Solving difficult theoretical constructs, mastering hands-on experimental techniques, wrangling data acquisition and analysis, and developing skills in error analysis, technical writing, and computer programming make physics students excellent candidates for a wide variety of jobs. Translating those skills into marketable language for potential employers, however, can be a daunting task. Enter the Careers Toolbox for Undergraduate Physics Students, a product of the Career Pathways Project. This set of tools, available as a workbook and freely available on an engaging, interactive website, guides students through an exploration of career options and helps prepare them for success in their job search. Many of the tools can also be used to find internships, research positions, or even gain entrance into graduate programs.
Participants learn, through interactive resources, how to identify skills that are valued in the workplace, describe their skills in ways that are meaningful to employers, find job opportunities, and stand out as a candidate. They also explore resources for building an effective resume, interviewing, networking, and understanding other aspects of the job search, all geared specifically for physics students. SPS has hosted nearly a dozen Careers Toolbox workshops around the country, including several at regional SPS zone meetings, and more are planned for 2015.
