Careers in Photonics

Optics and photonics is a very active are of physics globally. Skilled people are in high demand and there is a global shortage of trained individuals. and there are always more jobs than applicants.  Students with degrees in optics or photonics have job opportunities in national research laboratories and industries such as telecommunications, nanotechnology, lasers, optical materials, radiation treatment, and medical imaging.

A degree in photonics means you will have skills in physics, programming, networking, and mathematics, and careers based on these skills will be open to you.

Physicists' problem solving skills are very attractive to employers even in fields not directly related to physics, including investment banking and computer programming. industry norms. Surveys show that 50% of all science graduates work in areas beyond the one in which they are specifically trained, so many avenues are open to you. But a degree with a photonics major gives you a definite edge.

Photonics is fast growing and innovative industry. An industry report from the Optoelectronic Industry and Technology Development Association in 2004 states that the global photonics industry was worth $340 billion in 2002, and is predicted to grow to $710 billion by 2010 and $1,260 bilion by 2015, of which more than 20% will be from new technologies.

You can survey the job prospects for optics and photonics graduates at http://spieworks.com/employment/ or www.workinoptics.com. (You may need to register on these sites to view the job ads).