Employment Rate in Physics and Suggestions for a Physics Career

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the employment rates in various areas of physics, particularly in relation to the background of a participant who is pursuing a career in research. The scope includes career advice, areas of specialization within physics, and personal reflections on age and educational pursuits.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that Solid State Physics historically has the highest employment rate but also notes it has a high rate of new PhDs.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of specifying interest in experimental versus theoretical physics for more tailored advice.
  • A participant expresses a preference for theoretical physics over experimental physics.
  • It is noted that Solid State/condensed-matter physics includes theoretical work, not just experimental.
  • Concerns about age are raised, with one participant questioning if 23 is too old to start a career in physics.
  • Responses indicate that 23 is not considered too old, citing examples of individuals who pursued advanced degrees later in life.
  • A participant inquires specifically about the employment rate for PhDs in solid-state or condensed matter theory.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that Solid State Physics has a notable employment rate, but there is no consensus on the specific employment rates for theoretical versus experimental roles or for different areas of physics. The discussion about age reflects differing perspectives, with some participants dismissing concerns about starting a career at 23.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the lack of specific employment statistics for various fields of physics and the dependence on individual preferences for theoretical versus experimental work.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a career in physics, particularly those interested in research, as well as students evaluating their options for specialization within the field.

rdgarza
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Hi people!

I am 23 years old and I graduate form BS in Electronic Systems Engineering but I love physics and I am interested in chaos, nonlinear dynamics and statistical mechanics, right know I am in BS in Physics and I am planning to get an MSc in Physics and a PhD in Physics because I want to get a job as a researcher in the future.

Which areas of physics have the best employment rates?

Which area of physics can you suggest me with my background?

Thank you and sorry for my English.
 
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The area of physics that probably has the highest employment rate historically is Solid State Physics, but it also has highest rate of new PhD's by what I hear. Check out the job statistics on the APS website for more info.

Since I am still an undergrad myself, I can't really say what field would be best for you since I still haven't been exposed to all of them myself. Also, you should probably mention whether you are interested in experimental or theoretical physics also, since this will help those who can give more detailed information. Good Luck in your future endeavors.:smile:
 
I am interested more in theoretical physics more than experimental physics
 
Solid-state/condensed-matter physics is not restricted to experimental work--there is plenty of theory to be developed.
 
I have another question, am I too old to begin with all this?
 
Not at all--Queen guitarist Brian May just completed his doctorate in astrophysics, 36 years after he started it.
 
rdgarza said:
I have another question, am I too old to begin with all this?

Too old at *23*?!? What the hell is wrong with you?
 
las3rjock said:
Solid-state/condensed-matter physics is not restricted to experimental work--there is plenty of theory to be developed.

but what is the employment rate for those with phD's in solid-state or condensed matter theory?
 

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