Finding hidden career opportunities outside academia

Career development relies, in large part, on gathering and scrutinizing data. You start with data about yourself, like your skills, values, needs, and wants — the full dataset of all that makes you, you.

But career development also requires external data on opportunities, sectors, industries, and organizations. Some of this data comes from static sources, like articles and podcasts, but the most valuable external data will come from networking based on a spirit of generosity, where you identify people with whom to engage, explore career opportunities, and craft win-win relationships over time.

Networking in this way can also reveal hidden jobs — roles that haven’t been promoted yet, or positions created just for you — and give you a competitive advantage in a challenging job market. And it can help you create what I call your “Unicorn Career,” the customized and authentic career that brings you joy, meaning, and money.

But before you network, you have to find folks to network with. Here are five ways to do that.

1. Explore your APS Membership

Your APS membership provides exceptional career-advancement resources, including communities of scientists with common interests, locations, and sectors; the opportunity to serve on committees and grow your skills in leadership; mentorship resources; award programs; and critically, networking. APS’ directory is invaluable, because it’s a list of people with whom you have a reason to connect (you’re both members) and something to discuss (the society and profession you share). By reviewing the APS member directory, I discovered physicists who work in automobile manufacturing, aerospace, consumer goods, and countless other sectors.

When you email a contact, ask for an “informal conversation” (also called an informational interview) to learn about how you can position yourself for success in your career. Those discussions can provide insight into the skills valued in that sector and could potentially lead to collaborations or a job.

2. Check out the speakers at APS meetings, like the Global Physics Summit

Take another look at the meeting program, paying close attention to speakers’ presentation topics and organizations. If you spot a company of interest, find the speaker’s email in the membership directory, or message them on LinkedIn, and say that while you couldn’t say hello at the conference, you’d welcome the chance to chat now. Ask if they have time for a 15-minute Zoom meeting, as you'd like to learn more about their work — and don’t forget to offer to help them, too.

3. Review APS Journals

If you’re considering research-related jobs that are academia-adjacent, take a close look at who has authored papers in your research area — specifically those not based in academia — to get a sense for who is sponsoring research in industry and government agencies. Contact them to learn more about their research and potentially “explore a collaboration.”

4. Pursue industry clusters

An industry cluster is a critical mass of organizations in the same industry and geographical region. Well-known clusters include tech in Silicon Valley, quantum computing in Boulder/Denver, and energy in Houston. Cluster associations hold networking events, have an elected board, and have inside knowledge of opportunities at their member employers — and thus are excellent for networking. Look for clusters in the region you want to work in, or find out where clusters in sectors that interest you are located. Then, identify the cluster association, contact the membership director or a member of the board, and share that you’re interested in “growing my career here” and would welcome the chance to chat over Zoom or WhatsApp. They’re likely to meet you, because as a physicist, you command a high salary in industry and are worth money to these organizations.

5. Expand your gaze

Physics-educated leaders are not limited to careers with the words “physicist” or “physics” in the job description. Your physics degree gives you value, skills, and abilities far beyond, say, solving traditional physics problems — just look at the many career profiles in APS News that showcase physicists with unique jobs and titles.

As you look beyond “physics” jobs, you’ll also learn the vocabulary to effectively communicate your value — and ultimately find meaningful Unicorn Careers beyond academia that align with your goals.

Note: Concepts in this article have appeared in the author’s previously published works.