Business student who likes science

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a business student contemplating a shift to a career in science, specifically physics or astrophysics, as they approach graduation. The conversation explores the feasibility of transitioning from a business background to a scientific field, the necessity of formal education in science for advanced degrees, and the potential roles that business skills can play in the scientific community.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to pursue physics or astrophysics but is uncertain about their interest in the details of the field, suggesting they prefer a big picture perspective.
  • Another participant advises sticking with business, arguing that business skills are essential for funding and marketing in science, and that business professionals can significantly contribute to scientific endeavors.
  • A suggestion is made to take a single physics course to gauge interest in the subject matter.
  • One participant proposes that becoming an actuary could be a suitable alternative, combining interests in math and science.
  • There is a discussion about the differences between popular science documentaries and the actual work in astrophysics, with one participant noting that the latter can be more akin to accounting than expected.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the original poster should pursue a career in science or remain in business. While some encourage exploring science through coursework, others emphasize the importance of business skills in supporting scientific work. No consensus is reached on the best path forward.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the uncertainty surrounding the original poster's interest in physics and the potential need for additional education in science to pursue a master's degree. There is also a recognition of the varying roles that business professionals can play in the scientific community.

anonchi
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Im 21 and should be graduating in December with a BS in Accounting and BS in Finance. Now that I'm actually close to graduating, I'm beginning to think more about life after college. One thing I've realized is that I don't like business. Sure I could go through with it and be successful, but I'd rather do what I love, and that's science. I haven't narrowed it down too much, but I think I'd like to do physics or astrophysics. Who knows, maybe I'll end up changing my mind about the specific field I'd like to go into, but either way, I'm definitely going down the wrong path. Since I'm so close to graduating, I'm not going to switch majors suddenly and waste four years of time and tuition. How would I go about getting into science with a BS in business? Do I need a BS in science to do a Masters in science? If I need a BS, can I take the main classes (calculus, physics, etc.) without all the extra general studies that goes with a degree?
 
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stick with business. you don't know if you like physics or not. physicists and engineers need businessmen to market their ideas and products in a market economy, and beg for funding in a command economy. businessmen never go out of business.

the biggest obstacle to big science is funding. you can make it happen and help science far more than if you actually studied science.
 
You're right when you say i don't know if I like physics or not. I watch a lot of science documentaries and I love learning about the way the world works. The thing is - I don't know if I'd be interested in the details. I am a big picture kind of person. While learning about the cosmos is interesting to me, I don't think I'd be interested in the minute, insignificant details.

I'd like to be involved in science in some way though. Any suggestions?
 
Hey anonchi and welcome to the forums.

If you are interested in learning some more statistics and a bit more other math, becoming an actuary might be up your alley.
 
You can always appreciate science in the way that you already are. If you want to get your toes wet, maybe take 1 course in physics and see how you like it?
 
anonchi said:
You're right when you say i don't know if I like physics or not. I watch a lot of science documentaries and I love learning about the way the world works. The thing is - I don't know if I'd be interested in the details. I am a big picture kind of person. While learning about the cosmos is interesting to me, I don't think I'd be interested in the minute, insignificant details.

I'd like to be involved in science in some way though. Any suggestions?

like i said, scientists and engineers need people to help them sell their products/beg for funding. then they need people to help them manage their finances. that's where businessmen and accountants come in - you.

here's what I'm going to say about the "not interested in details" - I've been reading some astrophysics papers recently. I'm totally untrained in this field, but i can tell that it is nothing , NOTHING like the science documentaries. its seriously more like accounting than you think it is.
 

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