Theoretical physics involves more than just theorizing solutions to problems. As a theorist, you have to be able to use algebra, geometry, calculus, physics, and other sciences in order to prove or support your claims. If you are a parent and have a child in elementary school who is interested in learning about physics, check out books by the popular author, Chris Ferrie. Chris has published a wide variety of children’s books that explain basic physics principles, and ones that spotlight figureheads in the field like Isaac Newton, who was the first theoretical physicist. [2] X Research source If you are in middle or high school, consider reading books by Stephen Hawking, who is a renowned theorist in the field. A Brief History of Time and The Grand Design are popular books to read to obtain general knowledge on the field. Michio Kaku’s Physics of the Impossible and Hyperspace are good reads as well. [3] X Research source
Your teacher may even have a list of websites for you to learn from or books that you can borrow on the subject.
Some basic classes that might interest you are physics, algebra, geometry, calculus, and astronomy.
Maybe there is a physics club at your school and every week students get together to learn information not covered in class, or maybe there is a summer science camp that teaches astronomy, which is something not offered at your school. Whatever the club or camp is, get involved with it if you can. Speak with your science teachers or visit your local community center to find out about ongoing science clubs or upcoming science camps.
While you can aim for Ivy-league universities like Princeton, Harvard, and Stanford, also look at theoretical science programs at universities within your state, as those may offer scholarships or grants for staying local. [8] X Research source If you are having problems compiling a list of universities to apply to, make an appointment with your favorite science teacher or your guidance counselor. Either will be able to help you narrow down your search results, find university programs that are right for you and file the proper applications. [9] X Research source
Experimental physics will also give you insight into the laboratory work that goes behind proving some of the theoretical research.
If you are having problems in any of your majoring courses, speak with the professor, a guidance counselor, or other students. College is a time for networking, so if you are having problems, networking with different groups of people might just help you solve them. [12] X Research source Don’t be afraid to explore subjects that are closely related to your field. Look into taking courses involving astronomy and chemistry. Modern theoretical physics explores phenomena at an atomic or subatomic level. Having knowledge in those subjects will expand your career opportunities when you graduate. [13] X Research source
Find others who are passionate about a theory that you are interested in. This will help expand your network, and may even help you land a job when you graduate from college. Exposing yourself to other creative and theoretical minds may also pique your interest into a theory you were unfamiliar with. [15] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source
Some excellent graduate and doctoral programs are offered at University of California, Berkeley; Princeton University; Harvard University; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and the California Institute of Technology. [17] X Research source
For example, the American Physical Society (APS) allows students to join for a year for free, and then offers discounted membership rates for the following year. Undergraduates pay a membership fee of $25. 00 per year, and graduates pay $39. 00. [19] X Research source Start with well-known societies like the American Physical Society (APS), Institute of Physics (IP), American Astronomical Society (AAS), American Institute of Physics (AIP), and American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT). [20] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source
Visit the websites of professional organizations to see what internship opportunities are available. [22] X Trustworthy Source US Bureau of Labor Statistics U. S. government agency that collects and reports labor-related information Go to source Carefully review all deadlines and requirements for each internship, and start gathering the materials needed to apply early. For summer internships, companies will typically post applications late fall and then start reviewing them in January or February.
Know the difference between a CV and a resume. Resumes are typically 1 page long and provide focused details and descriptions for a particular job. Oppositely, a CV can be multiple pages in length, and generally details your work experience in paragraphs instead of a couple of sentences. Most academic employers will ask for a CV over a resume to accompany an application.
One of the best places to find theoretical research opportunities are at universities. Universities will hire theoretical physicists to carry out their research, and possibly teach part-time or full-time at the university as well. Working at a university will give you the opportunity to pick the minds of fellow theoreticians, and grant you access to any resources the university has available. [25] X Research source If you are continuing your education, consider finding a part-time job in your field to help supplement the costs. Being a research assistant, or even teaching courses on the subject part-time will earn you some extra cash, and may open up other career opportunities down the road. [26] X Research source
Before the interview, conduct research on the company and note what the company prides themselves on or any relevant research the company is doing. Then, try to incorporate this information into your talking points during the interview. This will show that you have an actual interest in the company and not just the job. Bring a portfolio or extra copies of your resume so your interviewer can look it over if needed during the interview.
