Becoming a Physicist: My Journey and Career Aspirations in Mathematical Physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the journey and aspirations of a high school student in India who is interested in pursuing a career in mathematical physics. The scope includes career opportunities in physics, the challenges of obtaining research positions, and advice on academic preparation for undergraduate and graduate studies in the United States.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster expresses a strong interest in physics and mathematics, having self-studied significant material and aiming for a career in mathematical physics, with backup options in experimental physics or applied mathematics.
  • Some participants suggest that pursuing both experimental physics and applied mathematics in graduate school may not be feasible, implying a need to specialize.
  • Concerns are raised about the availability of research opportunities in the U.S., with one participant noting that many physics PhDs end up in non-research positions globally.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of excelling in international competitions and obtaining awards to enhance admission prospects to prestigious universities like MIT.
  • There is a question about what steps to take after obtaining a PhD to secure a research position, with suggestions to engage in undergraduate research, internships, and join relevant societies.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the challenges of securing research positions in physics, but there are differing views on the importance of early academic achievements and the specific steps to take during and after graduate studies.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of detailed information on the U.S. academic system and the specific requirements for securing research positions post-PhD. The discussion reflects varying levels of experience and knowledge among participants regarding the academic and professional landscape in physics.

narayan.rocks
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Ok here is the thing . I am a 14 year old high school student in India starting grade 11 this year. Since i was 9 yrs old ( 6th grade ) i have been very interested in physics and math .
I thought my self high school physics , the whole of resnick halliday's FOP , Single variable Calculus , Higher algebra , geometry , plane trigonometry .
I want to take up Mathematical physics as my career as i love the field. My back up options are Experimental physicist or Applied Mathematician.
I don't want to stay here in India for the rest of my life as there are no significant research opportunities . I plan to go to US for undergrad and graduate work .

I have come to hear that even in US there are not a lot of opportunities and a lot of Physics PHDs end up working in some other field and don't end up with a research position.

The question is how hard is it to get a good research position ( a job where i could actually research and do physics/math ). I am pretty smart and a very hardworking person . I have a slight condition of Asperger's and thus i don't have lot of friends and i like to spend my time with books rather than people and thus can do a good lot of work .

So if i get through Undergrad and Grad school with excellent grades and also get my Phd . would it still be difficult to land a research position
 
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narayan.rocks said:
I thought my self high school physics , the whole of resnick halliday's FOP , Single variable Calculus , Higher algebra , geometry , plane trigonometry
Good Start! Keep Going.
narayan.rocks said:
I want to take up Mathematical physics as my career as i love the field. My back up options are Experimental physicist or Applied Mathematician.
Experimental Physics & Applied Mathematics at last become two different thing, you will become only one! Stay with both at Graduate School but not after that.
narayan.rocks said:
I don't want to stay here in India for the rest of my life as there are no significant research opportunities . I plan to go to US for undergrad and graduate work.
If you planning to come US then work hard to get International Olympiad Medals & Science Fair Awards because last year from India only 4 selected for MIT and all have golds & Perfect SAT Score. Admission Process is of 18 months. Register today for My MIT or others in which you want to go for Undergrad.
narayan.rocks said:
I have come to hear that even in US there are not a lot of opportunities and a lot of Physics PHDs end up working in some other field and don't end up with a research position.
That's true and applies to all over world. only PhD not going to give you Research Post.
narayan.rocks said:
The question is how hard is it to get a good research position ( a job where i could actually research and do physics/math ). I am pretty smart and a very hardworking person . I have a slight condition of Asperger's and thus i don't have lot of friends and i like to spend my time with books rather than people and thus can do a good lot of work
May be ZapperZ know this best that how hard to get a Research Position in US. Read his Thread So You want to be Physicist.
 
thanks for you reply . So what should we do after the phd so as to land a good research position
 
narayan.rocks said:
thanks for you reply . So what should we do after the phd so as to land a good research position
Not after PhD,Start with Undergraduate. If you go to US then their Join SPS (Society of Physics Students),Read the Physics Today.Do Internships and write Undergraduate Research Papers and Publish them.(I don't Know about more on US system wait for ZapperZ)

http://www.jurp.org/
http://www.spsnational.org/programs/awards/research.htm
 

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