Career Opportunities After Graduation for Older Students

[Abishaimurday]

hi ...

basically I am doing my 3rd year in aerospace design engineer in the uk...and its time to think about a post graduation and the thing is that I am still looking for a field to specialise in...right now propulsion systems really interest me but my question is that is there a field that is going to boom in the future...ive read sum threads and i see that metallurgy and materials is recommended.. could anyone give me some specialising fields in aerospace so that i could do some research...any suggestions would really be appreciated

thank you

 

[Kites]

Hello everyone,

I am a junior currently at my school in physics. I have a year of chemistry and biology under my belt by the time I graduate and am now looking towards graduate schools for the last bit so I can enter into a career.

The question fr me is what career?

I am currently geared towards Medical Physics but lately I am wondering if I'd find Forensic Science interesting as well.

So really, here are my questions.

Does anyone know if physics majors ever get into Forensic Science schools? The places I look all pretty much demand chemists and chemists only. Any other advice? Anyone tried? Anyone had success or failure?

Any opinions one way or another will be greatly appreciated!

Thank you all very much.

 

[MathematicalPhysicist]

Luckily for me (or unluckily for me), Iv'e narrowed my topics to specalise in to: Quantum Cosmology in theoretical physics and Quantum Chaos but from the number theoretic approach, i.e pure maths.

So the problem is how to combine these two narrowed specialities?, I think I have also narrowed down two possible academic supervisors (one from the physics department and one from the maths department).

Now I have a few questions:
1. Does it matter if I do my dissertation in the physics department or the maths departement?
2. Should it matter that if I were to write the dissertation in one department over the other, that the other advisor is not from this deparment?
3. One thing that bothers me is that, I am thinking of applying this year to two MSC programmes in my school (physics and maths) and after I were to finish 2/3 of my obligatory studies in each of them, if I were to continue to a PhD in one departement over the other, how would I inform each of my advisors of the other, it seems like a hassle to go between the two advisors back and forth?

Any other tips on this matter are more than welcomed.

 

[Stereotomy]

Hi, I'm in my third year of four studying Physics, and I was wondering if anybody could advise me on finding summer placements. I'm a citizen of both the UK and US, and so I'm most looking for places there, though I would consider placements in other countries. I'm most interested in placements based on theoretical physics, but experimental physics or something in industry or technology would also be possible. Anything like the Perimeter Institute's summer program would be great.

I'm finding it difficult to find any kind of searchable resource that really caters that well to somebody looking for this kind of thing, so if anybody could recommend me, I'd be grateful. I'd also be eager to hear recommendations of specific individual placements people know of.

 

[asystole91]

I'm a double major in chemistry and physics (to be honest, I like physics better), and I'm thinking of going to med school. I think I have a good idea of what I want to do for my undergrad coursework, but I'm not sure if a M.D./Ph.D. or just one of the paths would be most appropriate. I'm really interested in knowing and understanding the human body from a strong physics and chemistry perspective primarily, and the years of research in the pure sciences seem like they would complement what I'll learn from the M.D. path very well. Also, I'm not sure if double majors are even feasible in grad school, so I'm assuming I'll have to leave one of my fields behind. Basically, I suppose just want to know:

What grad school program would be most appropriate (clinical, research, or both)?
Is physics offered as a graduate major in any U.S. med schools?
I'm going to do a pre-med concentration for the undergrad chem major. Would it make sense to do a biophysics concentration for my other major? My school's undergrad catalog suggests that this program is good for admission into M.D./Ph.D. programs.

 

[wuphysics]

Hey all,

I am just about to graduate with a Bachelor's in Physics, I am also applying graduate school and intend to start in Fall 2011.

What do physics majors typically do during their summer between undergrad and grad school? Most research programs are geared toward juniors or advanced graduate students looking to do thesis work, others are designed as a year to two year commitment. I was also considering doing something outside of physics altogether and maybe find a program that will let me travel for the summer while doing some sort of work, or an international program of some kind. I have been doing a lot of searching, but everything I find is not just for the summer.

Any typical or atypical ideas? I am open to hearing out any ideas. Maybe those who are already past this point can chirp in with how they chose to spend the summer or how they wish they had spent that summer.

Thanks for the help in advance! Oh and have a happy New Years!
WP

 

[mahajima]

Hi there,

I'm a recent physics graduate who was recently accepted into Toronto's graduate school. I'm hoping to study cosmology under a fairly famous professor either there or at UBC if I hear back from them. I have been obsessed with physics generally and cosmology specifically since high school and know I won't be satisfied with myself unless I at least take a shot at making a career out of it. But I'm also not stupid and realize that the job market isn't exactly littered with cosmological research positions.

My question is, what can I do during my graduate education to make myself more attractive to the private sector in case I need to make the switch? In particular I would like to keep my Bay Street options open, but understand that a PhD is not necessarily enough to move in that direction anymore (and the situation is only going to be worse 6 years down the line). Do I do a summer internship? Take extra courses? Learn Japanese? What?

Alternative directions I might move in aside from finance (for example, policy; my undergrad was a double major with a fairly prestigious liberal arts program) would also be welcomed.

Thanks!

 

[mechas]

Hi guys,
I did B.Tech in Electrical and Electronics Engineering in 2009 and now I am going for post graduation. I have secured a good rank in GATE 2011 and want to go for M.Tech. But I am not yet sure about which course to take partially because I am not aware of what type of course content is involved. So I require some guidance regarding following points.

1) I am very much interested in research as a career. I have always been interested in both electrical (not power or generation but mainly electrical machines and devices), electronics(semiconductor devices, circuit design, robotics, optical electronics and lasers) and physics(especially related to cosmology, astrophysics, etc). I went for Electrical Engineering for graduation as I felt it would give me overview of the basics of most of these areas while I choose which I want to pursue as a career, while keeping other job opportunities in reach.
I have been an average student throughout graduation, but I have a clear grasp on the fundamentals. I have never been involved in any kind of research work, plus I have no idea about the future scope of any research field. So can anyone give me an idea about what research in any of these fields will be like and what are their career scope.

2) How much important is the institute with respect to course at postgrad level i.e. if it is a good idea to pursue a better programme from a less reputed institute?

3) I am also considering Ph.D and M.Sc(Research) along with M.Tech but mainly as a fallback option. Would it be a good idea if I chose one of them instead of M.Tech for a better course? Also since they are significantly longer courses, would it be worth it
(I am 24 years old)?

 

[ANDEatSSL2]

We are building a research team of graduate students for our laboratory. Our projects are related to the application of laser ultrasound technologies and optical fiber sensors technologies to the non-destructive test and evaluation (NDT&E), and Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) of important engineering structures, such as wind turbine, space launch vehicle, nuclear power plant, and aircraft. All the projects are application based with supports from the industries or government, and have great potential to be commercialized. If you are highly motivated, we want to invite you to join our research team.


Basic Requirements:
- Electrical & electronics, Optics, Composites, Mechatronics, Aerospace, or Aeronautics engineering background.
- Prefer candidates with signal processing, embedded system (FPGA), RFID, wireless sensors network, or LabVIEW skills.
- Good English test score.

Financial Supports:
- Starting pay KRW 900,000 for master; KRW 1,100,000 for PhD (after tax deduction).
- Increment depending on research achievement, e.g. KRW 1,580,000 for a present PhD student in the 4th year.
- Office utensils supported, including PC, furniture, stationary, etc.

Application or Enquiry:
- Required documents:
Detail resume with recent photo, copy of certificates and English test result, one A4 page of self-introduction (your personality, motivation to join this field of study, reasons of application and personal goals, future plan after your graduation, etc).
- Send application or enquiry to ANDEatSSL2@gmail.com
- Application due date: 21st April 2011
- For more information, visit us at http://ssl.jbnu.ac.kr/xe/research_f (Please use Internet Explorer.)

Prof. Jung-Ryul, LEE
Smart Structures Laboratory
KARI-University Collaboration Enhancement Project Laboratory
Department of Aerospace Engineering,
Chonbuk National University, South Korea.

 

[snju]

hi all,

i am a graduate student, i need to choose 1 subject from

A>>
Broadband networks:: which is somewhat theoretical and deals with Physics of wireless and optical communications. Broadband multiplexing and switching methods. Blocking and queuing analysis. Network optimization, routing, and economics

B>>
Embedded operating systems which has beagleboard programming projects involved as well, and deals with Investigating Linux source including: memory management, kernel synchronization and driver design topics. Designing, coding, testing, and evaluating embedded operating system software in a Linux environment..

I am an elctrical engineering specializing in communication and signal processing; i have taken the following courses till now:: random signal theory, communication systems, digital communiations, wireless communications.

digital systems and circuits, VLSI design, computer architecture, digital image and video processing.

please give your opinion such that it further improves my profile and knowledge and increases my chances of getting a job.

thank you

 

[ANDEatSSL2]

Scholarship for Graduate Students in Aerospace Engineering, South Korea​

We proudly announce the launch of LANL-CBNU Engineering Institute Korea, a joint venture program of our lab with the Los Alamos National Laboratory, USA. Therefore, we need some dedicated graduate students as the backbone of the program. Our projects are related, but not limited, to the application of laser ultrasound technologies and optical fiber sensors technologies to the non-destructive test and evaluation (NDT&E), and Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) of important engineering structures, such as wind turbine, space launch vehicle, nuclear power plant, and aircraft. All the projects are application based with supports from the industries or government, and have great potential to be commercialized. If you are highly motivated, we want to invite you to join our research team.


Basic Requirements:
- Electrical, electronics, mechatronics engineering, or image processing background.
- Prefer candidates with signal/image processing, embedded system (FPGA), real-time application, RFID, wireless sensors network, or LabVIEW skills.
- Good TOEFL score.

Financial Supports:
- Starting pay KRW 950,000 for master; KRW 1,150,000 for PhD (after tax deduction).
- Increment depending on research achievement, e.g. KRW 1,650,000 for a present PhD student in the 4th year.
- Office utensils supported, including PC, furniture, stationary, etc.

Application or Enquiry:
- Required documents:
Detail resume with recent photo, copy of certificates and TOEFL result, one A4 page of self-introduction (your personality, motivation to join this field of study, reasons of application and personal goals, future plan after your graduation, etc).
- Send application or enquiry to Integrated Health & Usage Monitoring Team leader:
IHUM.SSL@gmail.com
- Application due date: Spring semester: 20th Oct. 2011; Fall semester: 20th Apr. 2012.
- For more information, visit us at http://ssl.jbnu.ac.kr/xe/research_f" (Please use Internet Explorer.)


Prof. Jung-Ryul, LEE
Smart Structures Laboratory & LANL-CBNU EI-K,
Department of Aerospace Engineering,
Chonbuk National University, South Korea.

 

[david-scott]

Hello,

I am a certified High School Physics Teacher employed by a local school district. I was attempting to pursue a Masters of Ed in Sec Ed. Physics at a local university, when after completing a full semester, I was then informed that I would be unable to complete such a program...because that program does not exist for graduate levels students. Apparently it never has, even though it is clearly stated in the graduate level literature.
The head of the graduate college replied "Can't you just go for Biology or go for a principal cert?"

I am looking for a worthwhile program to become a better physics/science teacher in order to more successfully enable students to become better learners.

Does anyone out there have any advice or perspective on any quality Physics or Science Education Masters programs online? It seems rather difficult to wade through the information online.

Thank you for your help!

 

[Pacstorm]

Hey,

So I was posting here just looking for some advice / help on what my moves should be. I am currently a physics / math double major graduating a year early (trying to save money) from a small liberal arts school with a, barely, 3.0 cumulative GPA. My major(s) GPA is around a 3.2 if not a little higher. I am looking into going on to do Fire Protection Engineering or Mechanical Engineering for my masters. Putting FPE on the side (I have already looked into all that information), what are some schools in my range for mechanical engineering? I am a math / physics peer tutor at my school, have been rowing, am going to be volunteering as an EMT and will be doing my thesis next year on something FPE related. Not entirely sure what yet as I need to talk to my adviser. I was looking into Cal Poly, SJSU, TAMU, VCU, VTech, and a few others. Where I would really want to go is USC, but I don't believe I could get in with my GPA. I am studying for GRE's right now and plan to take them in August. What are my chances at some of these / where should I be looking? I know I'm just above the cut-off GPA for graduate admissions at almost every school for engineering, but is there hope? Almost all of the courses bringing down my GPA are distribution, if that matters.

Thanks in advance.

 

[beer_physics]

Hi, I'm older than most college students, I am 23. In my youth (I'm still young but I think you get it haha) I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted to do in life so it took me a while to figure it out. I have always loved science since I was a child and I decided to go with my childhood dream of being a scientist so that's where I am at now.

What I am worried about is I've done the math and I project myself receiving my Ph.D at around age 32 or 33 which is slightly later than a lot of people. In addition, reading some of the things on this site it appears that getting an academic job is quite difficult and my dream of doing theoretical physics research at a university may require a plan b. So I'm just curious does being older hurt your chances at getting a faculty job?

Also what are the career opportunities like for things like applied physics? Would this be a viable plan b strategy in case things don't work out the way I'd like them to? Furthermore, is it possible to get a job with a B.S. in applied physics? How hard is it to go from an applied physics B.S. to say a Ph.D. program in astrophysics or particle physics? Thanks for the feedback :)

 

[c_nos]

Hello Everybody,

I am a senior at a UC school, and I am interested in condensed matter and am open to studying related things (e.g. chemical physics, optics, optical simulations of condensed matter systems), and I'm not sure if I want to study theory or experiment (started out leaning towards theory, but now it is about 50:50.) I've been accepted to Rice as a physics Ph.D. with a fellowship, and recently accepted to Technion for an M.Sc. in physics; I also applied to Weizmann for an M.Sc. and I think I have a good chance of getting in there as well.

My plan upon applying to these programs in Israel was if I didn't get into one of the top schools I applied to (e.g. Cornell, Columbia) I might go to Israel for a masters, and then re-apply to top schools in the US (assuming I did very well in the M.Sc.) Does anyone have a perspective on either Weizmann or Technion for a physics education in condensed matter, and/or have advice about my potentially risky plan? I am wondering if I should give up Rice: I visited and the academic environment + facilities there are really quite good, and they have at least two professors I would be interested in working with. Weizmann, on the other hand, has more than two professors that I would be interested in working with, and I've noticed that many of the graduates from good groups there end up with really good positions in the US for post-docs or sometimes Ph.Ds. I believe that if I did very well there I would have a much better shot for a great US grad school than I did this time around. Aside from academic concerns, I have been to Israel (albeit only for two weeks,) and would be very interested in living there for an extended period of time.

I know this question is very specific to my own situation, so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[chayan_science]

Hi guys, I would be very grateful if I get some advice regarding choosing a subject to choose for my master degree. I recently graduated with a major in Physics, and with a minor concentration in Maths and Chemistry.
I had always wanted to go for interdisciplinary research and so I applied for two such subjects one being Biophysics and Molecular Biology and the other being Atmospheric Sciences.

As a background, I was a medical aspirant before I chose to major in Physics and not biology so I have had the required courses in Biology in High School. My interest for Biology had compelled me to opt for Biophysics and Mol Bio, and this program incorporates students from Physics,Chem, and other Life science majors.

The problem is my priority was Biophysics earlier. We have to give exams to get into these programs. When I gave the exams, I was hoping to get Biophysics but instead, I scored really well in the Atmospheric Sciences entrance much to my surprise. At that time I was very worried about being worthless and not getting a chance to study anywhere so I quickly admitted myself to AS. I know very little about this discipline. But I have been going to classes for two weeks and the subject is not bad. It is basically applying Maths and Physics and Chem to atmospheric phenomena and studying about Meteorology and Climatology.

But recently I got a chance to apply again for the Biophysics program even though I scored badly in this entrance. So I was thinking about the research scope between these two programs. BTW, I am from India.

Regarding my interests, my judgment seems cloudy now. I seem to like both. So it is difficult for me to choose between the two. If you would like I would attach the syllabus of both these programs to ascertain the research scope in the future.

Thanks a lot!