Physics & math career suggestions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around career suggestions that integrate both physics and mathematics, specifically excluding traditional paths such as engineering, teaching, and research. Participants explore various alternative career options and express their preferences and concerns regarding these fields.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in physics and mathematics but is not inclined towards research, teaching, or engineering, seeking alternative career paths.
  • Another participant questions the initial poster's commitment to physics and mathematics, suggesting that a strong interest typically leads to research or teaching roles.
  • A participant suggests programming as a potential career, specifically in computer science, which could involve simulations and games that utilize physics and mathematics.
  • Suggestions include becoming an inventor, game designer, or pursuing mathematical physics and computational physics, with an emphasis on programming skills.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of a computer science minor or double major for those interested in game design, outlining specific courses that would be beneficial.
  • Concerns are raised about the saturation of the gaming industry and the potential challenges of low wages and long hours in that field.
  • Another participant highlights the importance of considering supply and demand in career choices, referencing the aerospace engineering field as an example of market fluctuations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the viability of different career paths, with no clear consensus on the best options. Some participants support the idea of programming and game design, while others raise concerns about industry saturation and job satisfaction.

Contextual Notes

Participants' suggestions and concerns are based on personal experiences and perceptions of the job market, which may vary significantly. The discussion reflects a variety of assumptions about career satisfaction and the applicability of physics and mathematics in different fields.

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Hello everyone,

I've always been a follower of mathematics and physics. They're both very high on my list of possible careers. I've thought about majoring in physics and minoring in mathematics, but I don't think I'd like to pursue a career in research. I then considered engineering, but I am missing one key element: I don't like building/designing stuff, so I can't see myself doing that for a career!

Can anyone give me some suggestions on some careers that involve both physics and math that does not fall into the following categories?

  • Engineer
  • Instructor/professor
  • Researcher

I still have more than enough time to think about these things, but right now I'm in between decisions. Any help is appreciated!

z-c
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Ok, let's try this: What DO you like to do?

PL
 
I like doing physics and math. Simple. That is why I thought about engineering initially.
 
Are you sure you like Math and Physics?? I can't believe someone whos likes Math and/or Physics a lot doesn't want to do research in any of them, or at least teach them!
 
I research them for my own development in these fields. What I mean is that I do not want to be a researcher for my career. I would rather do something more involved, if that makes sense.
 
No, it doesn't.

If you want to put your phys + math skills to use, then it's either in teaching, research, or development (you know, building and designing stuff). I can't see any other use for them.

PL

EDIT: Or, if you like programming, you could become a computer scientist and program physics for like simulations and games. Lots of math and physics involved probably.
 
Thanks for these suggestions! :)
 
what about an inventor?
 
That goes with his dread of designing stuff. =/

PL
 
  • #10
"more involved" sounds liek a researcher...you'd have to explain more about why you dont' want to be a researcher but want to be "more involved"

Because researchers have close ties to industry
 
  • #11
Maybe you should do Mathematical Physics!

or if you don't mind programming u can do computational physics (this also the program i applied for).
 
  • #12
Ever though about being a game designer that inputs all the physics into a computer game? They get paid well and really like their job i bet. If you know some computer programming it might be a a good option.
 
  • #13
hey.. do you guys think that this guys opinion is accurate or should I take it with a pinch of salt?

http://www.erasmatazz.com/library/Game%20Design/The_Education_of_a_Game_Designer.html
 
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  • #14
Well like he said you should really do a CS minor like he said but if you want to get into the guts adn glory then you should do a double major in

Phys/Cs - Focus on classical/anal mechanics and fluid mechanics -> Physics
Math/CS - focus on applied mathematics(ODE,PDE) numerical methods-> graphics
Psych/CS- AI/Behavioural

The CS is a must if you want to become a programmer: no sense in doing it on the side...just find a school taht teaches MIN 2 classes in Graphics, class in Computational Geometry, Class in Game Design, Class in Animation(this is usu in grad school...but undergrads are usu allowed to sit in), 2 classes in Numerical Methods/Analysis.
GUI. and Classical Mechanics. Those are usually the standards for building a game engine..again no point to learn this all on your own when its better to get guidance.
(The other stuff: networking, parallel computing, database, architecture, assembly are usually in the programme already, other courses above are not)

HOWEVER if your just looking to design or use someone elses engine...that you can do on the side...but it takes away from the fun of learning about the interiors
 
  • #15
These are all great suggestions. I think I have to take some time and research these. I can always count on PF!

z-c
 
  • #16
jai6638 said:
hey.. do you guys think that this guys opinion is accurate or should I take it with a pinch of salt?

http://www.erasmatazz.com/library/Game%20Design/The_Education_of_a_Game_Designer.html

The gaming industry is getting real close to the movie industry now in terms of money made. It's not like 20 years ago when Nintendo was only making one game at a time and it took them like 5 years and nobody cared. Games are HUGE now. And they are getting more and more complicated, meaning more people needed.

PL
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #17
Of that link, one thing that is especially true of any industry is the supply and demand part. Anyone contemplating a career choice should keep that in mind. Just look at Boeing, where highly skilled aerospace engineers are temps. The link's claim that the computer gaming industry is saturated with bodies should be easy to corroborate. If true, stay away; the low wages and long hours would sap your enthusiasm eventually.
 
  • #18

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