
- A panel discussion, comprised of private sector physicists and panelists with a specialization in career pathways, follows the lectures.
- The session is concluded with a vibrant question, answer and discussion session that has been found to be both informative and enlightening in past symposia.
Young physicists, or those interested in a possible career change, are encouraged to attend this interactive symposium. Click here for the current symposium schedule.
Plenary Speaker Feature:
Crystal Bailey | American Physical Society
Title: “Breaking the Myth of the “Non Traditional Physicist”: The Real Story About Employment for Physics Graduates”
Abstract:
Physics degree holders are among the most employable in the world, often doing everything from managing a research lab at a multi-million dollar corporation, to developing solutions to global problems in their own small startups. Science and Technology employers know that with a physics training, a potential hire has acquired a broad problem-solving skill set that translates to almost any environment, as well as an ability to be self-guided and -motivated so that they can teach themselves whatever is needed to be successful at achieving their goals. Therefore it’s no surprise that the majority of physics graduates find employment in private–sector, industrial settings. At the same time, about 25% of graduating PhDs will take a permanent faculty position–yet academic careers are usually the only track to which students are exposed while earning their degrees.
In this talk, I will explore less-familiar (but more common!) career paths for physics graduates, and will provide information on resources to boost your career planning and job hunting skills.
Laura-Isabelle Dion-Bertrand | Photons etc.
Title: Career Opportunities in Physics – What to do Next? (sous-titrage/questions en français disponibles)
Abstract
This talk will go over the different skills that physicists will acquire during their undergraduate and graduate studies. An overview of the different career paths will be given as well as tricks to network. Finally, we will discuss salaries and preparation for interviews.
“Opportunités de carrière en physique – Quel chemin prendre?” Cette conférence passera en revue les différentes compétences que les physiciens acquerront au cours de leurs baccalauréat, maitrise et doctorat. Un aperçu de différentes carrières possible sera donné ainsi que des astuces pour réseauter. Enfin, nous discuterons de la préparation de l’entrevue et des salaires.
Session Schedule:
11:00 – 12:00:
Crystal Bailey – “Breaking the Myth of the “Non-Traditional Physicist”: The Real Story about Employment for Physics Graduates”
12:00 – 12:30
Melissa Valdez – “Artificial Intelligence for Customer Care”
12:30 – 13:00
Chad Bryant – “Perspectives on Applied AI and Machine Learning”
13:00 – 13:30
Daniel Cluff – “Cryogenics in Mining, Deep Mine Cooling By Converting The Heat To Electricity”
13:30 – 14:00
René Stock – “From Physics to Finance and Risk Management in Times of a Pandemic”
14:00 – 14:30
Denis Dufour – “The winding road from a degree in physics to the development of leading-edge optical sensors”
14:30 – 15:00
Al Scott – “Using a Physics Education to Communicate Science to Society”
15:00 – 15:30
Laura-Isabelle Dion-Bertrand – “Career Opportunities in Physics – What to do Next?”
(sous-titrage/questions en français disponibles)
15:30 – 17:00
Panel Discussion