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There are many companies willing to hire students with APS and Physics degrees. Once you have a resume and profile prepared, you should begin a proactive job search. Online listings and career fairs can be great opportunities to search for available opportunities.

Online Listings

Beware of scams

When using online services to search for jobs, you must always beware of scams. Be careful of jobs that seem to offer a lot of money for very little work, research the companies in question, and if possible, meet employers in person (in a public place) before sending any information. If you are applying during the COVID-19 pandemic, you should take extra caution because you will not be able to see the employer in person or travel, and you should speak to the employer via Zoom before accepting any offer. since the start of COVID-19.

A few things to keep in mind:

• A job offer by email for a position that you didn't apply to is a huge red flag (this is different than an advertised job opportunity sent through the CU student mailing list).

• Never give out bank account information or your social security number by email.

• Never wire money through Western Union, MoneyGram, etc.

• Never accept a cashier's check or money order as a form of payment, and never accept a check with "extra money" on it. This is a scam where the "employer" will send a fake check and ask you to withdraw money to send to them.

See CU Boulder's scam information page for more advice on avoiding scams. 

Handshake at CU Boulder

CU Boulder uses Handshake to connect students and employers. On Handshake, you can find job and internship opportunities, career fairs, and networking events. If you choose to use Handshake, you should set up a Handshake profile to help employers find you and to give them a sense of your interests and skills.

LinkedIn

can be a great way to network online and discover employment opportunities. A great LinkedIn profile can also make a positive impression on employers (see Resume/Profile).

Listings in APS/Physics

Many trusted sources have databases for job listings that may specifically apply to students in APS/Physics. These include:

• The Society of Physics Students () has a and for students/graduates with Physics backgrounds.

• has a available.

• The American Astronomical Society () has a for students/graduates with APS backgrounds.

• is a website that lists current federal positions available in the United States. This can include positions at NASA, NIST, and more. Note that if you are not a US citizen or national, you may not be eligible for many federal positions. For more information, see .

• The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers () has a for positions associated with electrical engineering. Students with Physics or Engineering Physics degrees may be eligible.

There are countless more job search sites out there; if you do not have any luck with these websites, look for other search sites associated with engineering and science jobs, or any industry-specific websites if you have an industry in mind that you would like to work in.

Career Fairs

Career fairs are an excellent opportunity for finding jobs and networking. Check out CU's Career Fairs & Events page to find out about upcoming events (virtual or in person) hosted by CU. Also, visit to search for events hosted by companies.

Here is some advice about Career Fairs. For more, see .

• Research employers that will be at the fair in advance. Find 5-10 organizations that you are especially interested in, and prepare to explain why you want to work at these organizations. Think of specific questions that you can ask.

• Prepare your resume and 30-second elevator pitch (see Resumes/Profiles) before attending the fair.

• Feel free to start by visiting organizations that you are less interested in (or organizations with no large lines) to "warm up".

• When you meet a recruiter, give a firm handshake. Make eye contact with the recruiter, smile naturally, and introduce yourself. After greeting the recruiter, offer your resume and give them your 30-second elevator pitch. Answer any questions they have and ask any specific questions that you have about the organization.

• Collect the recruiter's business card so that you can send a follow-up "thank you" email after the fair. Take notes if you need to remember anything specific about the employer.

• Dress . It is best to wear a business suit regardless of gender. A combination of blazer and dress shirt or blouse with dress pants or long skirt is acceptable if you do not have a business suit. If you wear a long skirt, wear pantyhose or stockings. Wear dress shoes that cover the toe and heel. Keep any jewelry or makeup minimal and conservative. Never wear anything that reveals your shoulders, back, chest, or legs above the knees. Wear dark colors- black, grey, and navy. Brush your teeth beforehand and make sure that your hands and nails are clean. Wear a light (not heavily scented) deodorant. Shower and dry your hair before the fair. Make sure to wear black socks under black pants/shoes- wearing white socks looks very unprofessional.

If you are attending a virtual career fair, see CU's Virtual Career Fair Prep advice. Also, check out CU's Buff Up Your Skills series for lots of videos about virtual job search and interviews.