Physicists

If you are interested in a job in physics, talk with your science teachers. See if your school offers science clubs, such as a physics or astronomy club, to get involved with others who have the same interests as you. Participation in science fair projects will give you invaluable insight into theory, experimentation, and the scientific process. If your school does not sponsor science fairs, you may find fairs sponsored by your school district, state, or a science society.

Participate in information interviews with physicists to learn more about the field. In such an interview—which can be conducted in-person, on the phone, or through video-conferencing technology—you will get the opportunity to ask physicists about their job duties, work environment, likes and dislikes about their careers, educational training, and other topics that will help you to learn more about the field. Ask your school counselor or a physics teacher to help you set up information interviews. Perhaps you could even job-shadow a physicist to learn even more about the field.

Other ways to explore the field include reading Quanta Magazine (https://www.quantamagazine.org), participating in summer physics camps at colleges and universities, and getting involved in STEM competitions such as the High School Physics Photo Contest (which is offered by the American Association of Physics Teachers), American Rocketry Challenge, and TEAMS (Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics and Science).