Physics

Physics graduates apply practical, technical and abstract thinking skills along with the ability to innovate throughout the science and technology sectors.

Physics is the most fundamental of all the sciences. It aims to understand how nature is put together and how it works, examining matter and energy in all their forms.

Because of this, Physics students develop a unique set of skills that can be applied in a wide range of settings. They learn to solve complex problems and develop high levels of abstract reasoning, accuracy and patience that are applied using rigorous methodologies.

These skills transfer readily to other job areas, particularly in entrepreneurial activities where their intellectual and practical skills are helpful.

Roles and career pathways

Physics graduates can follow diverse career pathways.

Research

Physics graduates with an undergraduate qualification may start out as research assistants and technicians with research organisations and universities. Some graduates are lab demonstrators, tutors and research assistants in universities while also completing a postgraduate qualification.

A postgraduate qualification such as an MSc or PhD can lead to physicist, teaching and researcher roles in a wide range of organisations from universities to research institutes to technology companies.

Studying Physics can lead to jobs in government organisations and research institutes as policy advisers or communications advisers.

Technology

Others progress into technology support and development roles. Graduates may start out as back-end developers, focussing on security, structure or content management or as test or client support analysts, progressing into roles such as business analysts and implementation consultants.

It can be useful to study subjects such as Computer Science or a second degree such as Commerce, with an Information Systems major.

Completing a second major, minor or conjoint degree at undergraduate level or a postgraduate level qualification in Science Communication is worth considering if communicating complex concepts for wider audiences is of interest.

Meteorology and climate science

Physics graduates can work in meteorology (the study of weather and climate) as meteorologists. Undergraduate Physics students can apply for the Meteorologist training programme at MetService NZ. This includes an internship component and completing a sponsored Master of Meteorology.

A relevant postgraduate qualification can lead to research roles in areas such as climate or environmental science. Graduates in these areas have usually also studied Mathematics, Geophysics, Geology or Ecology and Biodiversity.

Space sector

The space sector, overseas and in New Zealand, is growing and is made up of specialisations such as space manufacturing, operations, applications, specialised support services, research and development, regulatory oversight and policy.

A postgraduate qualification in Physics can lead to work in areas such as space systems and data, rocket system design and testing, or research into celestial bodies, planets and stars.

You can find out more local information about careers in space from the NZ Space Agency at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and check out space jobs and internships in New Zealand and overseas at Stellar Jobs.

Policy and legal

Studying Physics can lead to jobs in government organisations and research institutes as policy advisers or communications advisers. Relevant experience or study in in related Commerce or Humanities areas such as public policy, communications can be helpful.

Others with postgraduate science qualifications take up trainee patent attorney roles. While completing a conjoint Law degree at undergraduate level can be an advantage, a graduate with a postgraduate degree in an area such as Physics can be trained as a Trans-Tasman Patent Attorney.

Teaching

Completing a postgraduate qualification in secondary teaching (limited entry) may lead to roles teaching Physics and possibly Mathematics and other sciences. See Teaching and check with the Victoria University of Wellington Faculty of Education about entry requirements.

Where Physics graduates work

Physics graduates are employed in a wide range of organisations in and beyond the science and technology sectors. Recent graduates have worked in organisations such as:

Build relevant skills and experience

Part-time work and volunteering during study all help to increase your job prospects when you graduate. Gaining work experience as a lab demonstrator, tutor or research assistant during your studies is also a valuable way to gain relevant experience to increase your employability.

Callaghan Innovation offers R&D Student Grants which help you learn more about careers in this area and develop practical workplace experience.

Programmes such as Wellington Plus, and Wellington International Leadership Programme (WILP) offer opportunities to gain diverse volunteer and leadership experience.

Make career connections

Making connections with individuals and groups during your degree can help you learn more about career opportunities.

The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology is a collaboration of New Zealand universities and research organisations and focuses on materials science, developing and marketing new technologies. The institute holds events around sustainability and innovation and offers scholarships and awards for Māori, Pasifika and mature students.

Chiasma is a student led organisation that focuses on linking Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) students with industry. Chiasma Wellington hosts development and networking opportunities.

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce and Wellington Young Professionals also offer various events and opportunities for networking. The Alumni as Mentors programme for final-year students also helps enhance your connections and employability while studying.