Do physics to get jobs in IT, nuclear sector

 If the laws of physics open up the world of scientific development, their application creates a variety of job opportunities. The list ranges from analysts, teachers to researchers, scientists in areas as diverse as space science and nuclear energy to industrial research.

"The demand for physics courses is largely because of the high level of interest and motivation of students," says professor V Ravishankar, head of physics, IIT-Kanpur.
There is demand for physics graduates because of developments in the nuclear power sector, writes TPS Nathan of Centre for Advanced Technology and AK Gupta from IBP Co in a paper titled 'Opportunities in and For Physics-based Industries.'

"In terms of placement, many graduates are employed by IT companies as software engineers or by banking firms," says Mohammed Tajudeen, placement officer, Crescent Engineering College. Students are also recruited as lab analysts in firms. IT companies hire physics graduates for their engineering division, says Tajudeen. "Firms like HCL and TCS have large engineering divisions," he says.

Physics graduates are also recruited in optical/laser companies. And it helps if students specialize after graduation. A PhD allows them to become physicists in universities or research institutes. It also opens doors in government departments such as defence, space and nuclear energy, says professor Pankaj Jain of IIT-Kanpur. "You can also join industrial laboratories engaged in research in semiconductors, nanotechnology, thin film technology, lasers, photonics and biophysics," he says. "Expertise in programming for graduates can also lead to a well-paying career in software industry or finance," says professor Ravishankar.

Recently, IIT Kanpur introduced a four-year BSc programme in physics. "Earlier, students had to opt for a five-year integrated MS.