Sonoma County is no longer acclaimed only for its wine and scenic redwoods but is fast becoming a leader in telecommunications, electronics and optics . OCLI's products can be found in computer monitors, displays, telecommunications systems, photocopiers, projection imaging systems, satellite power systems and aerospace and defense systems. There are more than a dozen telecommunications firms in the county. But, does an SSU graduate in physics have a real opportunity to land a career in one of these fast moving companies. Many of our courses provide excellent preparation for careers in local industry.
Some instructors even work there.
Dr. Charles Carniglia, also at OCLI, taught the electricity and magnetism course at SSU last year. These companies are growing rapidly and are actively seeking local graduates to staff engineering and research positions. The faculty and staff at SSU have a close working relationship with the leaders in local industry to help fill career opportunities with qualified graduates in physics. Many of these companies have paid intern programs that introduce undergraduate physics majors to the world of industry before graduation with the hope that they will stay with the company after graduation. I have found that having a broad technical background has allowed me to bridge the gap between hardware and software.