A difficult choice - General Relativity or Dark Matter....

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a participant's dilemma in choosing between two PhD offers: one focused on General Relativity and Early Universe Cosmology, and the other on particle physics phenomenology and dark matter. The conversation explores the implications of each choice on future career trajectories and the participant's interests in both fields.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a preference for General Relativity (GR) but acknowledges the difficulty of the decision due to its potential impact on their career.
  • Another participant suggests that the choice should depend on the individual's long-term career goals.
  • A participant shares a desire to pursue a postdoc and continue research, despite recognizing the challenges in securing such positions.
  • Concerns are raised about backup plans if a research career does not materialize, with suggestions that skills gained in GR could be useful in alternative careers, particularly in computer modeling and programming.
  • It is noted that both fields may involve significant programming work, indicating a potential overlap in skill sets.
  • A participant mentions an interest in transitioning to the financial tech sector if research does not work out, highlighting the relevance of coding and numerical modeling skills.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the importance of career goals in making the decision, and there is no consensus on which field is preferable. The discussion remains unresolved as participants weigh their options and personal interests.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the specific content and opportunities associated with each PhD program, nor have they detailed the assumptions underlying their career aspirations.

DrSuage
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Hi all,

I've just been made offers to two different institutions - one to study General Relativity and Early Universe Cosmology, and one to study particle physics phenomenology and dark matter at PhD level, and I'm having a hard time choosing!

Relativity and Cosmology is Queen Mary University of London
Dark Matter is Royal Holloway University of London

Which would you choose? Why?

I'm currently leaning towards GR but its a really tough decision as it will massively affect the trajectory of my potential career.

Your collective thoughts will be much appreciated. Ta
 
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A lot of it depends upon your career goals. What's your long term plan?
 
In a dream world I'd like to get a postdoc and continue doing research - I do understand that the numbers aren't good in that respect but if you don't try, you can't succeed.

Arghghghghghghg... at the start of this year I would have taken dark matter no question, but I've really enjoyed my GR recently and have massively expanded my repertoire in Differential Geometry and really enjoyed that too...
 
What's your backup plan if research doesn't pan out? I'd imagine that GR involves a lot of computer modelling and programming, so that could be useful in some potential alternate careers. If you're more on the experimental and equipment side of physics, particle physics might land you a good job at a nuclear power plant or something.
 
Both are theoretical projects, and I imagine both will involve significant amounts of programming.

If research doesn't work out, then I'd probably try to get a job in the Financial tech sector - maybe coding or numerical modelling.
 

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