Getting Started in Health Physics

[pl_hp]

I graduated last year with a bachelors degree in Health Physics. I've been looking for work for quite a while. I've hit the 450 applications mark not to long ago. I've applied to many places here included. I've also applied to environmental jobs, industrial hygiene jobs, health physics technician jobs, or anything that looks like I have a remote chance of getting employed. I've got nothing, and I am wondering what I should do now. My plan was to find work either as an entry level health physicist, or a health physics technician and build up some experience before working as an "actual health physicist"; one that works for a state agency or something of that nature. I'm wondering given the fact that I have not been able to find gainful employment, What other career paths should I look at? what can I do to build upon the degree I earned? and also what other search engines should I use? I've used Nukeworker, Indeed, Monster, ZipRecruiter, Career Builder, Health Physics Society and kelly services with little to no avail. I thank you in advance for your responses.

PS: I've looked at Grad school, but it isn't an option for me because of money. I've also looked at the NRPPT certification, but lack the necessary experience to take the test. I've also looked at the CHP test. Part I looks like something I can do but I'm not sure if that would help my employment situation.

[GLW]

check your PMs

[radbrat]

One of the best Health Physicists/ Rad Engineer (a real one with a degree) that I've ever had the pleasure of knowing started out as a Jr HP at Fermi right out of Purdue. You should even consider deconning to get a foot in the door and experience. Either Bartlett, DZ Atlantic or Quality Nuclear at Wolf Creek.

[SCMasterchef]

Where are you looking to live?  Are you looking for permanent or contract?  Have you submitted your resume to Companies such as Exelon, Entergy, FPL, Southern Companies, or Duke Energy?  SCANA does not accept random resume submittals.  Contract companies such as Bartlett, Value Added Solutions, avoid Pinnacle, E2 Consulting, all of which can be found on the Web.

[pl_hp]

One of the best Health Physicists/ Rad Engineer (a real one with a degree) that I've ever had the pleasure of knowing started out as a Jr HP at Fermi right out of Purdue. You should even consider deconning to get a foot in the door and experience. Either Bartlett, DZ Atlantic or Quality Nuclear at Wolf Creek.

I've come across some deconning jobs and applied to them, but I was never considered for them.  lack of experience I suppose. I've applied to all those places at one time or another but no dice. I even called when applicable. Am I missing something?

Where are you looking to live?  Are you looking for permanent or contract?  Have you submitted your resume to Companies such as Exelon, Entergy, FPL, Southern Companies, or Duke Energy?  SCANA does not accept random resume submittals.  Contract companies such as Bartlett, Value Added Solutions, avoid Pinnacle, E2 Consulting, all of which can be found on the Web.

I would really love to stay in the Washington Oregon Idaho Montana area, but I am open to moving. I would like to have a permanent position. I've looked up contract work and it seems like alot of criss crosing the country to get outage work. My main concern, aside from transportation, housing and food, is that I lack experience. I have nothing more than theoretical knowledge to my credit. would people be wanting to train someone with no experience on the job? contract work seems like you really have to know what your doing.

I have submitted my resume to Exelon, Entergy, Southern Company, Duke, Value Added Solutions, and Bartlett. The only one I do not think I have submitted a resume to is FPL, or SCANA, but as you said SCANA doesn't take resume submittals. 

Hey thanks guys for the help I appreciate it   

[mars88]

The state of Nevada is looking for a radiation specialist in the Reno area.  Was one of your 450 applications to them?  It's been posted for 2 months, so even though they want 2 years experience, they may waive this.  If you do apply, send them a copy of your transcripts with the application--don't wait for them to ask as that will just delay the process.

Wasn't there any work experience/internship required as part of earning your degree?

Lastly, do not confine yourself to nuclear work--search throughout the entire EHS (environment, health and safety) field.  A worthwhile degree in health physics includes courses in biology and chemistry, which could easily transfer into beginner jobs in biotech, pharmaceutical, decomissioning/remediation, universities, et al (every university and most companies have an EHS dept).

[pl_hp]

The state of Nevada is looking for a radiation specialist in the Reno area.  Was one of your 450 applications to them?  It's been posted for 2 months.  If you do apply, send them a copy of your transcripts with the application--don't wait for them to ask as that will just delay the process.

If the hiring manager's name is Vivian Spiker, then yes I have. I'll apply again(if I can) to see if anything else happens, but I have applied to this position.

[Content1]

You have a degree, have you checked at Nuke plants under construction?  I really don't know how you could do 450 resumes with no results.  Have you interned anywhere?  That may help with the experience you are missing.  I worked with many interns at many nuclear plants, having your degree should streamline the process.

[pl_hp]

You have a degree, have you checked at Nuke plants under construction?  I really don't know how you could do 450 resumes with no results.  Have you interned anywhere?  That may help with the experience you are missing.  I worked with many interns at many nuclear plants, having your degree should streamline the process.

I do not have any internships. I've applied to some, but didn't get accepted. I've tried PNNL, Areva, and FermiLab for internships.
How would I go about applying to nuke plants under construction? I haven't seen any ads for any positions, but maybe I'm not looking in the right place?

[scotoma]

SCANA is currently building 2 new nuclear plants in South Carolina. I haven't seen any ads for Health Physicists, but they may be looking in the near future.
Plant Hatch in Georgia has just posted HP jobs and are asking for a 2 yr degree in health physics or a 4 year degree in science.

[etm]

You mention you have a degree, but don't mention what. Do you have more than one resume? I would expect that a resume for an entry level HP to look different than one for an ESH Professional.   Have someone review your resume.  Is it realistic?  Saw one that indicates the person has extensive Health Physics knowledge but no experience to back that up.  While you may not have directly relevant experience, what experience do you have?  Were you a manager at KFC?  Demonstrates people and customer skills.  Were you a tutor?  Shows an aptitude for training and mentoring.  When it gets uploaded, something may be happening to the formatting.  I saw one recently that cut half of each line off.  Another showed special characters.