Exploring Post-Graduation Career Options in Theoretical Physics and Pure Math

  • Thread starter Thread starter MathematicalPhysicist
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Academia
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around post-graduation career options for individuals with degrees in theoretical physics and pure mathematics, particularly focusing on jobs that allow for continued learning in these fields. Participants explore the balance between work intensity and personal study time.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about finding jobs that are not too intense and still allow for continued learning in theoretical physics and pure mathematics.
  • Another participant humorously suggests that unemployment or a professorship might be the only options available.
  • A different viewpoint suggests that careers in consultancy, banking, or IT could provide opportunities for physicists and mathematicians, though this may vary by country.
  • Some participants challenge the original question's phrasing, arguing that terms like "enough," "too intense," and "learning" are ambiguous and subjective.
  • One participant shares their experience of self-studying math and physics for over a decade, emphasizing the importance of adjusting time frames and expectations outside of academia.
  • Another participant acknowledges the need to rephrase the original question to focus on how to find time for meaningful learning outside of daily work.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express skepticism about the availability of suitable jobs that allow for continued learning, with some suggesting that any job could fit the description depending on individual definitions. The discussion remains unresolved regarding specific career paths that meet the criteria outlined in the original question.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the ambiguity in the original question, which may affect the clarity of responses. There is also a recognition that personal circumstances and definitions of work intensity and learning can vary widely.

MathematicalPhysicist
Science Advisor
Gold Member
Messages
4,662
Reaction score
372
I am a little bit thinking of after graduating from msc and maybe even phd, what kind of jobs which aren't too intense are out there for people who want to continue learning theoretical physics and pure math?
I mean work that leaves you with enough spare time to keep learning maths and physics.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Unemployment leaves you a lot of time to keep learning maths and physics. Being a professor forces you to.
 
So the answer is no, there aren't.

Can't say I am surprised.

OK, so umeployment or professorship here I come... :-)
 
Consultancy, banking, politics? Some physicists & mathematicians in my country end up as programmers/"IT guys" for banks or small businesses. Then again my country is in the sh*tter, so your chances may be a lot better.
 
MathematicalPhysicist said:
So the answer is no, there aren't.

Can't say I am surprised.

OK, so umeployment or professorship here I come... :-)

Your question is a poorly phrased one, with such ambiguous terms such as "enough," "too intense", and "learning." Depending on your definition of all three, pretty much any job fits your description. I don't really know how you expect people to give you a meaningful answer. You can make enough time for anything if you choose to.
 
I've been self-studying math/physics for over 10 years now. One thing is that you need to adjust your time frame and expectations. In school, you're talking multiple classes at the same time, and focussed full time on your studies. But you're only in school for a few years. Even with PhD, its ~10 years total in school.

Outside of academia, even if you only manage 1 hour/day in your studies, you have the rest of your life. Say conservatively 40 years. 1 hour/day for 40 years will accomplish a whole lot of self-study.
 
fss said:
Your question is a poorly phrased one, with such ambiguous terms such as "enough," "too intense", and "learning." Depending on your definition of all three, pretty much any job fits your description. I don't really know how you expect people to give you a meaningful answer. You can make enough time for anything if you choose to.

You correct, I was a little bit hasty on the submit button.

Anyway, to rephrase my question, how do you find time to keep learning maths and physics beyond your daily work which is outside academia, and does you learning of this material is meaningful to you, as in not just a cursory knowledge?

Thanks, and sorry for the ambiguous OP.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
4K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
28
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 37 ·
2
Replies
37
Views
10K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K