Just graduated with BS in Radiation Physics...help?

[cepbanks]

Hello,

I just recently graduated with my BS in Radiation Physics in December.  Over the past 2 months, I have applied daily to any and all positions (contract, in-house, etc.) but have only managed to land 2 phone interviews that have not gone in my favor.  Aside from checking this website, roadtechs, and generic job boards - is there anything else that I could be doing?

Thanks for your help in advance

[ranbo66]

Your post intrigued me. I currently have an A.A.S in Radiation Protection and am considering getting my B.S. but want to ensure it isn't a waste of money. If you don't mind my asking, where did you get your B.S. and did you do it all online or in a classroom setting?

Good luck in your search.

[Protectologist]

Find the job board sites and be persistent. Also make sure Marie Rossi and Eric Bartlett have your resume. In fact call Eric and talk to him. There are and continue to be job postings for someone with your quals. You may need to lower your expectations. You are an entry level applicant competing in a crowded market with fewer jobs available so I'll repeat be persistent. And come to nukeworker with your questions. This community has some very good people that are more than willing to help.

[UncaBuffalo]

Hello,

I just recently graduated with my BS in Radiation Physics in December.  Over the past 2 months, I have applied daily to any and all positions (contract, in-house, etc.) but have only managed to land 2 phone interviews that have not gone in my favor.  Aside from checking this website, roadtechs, and generic job boards - is there anything else that I could be doing?

Thanks for your help in advance

You have just sat through the traditionally slow (for outage work...which trickles over and makes all the other supply/demand unfavorable, too) winter part of the year.  As more outages start in the next month or two, you will have a better chance of landing work.  That being said, it's a light outage season this spring, so...

Good luck! 

[Lip2303]

I will share my experience and maybe it will help. I was having trouble getting into commercial power. I had a few interviews, but no jobs. I kept applying and calling. Finally, Eric Bartlett told me to call him. Two days later I was lined up for an outage at McGuire (just finished my first week of training).

I have my BS (in Nuclear Engineering Technology), over 5 years of RP Tech experience (Navy Nuke, DOE, Waste treatment and disposal), and am NRRPT. I was told the commercial plants don't like people without commercial experience. I hope you find something soon. I second the advice to call Eric Bartlett...he helped me out.

[cepbanks]

Your post intrigued me. I currently have an A.A.S in Radiation Protection and am considering getting my B.S. but want to ensure it isn't a waste of money. If you don't mind my asking, where did you get your B.S. and did you do it all online or in a classroom setting?

Good luck in your search.

I just graduated from Eastern Illinois University.  It was pretty nice, being as I was the only student in most of my upper level classes.


Based on what I've gathered, it seems as Eric Bartlett is a solid path.  Now, is this suggesting to call up the company and submit my resume?  Or is Eric Bartlett a very personable person who will talk to me on the phone?

Thanks again

[Protectologist]

Call the company and talk to Eric. He will take the time to explain and walk you through the process.

[etm]

Forgive the sarcasm, but sending out a post to a chat comes across as lazy. 

You mention that since you got your degree, you have been looking.  What did you do before that? 

What kind of job are you looking for?  Have you done the research to know salary levels, companies and education/experience requirements as well as certification? Doesn't seem so -- in the last two months, my employer posted for 3 RCT positions, 1 entry-level HP and a senior HP and I don't recall seeing a resume outlining someone with your education.  Another employer in the area posted a position for someone to manage their RWP program. Another regional employer is also looking for RCTs and professionals.

I am thinking that you are limiting yourself by just considering generic job sites and the like.  Need to do the research of the various companies involved in this industry and contact them directly, look at their websites.  You don't mention anything about networking -- have you gotten yourself involved with the local chapters of the professional societies?  NRRPT?  HPS?  ANS? LinkedIn? Besides responding to the job postings, where have you posted your resume?  Your professors?  Internships?

Since you are a recent graduate, utilize the career services through your university.  They can help you figure out why your phone interviews are going poorly.  Have you had them review your resume?  Job fairs?  Have you talked other nearby universities/colleges with similar programs.  UIUC has a long standing program.

As others have mentioned, now in the slow hiring season.  What are you doing in the meantime?  Know that when I review resumes, I understand that there may be breaks, but still want to see someone with initiative.  Volunteer, graduate coursework... 

All up to you.