How to get into programming with a Physics/Engineering background

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the transition from a physics and engineering background into programming and data science. Participants explore the relevance of their existing skills in physics and engineering to a potential career in data analysis and data science, particularly focusing on programming languages and practical applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to integrate their engineering and physics background with programming, specifically in the context of data science.
  • Another participant suggests that a data science career leans more towards statistics and programming rather than physics, although acknowledges that a rigorous physics education can be beneficial.
  • There is a recommendation for the original poster to engage in personal programming projects to build skills and enhance their resume, with a focus on using platforms like GitHub.
  • Some participants argue that there is a significant overlap between data science and engineering/physics, emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying models rather than just applying software tools.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the relationship between data science and physics/engineering, with differing views on the relevance of a physics background in data science careers. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best path forward for the original poster.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the specific skills required for data science roles and the potential need for additional programming languages beyond VBA and R. The scope of the conversation does not address the full range of data science applications or the depth of programming knowledge needed.

Ben Mercado
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Hi Everybody!

I've got a job doing stress analysis as an engineer at an aerospace company. My best days are when I get to spend all day writing VBA codes/macros to automate stress analysis procedures or whatnot. I was thinking about getting a certificate in Data Analysis aka Data Science at the local University, but I'm not sure if a career melding the physical sciences/physics/engineering with lots of programming exists. If so, how do I go there from here?
The certificate program is mostly in R.
I only know how to program in VBA.
I've got a MS in Structural Engineering (Civil) and a BS in Astrophysics, and I'd rather not throw away all that physics background to start a new career in data analysis/data science.
Anyone know how I can take my engineering/physics background and turn programming from something I do on the side into something I emphasize in my career?

thanks !
 
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This doesn't belong in "New Member introductions ONLY - NO QUESTIONS". I've moved this.
 
OK Thanks !
 
A data science career is more like statistics / probability and programming. Its not so much physics, although, a mathematically rigorous physics education can help a lot.

The best way to learn programming is practice. I suggest you just pick a couple of projects to do on your own (nights and weekends) and start in. Post the code on GitHub, and then you can put it on your resume. There are a lot of opportunities in easy to use data analytics / machine learning software with a GUI.

Personally, I don't see a big distinction between true data science and engineering/physics. Yes, you are not typically dealing with modeling physical systems, but a lot of the insight and math is very similar. The trick is to get a job where you are actually expected to think about the model, and not just be some software engineer blindly applying some machine learning toolbox.
 

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