A 29-Year-Old Seeking Career Guidance After a 4-Year Gap

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around career guidance for an individual with a background in physics who is seeking to re-enter the job market after a four-year gap. The scope includes considerations for further education, potential career paths, and the feasibility of transitioning into fields such as computer science, radiation therapy, and statistics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the current weakness in the job market and suggests that further schooling might be beneficial.
  • Another participant proposes that pursuing a career in radiation therapy would likely require additional training.
  • There is a suggestion to consider a career as an actuary if interested in statistics, with advice on obtaining study materials and taking exams independently of a university.
  • The original poster expresses interest in programming and is considering a Master's in Computer Science, while seeking confirmation on the feasibility of this transition given their physics background.
  • Some participants mention that a physics background may not hinder entry into computer science, but the original poster seeks more assurance on this point.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that further education could be beneficial, but there are differing opinions on the specific paths to take and the feasibility of transitioning into computer science from a physics background. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach for the original poster.

Contextual Notes

There are uncertainties regarding the specific requirements for entering various fields, including the necessary training for radiation therapy and the prerequisites for a Master's in Computer Science. The discussion does not clarify these points definitively.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a career change after a gap, those with a background in physics exploring new fields, and anyone interested in the job market dynamics in STEM areas may find this discussion relevant.

meenu_shiny
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hi I am new to this forum ,
i m really frustated regarding my career
i have done masters in physics in India then started doing phd for 6 mnths (which i was not interested in) got married , came to usa, planned family . now I am 29
and want to start a career after 4 years of gap
i got my evaluation of credentials done by josef silney
and according to that i hold only bachelor degree ...?
well then i got my certification for teaching in physics ,but it doesn't pay good
i am willing to spend time on further education like maybe ms in comp if its possible
or a course in radiation therapy or statistician
please guide me ...
thanks
 
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Hi meenu_shiny, welcome to PF!

The job market is a bit weak now, as I'm sure you realize. So perhaps this would be a good time to get more schooling.

Going into radiation therapy would almost certainly require more training. And if you're interested in statistics, perhaps you should look at working as an actuary.

Do you have any interest in programming?
 
lisab said:
Hi meenu_shiny, welcome to PF!

The job market is a bit weak now, as I'm sure you realize. So perhaps this would be a good time to get more schooling.

Going into radiation therapy would almost certainly require more training. And if you're interested in statistics, perhaps you should look at working as an actuary.

Do you have any interest in programming?

If you go the actuary route I would suggest you get a few exams under your belt. You can purchase study materials from actuarial societies and sit the exams without having to go to uni per se (but it will cost you for study materials and also to sit the exam).

If you're disciplined to do it this way then it might be a good option for you.
 
thanks for the guidance
yes infact i have interest in programming
i am willing to do ms comp, i have already started preparing for toefl and gre
but one thing I am not sure about is that is it feasible to enter in ms comp with my physics background
i have met people saying that it doesn't matter , but i just want to be sure before start preparing
 

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