Finished PhD for one year and can't find a job

jacksonshana

Thank you Lavabug,

ModusPwnd

Thats crazy to me. In my experience every single physics undergrad has PhD and science career aspirations when starting their program. Most change their mind along the way, and depending on when they do change their mind they either change their major or just make do with what they got.

Why do they major in physics? Just to learn about some quantum and relativity?

Lavabug

I agree, it was a shock to me because what you describe was similar to the case at my home university (some people didn't even know you needed a phd though, that's another story, but most changed their mind like you describe). Lecture halls for 3rd year QM and nuclear physics are full to the brim with ~150 students, but as far as I can tell only a very small fraction have the interest to continue on to a phd.

I think it might have the fact to do this is a very expensive place to live in (London) and the students have more contact with the jobs that "bring the dough". It doesn't deter people from studying subjects they like though, I have heard it thrown around that something like 90% of jobs in the UK simply require a bachelors.

wolfmax

I can back up what Lavabug is saying. PhD is not necessarily the goal with physics undergrads in the UK, as it seems to be in other countries. In fact I've had many conversations with international students who marvel in us Brits lack of academic fervour.

To the OP, if you've found something that maintains your standard of living and doesn't drive you round the twist, then that's not to be sniffed at. Keep your eye out and I'll keep my fingers crossed for you

Lavabug

I wonder if that is the impression that UK institutions get from their own students, resulting in discrimination at the post-doc level. Most postdocs in astrophysics at my uni are foreign.

wolfmax

I think it is. I had an informal conversation with some lecturers at my uni and they all seem to favour foreign students. "They work harder" is what they say. From what I've seen I'd probably agree. We just want an easy life.