Changing Careers: Physics Degree & Job Market in Phoenix

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around changing careers to pursue a physics degree, particularly in the context of the job market in Phoenix. Participants share their backgrounds, motivations for transitioning from IT or other fields, and seek advice on educational programs and job prospects related to physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to change careers from IT to physics, citing a passion for lab work and a need for recommendations on programs in Phoenix.
  • Another participant questions whether age (45) is a barrier to pursuing an engineering career, reflecting on the value of further education.
  • A participant shares their experience of dissatisfaction in IT and a newfound interest in physics, discussing their efforts to refresh their math skills and explore physics literature.
  • Concerns are raised about the competitive nature of physics careers and the potential for job availability after obtaining a PhD, with a suggestion that teaching could be a viable option.
  • One participant inquires about the prevalence of physicists in non-physics jobs, attributing this to historical political decisions affecting the nuclear industry and job availability in physics-related fields.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the feasibility and desirability of transitioning to a physics career, with no consensus on the job market conditions or the impact of age on career change. The discussion includes both encouragement and skepticism regarding the pursuit of physics degrees.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various personal backgrounds and motivations, highlighting the diversity of experiences and the uncertainty surrounding job prospects in physics. There are references to historical factors influencing the job market, but these remain contested and unresolved.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a career change to physics or engineering, those interested in the job market for physics graduates, and anyone exploring educational pathways in STEM fields may find this discussion relevant.

black02
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I'm currently working in IT as a senior system administrator and I've gotten to the point I'm just burnt out on the field. I've finally settled down and the other half has encouraged me to change careers like I've talked about for a while now.

I have a bachelor of arts in history with a computer programming minor. I was an EE for 3 years and had to drop due to a variety of reasons I won't go into here. My grades are good I've got the math background but I'll need a refresher as I simply have used it in 5 years.

I'm wanting to go back and get a physics degree as I really enjoyed physics especially the lab work, even when it wasn't doing the "fun" things.

We are moving to the Phoenix area for her new job and I'm curious of any programs recommended in the area and how is the job market there for the physics degree. I'm more hands on in my liking so lab work or maybe ME type work.

Any suggestions are welcome.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I was thinking of changing my career but don't know if I am too old at 45 for engineering career? I have an associates degree in automotive technology and is it worth all the time in college?
 
Thanks for any experience that may guide me.
 
Wow that sounds almost exactly like me. I've been a network admin for about 5 years and I'm sick and tired of IT in general. I spend most of my day doing anything but technical work.

I was not exposed to a lot of science when I was younger so I always assumed it wasn't for me. Yet I got a 790 in math for the SAT and I think (can't remember exactly) I got 780 in the GRE for math. It's not that I'm some amazing genius, it's just that love math and physics. I took an upper level physics course while in college to satisfy a general ed requirement (I did not finish the course, because I could not learn the math fast enough and I had only had Calc 1).

Right now I have a decent job but I don't want my life to be defined by just getting by. I'm not looking to get rich or famous, I just want to do something that interests me on a fundamental level. I got into computers because I was a bit of a gamer when I was younger, even though I had done 0 research on what my personality was. I'm not going to sit around and regret it - I just want to learn from my mistakes going forward.

To start, I'm working on easy math stuff just to refresh myself. I bought myself Spivak's Calculus book and can't wait to get started. I think while I'm going through that I will work through Feynman's lecture. If I'm still loving the field after all that work (done on my own time and through my own will), shouldn't I pursue the field further?

I know many of you can find the negatives - competition, funding, many years of study. But there has to be positives, right? I can't imagine I'll find myself without a job if I had a PhD in Physics from a respectable University. Will I be rich and famous? Probably not... but please don't make that assumption about me. I'm an INTP, and we like to be on the cutting edge of knowledge.

Couldn't I at least make a menial living teaching on contract or in secondary education? That's still a respectable job.

Other info about myself: I'm 27.5 years old and I love reading Physics books, especially Hawking and Feynman (but I'm branching out!)...
 
To the OP:

Have you looked at IT consulting, or technology consulting?
 
Why are so many Physicist in computers and other fields and not enjoying Physics work?

POLITICS.

Your little friend Jimmy Carter signed a piece of paper STOPPING the construction of over 100's nuclear plants. He and he alone caused us physicist to end up in non physics jobs. Otherwise we would be having a demand for high paying physics jobs. A nuclear plant creates hundreds of Physics jobs for colleges research and profesionals.

You might not see the connection but it is real.


http://www.21stcenturysciencetech.com/articles/spring01/nuclear_power.html
 

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