So how bad is the employment situation, really?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the job market for those pursuing a PhD in physics and the potential challenges in finding employment in the field. It is suggested that research experience and skills play a significant role in one's job prospects, and that focusing on more practical topics such as semiconductors may increase chances of employment. Additionally, the possibility of becoming a professor in physics is also mentioned, with the suggestion that publishing papers can improve job opportunities in academia.
  • #1
ptabor
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As a student about to enter a phd program in physics, I couldn't help but notice the posts in the career development section. Essentially, someone wrote a post listing all the reasons why a career in science is a bad idea - namely that it's impossible to find a job.

Surely, the likelihood of finding gainful employment is directly related to one's research experience and skills. It stands to reason that those who choose to research plasma, theoretical physics, astronomy, or other non near term application based topics would have difficulty finding employment - but what is the situation for those who study semiconductors, optics, condensed matter, etc?
 
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  • #2
It all depends on what you want to do. If you study semiconductors and want to find a job making chips, I'd think your odds are pretty good. If you want to study optics for the purpose of being a telescope designer, your odds are probably pretty bad.
 
  • #3
As another person about to enter a PhD program in physics, I'm also wondering about this. How's the job market for those of us who want to become professors of physics?
 
  • #4
arunma said:
As another person about to enter a PhD program in physics, I'm also wondering about this. How's the job market for those of us who want to become professors of physics?

Write lots of papers and the job market is pretty good. :tongue:
 

1. What is the current unemployment rate?

The current unemployment rate in the United States is 3.7%, as of September 2019. This is considered a historically low rate and indicates a strong job market.

2. Are there certain industries that are experiencing higher unemployment rates?

Yes, there are certain industries that have higher unemployment rates than others. For example, the manufacturing and retail industries have seen declines in employment due to factors such as automation and online shopping.

3. How does the current employment situation compare to previous years?

The current employment situation is relatively strong compared to previous years. The unemployment rate has steadily decreased since the recession in 2008 and is currently at its lowest point in 50 years.

4. What factors contribute to the employment situation?

The employment situation is influenced by various factors, including economic growth, consumer spending, business investments, and government policies. These factors can impact the number of jobs available and the overall health of the job market.

5. What are the consequences of a poor employment situation?

A poor employment situation can have negative consequences for individuals and the economy as a whole. It can lead to financial strain for those who are unemployed, as well as a decrease in consumer spending and economic growth. It can also result in social and political issues, such as income inequality and increased government spending on social programs.

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