Have you ever wondered what you can actually do with a degree in physics? We have too, which is why we asked graduates what their day-to-day working lives are like now.

Some had no idea beforehand what they were getting into when they accepted a job offer, but ended up finding a role that suited them. So don’t worry if you don’t know what you want to do later on right from the start of your degree ;)

If you’re interested in the general career profile of a physicist, there’s a section on this in Get Started.

Here are a few examples from former physics students:

He first completed a BSc. in Physics, followed by an MSc. in Advanced Materials Science.

He now works in cost engineering at AVL. His role involves simulating manufacturing processes for the purpose of calculating production costs, for example in the fields of fuel cells, batteries and exhaust after-treatment systems.

- Arthur Fuchs

Has worked in non-university research in the field of energy (heat pumps, biomass boilers and power plants).

Focuses primarily on the modelling, simulation and measurement of individual components. This includes the integration of thermodynamic systems, the identification of efficiency potential, and the optimisation of financial aspects.

Is currently a lecturer at Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences.

- Babette Hebenstreit

Initially a junior researcher at Virtual Vehicle Graz in the field of automotive acoustics, followed by a PhD at Graz University of Technology at the Institute of Theoretical Physics.

Currently a postdoctoral researcher in the fields of data science and plasma physics at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics.

- Christopher Albert

After completing his studies, he began creating simulations of thermodynamic problems and engines at AVL.

Currently working as a freelance data scientist:

He works on projects lasting several months, with a flexible daily rate, for specific clients. The areas of focus include, for example, machine learning, deep learning and artificial intelligence.

- Hannes Müllner

He was originally a software developer at Knapp.

He then completed a PhD at the Institute of Physical Chemistry at the Montanuniversität Leoben in the field of lithium-ion batteries.

He has now been working for many years at the Institute of Thermal Engineering at Graz University of Technology in the field of thermal plant and building simulations on a wide range of topics (e.g. PCM storage, solar systems for desalination, absorption refrigeration systems ...).

- Hermann Schranzhofer

PhD in theoretical particle physics at KFU. Also contributed to the publication of a mathematics textbook.

Subsequently, conducted non-academic research in the field of sustainability and renewable energy, with a focus on modelling, simulation and control engineering. Currently teaches and conducts research at FH JOANNEUM in the field of Data and Information Science.

- Klaus Lichtenegger

Some general examples:

• Linear optimisation in the fields of energy, finance and logistics
• Measurement and simulation of heat and mass transfer in microstructured materials
• Research into the formation mechanisms of hydrates and the development of potential applications using physical chemistry and process engineering
• Research at universities of applied sciences, universities or non-university research institutions
  • possible fields: avalanche research, climate modelling, systems science, electromobility, materials science, control engineering
• In industry, often working in development departments involved in modelling, simulation or optimisation
  • possible fields: banking, insurance, aviation logistics, lasers, electronics industry

General comments from graduates:

• You shouldn’t think too narrowly. As a physicist, you’re a generalist, you’re not afraid of complexity, and you pick up new things very quickly.
• For many of these jobs, a background in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or similar fields would have been just as suitable as physics. But the strong emphasis on systems thinking and modelling in a physics degree means that most people do not regret studying physics.
• You frequently work very closely with graduates from other disciplines.