Career questions tagged optics
How can I find an internship in optical engineering/photonics while in college?
I plan on attending the University of Rochester, where I'll be majoring in Optical Engineering. What's the best place to look for internships in the area?
Rochester
what are 5-10 specific things you do as a photonics engineer?
I've been looking into many engineering paths and one that interests me is photonics, and i was wondering what are some things/projects that you work with on a daily basis. Also do you work independently or with a team.
Elk River
Is optics essential for aeronautics ?
So if we go for that then what are its benefits ?
San Francisco
What's the difference between working in a lab and working in R&D for a company?
I'm graduating with my bachelor's degree in physics this May (yay!), and I learned that I loved working in the lab, performing experiments, doing computational analyses, drawing conclusions, etc. I'd love to work in a lab at some point but there seem to be a lot of entry barriers for physicists who don't have a higher degree. I'm wondering what the main differences are between working in a lab and working in a research and development role in industry. Any insight appreciated!
RochesterAs a new graduate (bachelor's in physics), can I apply for internships as a way to get my foot in the door?
I'm trying to find research (possibly contracting) positions in physics, laser science, data science, or imaging science. Looking at indeed, the only entry level positions I find are for new PhDs. Could internships be a good route to getting a foot in the door for full time positions? #science #physics #lasers #internships #data-science #imaging #optics #research #engineering
RochesterWhat does an applications engineer do?
I've heard mention of the job title "applications engineer" at an optics conference I attended recently. It seems like they work with customers to develop a product based on the customer's specifications. I'm interested in science communication and hands-on physics / engineering. Is this the kind of job for me? I'll complete my undergraduate degree in physics this spring. #physics #lasers #photonics #applications-engineer #engineering #science #science-communication #optics
RochesterIs it okay to cold email professors who I'd like to do graduate research with?
It's time to think about applying for graduate school! I want to email some professors to learn more about their research group and fields of study. Is that acceptable or might it count against me in the application process? #PhD #graduate-school #research #grad-school #applications #physics #optics #laser-physics #particle-physics #academia
RochesterWhich universities have great physics graduate programs?
I'm looking to get my PhD in physics, optical engineering, particle physics, or a related field. Since it's the end of my 3rd year as an undergraduate, it's time for me to start thinking about applications! #PhD #physics #grad-school #optics #optical-engineering #particle-physics #research
RochesterShould I pursue a senior project that exposes me to a new area of physics or one that is more in line with what I believe I'll want to do as a career?
Currently, I don't have a clear idea as to what I want to do after graduation. I'll definitely apply to PhD programs, but I don't know what field I want to specialize in. Right now I'm most interested in optics, laser physics, and math. For my senior project, I'm tasked with choosing a research advisor I'll work with for my final year of undergrad. The first professor is amazing. We have a great relationship, and I know I'll have an excellent experience working with him. His project deals with a field I'm interested in but don't have experience with. We would work with nanomaterials and fabrication - a lot of hands on lab skills. The other professor seems super cool. I don't know him at all, but his project deals with optics, lasers, and orbital mechanics. He's also working in collaborations with aerospace companies I'm interested in. I'm learning toward the first prof because chemistry with your advisor is so important since you'll be working with them for a whole year. I'll also be taking electives and labs in optics next year so it's not like I'll be missing out on the material. And at the end of the day, I think exploring options is the goal of the undergrad experience. Am I making the right choice? #math #college #capstone #senior-project #undergrad #phd #undergraduate #optics #last-physics #microelectronic-engineering #engineering #physics #research #research-advisor
RochesterI have an offer that expires before I get a final decision from other summer programs. What are my options and what should I do?
Good news: I've received an offer for a physics REU at the University of Arkansas! Bad news: I need to respond by Feb 26th, even though final decisions from other REUs, national labs, and NASA come in early March. What are my options? I've already asked if my application review could be expedited, and most programs told me it wasn't possible. I wish these deadlines were more coordinated! #internships #applications #decisions #physics #national-labs #engineering #optics #laser-physics #nasa #REU #research
RochesterWhat are some other career options for physics majors besides high school physics teacher?
I'm planning to take more lab courses involving optics, lasers, and coding simulations, but I learned that I definitely don't want to pursue a career in software. I love doing research and am applying to summer internships at national labs. Any other suggestions would be appreciated! #careers #physics #aerospace #coding #engineering #physicist #research #jobs #optics
Rochester
Is a Masters degree useful in the world of optics?
I am trying to decide if I should ask about going for my doctorate next fall. I am currently working on my masters and taking the same courses as a PhD student in optical sciences would. I am trying to assess the benefits of getting my masters if my plan is to eventually get a PhD in the same field. #graduate-school #doctorate-degree #masters-degree #optics #science #career-counseling
San Diego