Physics Doubts about my own career (physics student)

AI Thread Summary
A new physics student expresses confusion about their career path after a year of study, feeling more drawn to conceptual understanding and philosophy than to traditional physics. Despite performing well in math and physics courses, they question the relevance and meaning of their studies. The student seeks advice on navigating this uncertainty, particularly regarding the pressure of parental support for their education. Other participants in the discussion highlight that introductory physics courses provide flexibility for switching majors, suggesting that the student could explore related fields such as math, chemistry, engineering, or biology without significantly delaying graduation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of finding personal fulfillment in academic pursuits and reassessing career goals.
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Hi everyone, I have posted one or two questions in classical physics, but I'm basically new here.

I'm relatively new physics student. I've been studying physics in university about a year by no, although the interest in physics comes from far behind.

I'm relatively good at maths, although I'm more of a 'conceptual' understanding, meaning that I'm better at problems concerning some sort of logic (like proving an statement) than those in which one has to use 'mathematical tools' for finding unknowns. Ability tests actually show that I'm better at 'comprehensive reading' than I'm at maths.

I've been doing good at my basic math and physics courses, but have the feeling I haven't found what I was actually looking for.

I do enjoy learning new things about maths and science. I remeber that in me first course in calculus I was so fascinated that I actually studied topics I would have to be learning now (after a year). It's just that, when I see the whole picture I really don't know if I will find some meaning to that at the end.

I've been reading a lot of philosophy also, and was also fascinated by it (in my country it isn't taught at regular schools). I found many things that looked like what I was actually looking for. But the career itself isn't.

I just ended up doubting my career in physics and I'm very confused now. I'm studying with. The money of my parents and they probably won't allow me to change my career out of nothing.

I was wondering if any of you had similar experiences. I would be very thankful if anyone can give me some advice (any advice would be good now). I know this is pretty common in young people, but I do feel I was looking for the same thing all along, I just didn't knew where to look for.

Thanks.
 
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Remember that taking physics courses leaves you with a lot of options: all math, physics, chemistry, engineering, and geology majors take the introductory physics series. You can certainly choose one of these majors and change without having a huge impact on graduation date, as they all have a similar if not identical lower division requirements. Also, biology majors would accept the higher physics courses as well.
 
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Hello, I graduated from undergrad a few years ago with a Major in Physics and minor in Electrical Engineering. I tried to get experience working on and testing circuits through my professor who studied Neutrinos, however covid caused the opportunity to go away and I graduated with no experience or internships. I have attempted to break into the engineering industry with no success. Right now I am considering going for a Masters in Electrical Engineering and I need advice on if this would be...

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