3 answers
Laila
Student
Roseau, Minnesota
3
Questions
Asked
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I want a career in an area that involves space-related physics. What kinds of jobs are available besides a general astrophysicist or astronomer?
I want to be in a field that is physics dominated, but I am not entirely interested in common fields like engineering.
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3 answers
Liam Rielly
Data Center Technician
180
Answers
Manassas, Virginia
Updated
Liam’s Answer
Hey Laila! I am going to give a poor answer to your question but point something out that people of your age don't usually get as career advice. If you get a degree in astrophysics, to stay committed to that field you do have a narrow band of jobs to work directly in that field. It will be the expected answers like "you'll work for NASA" or "you'll work at a university" or "you'll work at an observatory". This may be the case, but those won't be your only options. (I think that's why you are asking this question!)
Sometimes the point to getting a degree is to prove you are able to work and be committed to something and better yourself or the organization you are part of. To an employer, this means you have accomplished something in your life and you are probably going to do the same at your job. If you can polish off that degree in astrophysics, you can probably answer that email and maybe do some impressive research before it goes out. You have probably worked with some instrumentation, and you probably can read something really technical and at least kind of understand it. You wouldn't have to stay in your field or only do one of three different jobs, you will have the ability to walk into extremely technical jobs not in your field and make a way there, your degree just assisting you on the way. The days of "I got a degree in, and I do that as, work for the rest of my life" are over.
Right now we are looking to space again to help expand our infrastructure and security. Companies like Blue Origin, Firefly Aerospace, Boeing, and Exos are actively sending crafts into orbit and setting up satellite infrastructure. These are companies that need a specialty like yours in order to move us further into space. I would look for opportunities in companies like this to see if you can get an internship or possibly a job directly in your field later on. This is the time in history you will start to see space travel expand so your degree may normally be kind of niche, but it may just start to be unfolding!
I would also like to point out WHO answered this question other than myself. You have Andrew who looks like he stayed in line with his education and profession and you have Katlynne who is a Blackhawk mechanic. You have two people here with radically different jobs that have both worked with people in your field. Katlynne I'm sure has had to worry about satellite positioning and atmospheric conditions in order to do calibrations and tests to ensure equipment is functioning correctly.
So my answer of this may be a passion based degree that will allow you to work in fields not related to astrophysics may not be the case. Again I said the answer I was going to give was poor but I am going to point out there is some evidence that your field might be flowering in an area that most people don't regularly see. I know that anything dealing with subatomic particles like particle accelerators and quantum computers need people with a similar background. I can't give a one word answer for what job that will your degree will work towards, but I can say that you will be able to take parts of the work you do from getting that degree and aim it a jobs that require those skills.
Sometimes the point to getting a degree is to prove you are able to work and be committed to something and better yourself or the organization you are part of. To an employer, this means you have accomplished something in your life and you are probably going to do the same at your job. If you can polish off that degree in astrophysics, you can probably answer that email and maybe do some impressive research before it goes out. You have probably worked with some instrumentation, and you probably can read something really technical and at least kind of understand it. You wouldn't have to stay in your field or only do one of three different jobs, you will have the ability to walk into extremely technical jobs not in your field and make a way there, your degree just assisting you on the way. The days of "I got a degree in, and I do that as, work for the rest of my life" are over.
Right now we are looking to space again to help expand our infrastructure and security. Companies like Blue Origin, Firefly Aerospace, Boeing, and Exos are actively sending crafts into orbit and setting up satellite infrastructure. These are companies that need a specialty like yours in order to move us further into space. I would look for opportunities in companies like this to see if you can get an internship or possibly a job directly in your field later on. This is the time in history you will start to see space travel expand so your degree may normally be kind of niche, but it may just start to be unfolding!
I would also like to point out WHO answered this question other than myself. You have Andrew who looks like he stayed in line with his education and profession and you have Katlynne who is a Blackhawk mechanic. You have two people here with radically different jobs that have both worked with people in your field. Katlynne I'm sure has had to worry about satellite positioning and atmospheric conditions in order to do calibrations and tests to ensure equipment is functioning correctly.
So my answer of this may be a passion based degree that will allow you to work in fields not related to astrophysics may not be the case. Again I said the answer I was going to give was poor but I am going to point out there is some evidence that your field might be flowering in an area that most people don't regularly see. I know that anything dealing with subatomic particles like particle accelerators and quantum computers need people with a similar background. I can't give a one word answer for what job that will your degree will work towards, but I can say that you will be able to take parts of the work you do from getting that degree and aim it a jobs that require those skills.
Katlynne Hytrek
Blackhawk Mechanic, Animal Care Specialist
24
Answers
New Brockton, Alabama
Updated
Katlynne’s Answer
Hi Laila!
Exploring space and physics sounds really exciting! There are lots of jobs in this field, like developing new technologies for space rovers or working in space weather forecasting.
To get started, focus on building a strong foundation in STEM subjects. Take classes in math, science, physics, and computer science. Then pursue a bachelor's degree in one of these areas.
Since you're interested in space and physics, have you thought about the US Space Force? They work with NASA and offer many non-engineering careers, like human systems integration, cryptological analyst and space systems operator. They also have a ROTC program that can help with college and make it easier to become an officer. It might be worth checking out if any of these roles interest you!
Keep asking questions and stay curious. With your motivation, you'll do great things! Best of luck on your journey.
Build a strong STEM foundation
Look into Space Force career possibilities
Obtain a bachelor's in mathematics, science, physics, computer sciences, or engineering
Exploring space and physics sounds really exciting! There are lots of jobs in this field, like developing new technologies for space rovers or working in space weather forecasting.
To get started, focus on building a strong foundation in STEM subjects. Take classes in math, science, physics, and computer science. Then pursue a bachelor's degree in one of these areas.
Since you're interested in space and physics, have you thought about the US Space Force? They work with NASA and offer many non-engineering careers, like human systems integration, cryptological analyst and space systems operator. They also have a ROTC program that can help with college and make it easier to become an officer. It might be worth checking out if any of these roles interest you!
Keep asking questions and stay curious. With your motivation, you'll do great things! Best of luck on your journey.
Katlynne recommends the following next steps:
Andrew Au
Professor of Mathematics & Statistics, Retired
257
Answers
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Over the past few decades, the distinction between physics and engineering has become increasingly blurred. We can consider engineering as applied physics, whereas physics as an engineering application. Hence, there are a lot of jobs that are related to physics.
For example, I have three degrees in physics. After a one-year postdoctoral fellowship, I worked as a scientific consultant at NASA. It is not an astrophysics or astronomy job, but a technical job tackling various aspects of research and development (R&D).
For example, I have three degrees in physics. After a one-year postdoctoral fellowship, I worked as a scientific consultant at NASA. It is not an astrophysics or astronomy job, but a technical job tackling various aspects of research and development (R&D).