Skills Developed through a Physics & Astronomy Degree

Studies in Physics & Astronomy can develop many different professional abilities and can introduce you to a vast body of technical, and theoretical knowledge.

Core Physics and Astronomy Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of the structure and behaviour of materials and matter
• The skills to effectively perform laboratory work
• The ability to comprehend complex technical and scientific material and its implications on everyday life and technology
• The skills to collect various types of information, assess them, and formulate and test hypotheses

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

• The ability to present your thoughts clearly and intelligently in written statements
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to easily navigate and understand statistics and mathematical calculations
• An ability to organize, understand and analyze new sources of information and to apply novel forms of technology or new information to different professional settings and tasks
• Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
• The ability to learn new information and apply this to professional demands
• The capacity to critically analyze problems, think creatively and make sound and well-reasoned decisions while considering different sides of each argument

Management and Teamwork

• The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project's intended and successful end result
• Skills enabling you to work effectively in group situations, partaking in decision-making, leading and contributing in various capacities to the ultimate success of the team and task
• The ability to debate, persuade, mediate and present your thoughts and opinions clearly to others, as well as the capacity to recognize and incorporate other potential solutions or applications to given problems
• The capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects

Professional Associations and Organizations

Knowing the industry and how to excel in it after receiving a degree are key elements of future success. University study sets up the building blocks you will need to develop and enhance your understanding and knowledge in your career. Being part of a professional organization or network and gaining further insight through training are excellent ways of increasing your knowledge of the field.

• The Canadian Association of Physicists
• Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists
• Canadian Association of Nuclear Medicine
• Canadian Nuclear Society
• Alliance of Special Effects & Pyrotechnic Operators
• Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology
• York University’s Faculty of Science

Getting Started

York University's Career Centre has a wide variety of activities and supports to help York University students and recent graduates explore their field of interest and connect them with employers and alumni, including workshops and individual appointments, employer recruitment sessions, panel discussions, an alumni mentoring program, Career Fairs, a Volunteer Fair, and a Graduate & Professional Studies Expo. Our online job posting system has thousands of full-time, part-time (on-campus and off-campus), internship, summer and volunteer opportunities posted for York students every year. Check out our website at www.yorku.ca/careers or visit the Career Centre at 202 McLaughlin College to find out more about the ways the Career Centre can support York students in creating a fulfilling career!