Confused between architecture, engineering or sciences

[bernvall]

OK, so let me start from the beginning...

Ive always loved Maths and Physics and I've always got really good grades in olevel and alevel. However i was never sure what i wanted to do. i ended up choosing architecture since it looked cool and involved maths and physics. However i got to know that the first year was just a foundation course in which it teaches u the fundamentals of design and drawing and photography and it kinda freaked me out, since I am not good at drawing at all, and have no creativity :S. As a result i ended up changing into a BSc maths & physics degree. I am liking it at the moment however I am doubtful about what job prospects i have with a maths and physics! I am not really interested in lecturing or teaching. Also, i live in Malta, so there arent many jobs that include researching and which has a good pay. As a result I am starting to panic again because it seems I am studying for a real hard and demanding course, which in the end might not even get me a proper job with good pay!

Therefore i would like to know what else i can do with a Maths and Physics degree. Can I, for example, end up working in the financial sector, as a Risk Manager or an Actuary, or woudl i need to take a Statistics degree course in university?

Ive also researched a bit on architecture and i found something about Structural engineering, which is the mathematical part of archtiecture! This really intrigued me since my main concern of architecture was all the creativity and design! What do you suggest

(P.S: I am not 100% sure but i think the structural engineering course is IN the architecture course, where it is only in the 4th year that u can either specialise in archtiecture or structural engineering)

sorry for the long post, but I am just really confused

 

[SMOF]

Hello.

I am sure others will give better advice, but the financial sector seems to be a big employers of people with a maths/physics background. They want people with an analytical mindset. So, I am sure jobs that require people to solve problems ...not just maths or physics problems, would hire people with that background.

Also, with a BSc in maths and physics, you could head off and do an MSc in an engineering subject. Something like that might open up more interesting paths for you.

Ádh mór ort.
Seán

 

[bernvall]

Ah so u can do a Msc in engineering AFTER a maths and physics degree!? interesting :)

hmm but I am sure employers would prefer people having say a background in financial studies, or statistics or operations research or IT, than a person with a Physics degree

It seems i have left my options open with this degree

Thanks a lot

 

[SMOF]

Well, I am sure you could do an engineering MSc ...I think it would be harder to do a physics MSc after an engineering BSc/BEng.

Also, from what I know the financial sector would happily employ people with a physics or maths background, but other may be able to give more information on that.

Seán

 

[Matrix0]

and not sure what to do with my future

Dear confused student,

It sounds like you have a strong interest and aptitude for math and physics, which is great! These are important skills in many fields, including architecture, engineering, and the sciences. It's understandable that you may be feeling unsure about which path to take, but don't worry - you have plenty of options with a degree in math and physics.

Firstly, it's important to note that a degree in math and physics can lead to a variety of careers, not just teaching or lecturing. Your skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and data analysis are highly sought after in many industries, including finance, technology, and research.

In terms of the financial sector, you could definitely pursue a career as a risk manager or actuary with a math and physics degree. Some employers may prefer a statistics degree, but your background in math and physics would still make you a strong candidate for these roles. It may also be helpful to take some courses in statistics to supplement your degree.

As for architecture and engineering, these fields also require strong math and physics skills. Structural engineering, in particular, is a great combination of these two subjects and could be a good fit for you. However, it's important to note that becoming a licensed structural engineer typically requires a specialized degree in engineering, not just a general math and physics degree. You may want to consider taking some engineering courses or pursuing a master's degree in structural engineering if this is a career path you are interested in.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to pursue architecture, engineering, or the sciences depends on your interests and strengths. It's important to do some research and talk to professionals in each field to get a better understanding of what each career entails. You may also want to consider internships or job shadowing opportunities to gain hands-on experience and see which field feels like the best fit for you.

In summary, a degree in math and physics can open up a wide range of career options for you. Don't feel limited by your current degree program - instead, explore your interests and see where your skills can take you. Good luck with your future endeavors!