<p>i'm currently a junior physics major but i've been thinking that i may want to consider going into engineering after i get my BS since the job opportunities are low for physicists. i dont know if engineering is something i'll like since i never liked my labs and experiments, but aerospace eng sounds interesting. is even getting an internship the right idea for someone like me or should i pursue a field that doesnt require lab experience (like finance, accounting, econ, etc)?</p>
<p>how does the process work? do i show up to career fairs, apply to companies websites, etc? how do they determine admissions? i dont really have any ECs but i do have close to 4.0gpa. should i apply asap or wait til winter...?</p>
<p>After my first year I had a high GPA but nothing else. That summer I volunteered in a lab at school so I could put it on my resume. If you can;t get an internship I’d recommend that cause next year you’ll have something on your resume. </p>
<p>The follow year I had 2 job offers and I think the bit of volunteering I did helped a lot cause aside from my GPA i really had nothing else. Not even fast food or anything like that.</p>
<p>You should definitely check with your school’s career center now. Don’t wait until winter. They should be able to give you advice on what you need to do to make yourself attractive to employers and timelines for when to apply.</p>
<p>There are lots of applications in engineering where you never set a foot inside of a lab, just like there are lots of fields in physics where you never do lab work. You just need to be sure you’re getting into a position where you won’t be expected to work you don’t like.</p>
<p>Not having ECs could potentially be a huge problem. Besides you being a huge nerd (which is a positive thing), what distinguishes you from other candidates? I have doubts about your chances at landing an internship. In any case, do something NOW. Not having ECs is pretty bad. Try getting a volunteer position with profs who do work in aerospace research.</p>
<p>Lab experience is overrated unless you’re applying for a lab position. This is particularly important for chemistry and biology lab monkeys. Not too sure how physics would work.</p>
<p>Look for companies that interest you and check out their internship section. They will have a deadline and method of application. You don’t look like someone who can afford to be picky about an internship, so just apply to anything. I believe oil companies would hire a physics major for petrophysics work.</p>
<p>Have you considered looking into an REU? It would offer valuable research experience in your field as well as pay. I think it probably looks good on a resume as well!</p>
<p>i have prior work experience, though its not saying much - tutoring, working at target and ralphs…</p>
<p>i have some ECs - tutored high school students for a semester last year. i may get involved with cultural shows this year, if that counts at all to employers</p>
<p>I’d strongly suggest going into an internship in industry instead especially since you’re a physics major. You’d get a better idea if you really do want to go into engineering after your experiences with a company.</p>
<p>i’m just worried that if i cant find any internships other than for one i’m not interested in, say for a oil company, and choose not to go into engineering, then what other options will there be for me?</p>