Choosing Between Physics, Aerospace Engineering, and Biology: My Struggle at 18

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a young individual's dilemma in choosing between pursuing a degree in Physics, Aerospace Engineering, or Biology. The scope includes personal motivations, career prospects, and the challenges of conducting research in Argentina versus the US.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Marcos expresses a strong interest in Physics due to a desire for research, understanding the world, and a fascination with space.
  • He considers Aerospace Engineering as a "safer" option for employment and financial stability, while also being intrigued by its complexity related to space and advanced physics.
  • Marcos is drawn to Biology, particularly in areas like stem cells, genetics, and neuroscience, but notes the lack of research opportunities in Argentina.
  • One participant suggests combining interests in Biology and Physics through biophysics, indicating that biology-related fields may offer better job prospects than aerospace engineering.
  • Another participant questions the assumption that Aerospace Engineering is a safer choice than biophysics, particularly considering the job market in Argentina.
  • Marcos expresses concern about earning enough to support his family, emphasizing the importance of financial stability in his decision-making process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the relative safety or prospects of Aerospace Engineering compared to biophysics or other fields. Multiple competing views remain regarding the best path forward for Marcos.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of considering local job markets and research opportunities, as well as the potential for combining fields of interest. There are unresolved questions about the financial viability of different career paths in Argentina.

Frushe
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Hello, my name is Marcos. I am 18 years old and I am from Argentina. I am going through quite a struggle deciding between Physics, Engineering(specifically Aerospace Engineering) and biology.The reasons for my interest in physics are: I would love to carry out research(I like science), I like being able to understand a little about everything and the world that surrounds us, I have a great interest on space. Reasons for my interest on Aerospace engineering: It is a "safer" major in terms of employment and money, I might be able to do complex things in relation to space, It has advanced physics. Things I like about biology: stem cells, genetics and neuroscience. The problem is here in Argentina research is almost non existant. So, I will have to leave my country to the US (still being hard) In both I am planning to try hardly to achieve a Phd. What is your advice? Thanks a lot for your time!
 
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Welcome to PF!

You could consider combining two interests like biology and physics and get into biophysics. Biology related fields are hot and are arguably a better field to get into than aerospace.

Other more qualified members here will give you some other good tips.

One thing you can do now is to write down the pros and cons of each field and factor what you learn here and from additional research online and your best choice will become evident.
 
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Likes   Reactions: micromass
I don't think it's necessary obvious that aerospace engineering is safer than something like biophysics. I don't know, but it's something you should look into. Especially since the country where you plan to work is Argentina and not the US.
 
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I cannot stop thinking on what to do with my life. I know that I want to contribute to the world with something, make my life worthy. But also I don't want to not earn enough to support my family in the future, specially in a place like argentina where research is not paid well.
micromass said:
I don't think it's necessary obvious that aerospace engineering is safer than something like biophysics. I don't know, but it's something you should look into. Especially since the country where you plan to work is Argentina and not the US.
es
jedishrfu said:
Welcome to PF!

You could consider combining two interests like biology and physics and get into biophysics. Biology related fields are hot and are arguably a better field to get into than aerospace.

Other more qualified members here will give you some other good tips.

One thing you can do now is to write down the pros and cons of each field and factor what you learn here and from additional research online and your best choice will become evident.
 
@Frushe Could I get you to go to the personal message you received, and click on "Report" so that I can see it. Thanks.
 
NascentOxygen said:
@Frushe Could I get you to go to the personal message you received, and click on "Report" so that I can see it. Thanks.
Done! Thanks
 

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