Sometimes new knowledge is put to work quickly. For example, many practical uses were found for the laser soon after its invention. Sometimes new knowledge is slow to be harnessed. In 1905 Albert Einstein explained how light can eject electrons from solid surfaces. Physics provides deep understanding of the laws of nature and will continue to help shape the world of the future.
Few careers are more exciting, more rewarding, and more important to society than physics.
Many teach in high schools, colleges, and universities. Others can be found in hospitals, the military, oil fields, power plants, in the astronaut corps, in museums, in patent law firms, and in management positions in business and government. A young person trained in physics acquires a set of skills that makes him or her a valued employee in many settings. Even students with career goals outside of science can be well served by taking one or more courses in physics. The knowledge and skills gained in physics can prove to be surprisingly useful in tackling other kinds of problems.