Choosing Between Physics and Geophysics: Finding the Right Path for Your Career

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision-making process for a student contemplating a career path between physics and geophysics. It includes personal reflections on academic experiences, interests in various physics topics, and considerations for future employment after obtaining a bachelor's degree.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • A participant expresses uncertainty about their choice to pursue geophysics over physics, citing boredom with traditional physics and a lack of interest in the mathematics involved in particle and quantum physics.
  • The same participant enjoys practical aspects of geophysics, such as fieldwork and instrument setup, indicating a preference for applied work.
  • Concerns are raised about the decision to seek employment after graduation rather than pursuing a master's degree, reflecting on the desire for advice and shared experiences from others.
  • Another participant humorously suggests a specific way to introduce oneself in the geophysics community, which is met with confusion from the original poster.
  • Clarification is provided regarding the humorous suggestion, explaining the gesture as pointing towards the Earth.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains a mix of personal reflections and humorous exchanges, with no clear consensus on the best path forward for the original poster. Participants share differing perspectives on the importance of academic choices and professional introductions.

Contextual Notes

The original poster's feelings of uncertainty are influenced by their experiences in physics and geophysics, and their decision-making is complicated by their interests and career aspirations.

GhostLoveScore
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First, I'm new here and I want to introduce myself - I'm geophysics student from Croatia, and I have a few questions that's been bothering me for a while now.

First two years of college are the same for geophysics and physics - we go to same class. Then in third year we choose where we will go. I selected geophysics. Mostly because I was sooo bored at regular physics. And there is a problem. Now I'm not sure I made a good decision. I like reading about particle physics and quantum physics, but I don't like mathematics behind all that. But at them same time I feel like I'm missing on all those "how the universe works" things from physics.

But then again - I like geophysics, I like working on field, working with instruments, setting up instruments. From all jobs I can imagine, geophysics is the best for me.

3rd thing - Next year I will get my bachelor's degree, and I thought about finding a job. At the moment I don't feel like continuing to master's degree.

I don't know, I just want some advice, your stories... Something that will help clear all this mess in my head :smile:
 
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(With mouseover: If you're a geologist or geophysicist and you don't introduce yourself by saying your name, then gesturing downward and saying "... and I study that", I don't know what you're doing with your life.)

[http://www.xkcd.com/913/]
 
Thank you very much, this was really polite and helpful post.
 
GhostLoveScore said:
[...] I don't know, I just want some advice [...]

Once you graduate, always introduce yourself by saying your name, then gesturing downward and saying "... and I study that."
 
FlexGunship said:
Once you graduate, always introduce yourself by saying your name, then gesturing downward and saying "... and I study that."

I seriously don't understand this answer. I haven't yet graduated. And what is this gesturing downward??
 
GhostLoveScore said:
I seriously don't understand this answer. I haven't yet graduated. And what is this gesturing downward??

To "gesture downward" is to point down (i.e. towards the Earth).
 
Oh, I see :smile:
 

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