Balancing Multiple Interests: Pursuing 2 PhDs in STEM Fields at a Young Age

[Willelm]

Since I was 11 years old I have seek into jobs. Now, at 15 years old, I think that I want to do 2 PhD, in Applied Physics and in Mathematics+Computing Science. Those have a very good prospect and there are well paid. I love physics and mathematical computing.
Is it to much? Must I think more? I don't know. I also want to do a master in aerospace engineering, what I should do?

 

[Willelm]

If you think it's not too much, do you think that to add a master in aerospace engineering is now a bad idea?
I want to take that master becouse I want to work in the aerospace Industry. Maybe with my 2 PhD's is enough to work in the aerospace Industry?

 

[Dr. Courtney]

That's an aweful lot. At 15, I like to see students keep as many doors open as possible, but not overly commit to specific actions or accomplishments.

Do well in your high school math and science courses. In college, poor performance in math and science courses the first two years end most aspiring engineering and science careers. Be prepared with your high school work and learn to work hard.

 

[Choppy]

If you want to go into the aerospace industry it would make a lot more sense to study aerospace engineering as an undergraduate I would think - although other branches of engineering are also used in the field.

There really isn't a lot of point in doing 2 PhDs. A PhD is a 4 - 6 year commitment. Doing that twice would take a decade. And the majority of what you really learn as a PhD student is how to do research in a specialized area, so doing it a second time would put you into a position where you were learning a lot of stuff that you already know - just applying it to a different field. Maybe you'd be a little faster the second time around, but it would still seem counter-productive.

 

[Willelm]

Yes, I know, but a Computational Mathematics career is only usefull with a PhD. And the same with physics. What should I do?

 

[Choppy]

When you're talking about the kind of specialization that comes with a PhD, you can really only work in one industry at a time. At some point you'll need to make a decision.

You might want to factor in the stage of the game you're at right now and keep as many doors open as possible while you explore your options. Are you in high school trying to decide on a university major? Are you a fourth year university student trying to figure out where you want to apply for graduate school?

 

[Willelm]

When you're talking about the kind of specialization that comes with a PhD, you can really only work in one industry at a time. At some point you'll need to make a decision.

You might want to factor in the stage of the game you're at right now and keep as many doors open as possible while you explore your options. Are you in high school trying to decide on a university major? Are you a fourth year university student trying to figure out where you want to apply for graduate school?

Yes, I know. I want to work in the Space Industry as a director. But I also want to do research in problems like np=p. what should I do?

 

[Willelm]

I'm in high school (17 years old)

 

[Choppy]

In that case it's probably best for you to focus on looking for a university program that will keep those doors open as you explore them further. Maybe you should look at something like a general engineering first year that includes course in introductory computer science and physics. As you move through your courses, you'll likely develop a better feeling for what you want to do. If you're not even in university yet, it's very difficult to know what kinds of problems you'd like to wok on for your PhD.

 

[axmls]

Two Ph.Ds is a bad sign: that you can spend 15 years in school and still not make up your mind. It's better to have one specialization.

 

[micromass]

Having one PhD is good: it means you can handle research. Having two PhD's is bad: it means you can't make up your mind. And it sounds exactly like you can't make up your mind. This is not bad, since you're in high school. But try not to plan your future too far ahead. You don't even know much physics/computer science/mathematics! There is no guarantee that you'll like those fields. You can probably double major or something to see which one you like best. But at the end of undergrad, you will have to make a decision!

 

[Alcathous]

Do you also want two jobs? Because this is what it kind of means.

I agree with others who say to focus on the next one or two years. I commend you on your ambitions, but there's no point in two PhDs.

The only reason to do two science BSc is if you can't make up your mind yet. Two science MScs is a waste of time.

Kind of confused about how you aged two years in two days, though but that's ok.
It is only natural that you can't make up your mind yet.

Be it 15, 17, 19 or 21, you will change your mind every 6 months. So enjoy the ride while you move forward.

 

[CivilSigma]

When I was 11, I was playing runescape. When I was 15, I was still playing videogames. But now, I am in my second year as an undergrad in civil engineering. Point is, enjoy your time now and just do well in high school, because if you do, everything will fall in place later on.