Is a job in physics possible? I have a bachelor's degree in geology

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential for someone with a bachelor's degree in geology to transition into a career in physics, astrophysics, or astronomy. Participants explore various pathways, qualifications, and job opportunities in these fields, including the relevance of online certifications and advanced degrees.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the qualifications of someone with a geology background seeking employment in physics or related fields, emphasizing the competition from those with formal physics degrees.
  • There are suggestions that obtaining a PhD in physics, astrophysics, or astronomy could enhance qualifications for job opportunities.
  • Others propose that a specific job type should be clarified to provide more tailored advice on qualifications and pathways.
  • Some participants mention that teaching high school physics could be a viable option, noting that a BS in geology might suffice for teaching certification in some regions.
  • There are recommendations to consider combining geology knowledge with physics or astronomy, particularly in fields like planetary geology or geophysics.
  • A participant points out the importance of considering the local job market, especially given the OP's educational background from Algeria.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of transitioning from geology to physics-related careers. There is no consensus on the best approach or the necessity of advanced degrees, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific qualifications needed.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations in the discussion include a lack of clarity on the specific job roles desired and the varying educational requirements across different regions and job markets.

Amira bn
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Hello,

I have a bachalor in geology, (3 years in university - USTHB ALGERIA - GEOLOGY -mineral resources)
I want to get a job or an online job in physics/astrophysics/astronomy, how is that possible?
will getting online certifications help?
what are the things that i can do that will help me be a researcher or a teacher in physics?

thanks. :oldshy:
 
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Amira bn said:
Hello,

I have a bachalor in geology, (3 years in university - USTHB ALGERIA - GEOLOGY -mineral resources)
I want to get a job or an online job in physics/astrophysics/astronomy, how is that possible?
will getting online certifications help?
what are the things that i can do that will help me be a researcher or a teacher in physics?

thanks. :oldshy:

What makes you think you are qualified to be employed for a physics/astronomy/astrophysics job? If I give you a waveguide and ask you to map the EM field in that waveguide, are you able to do that?

Furthermore, how are you going to get that job ahead of people who have a background and degree in physics/astrophysics/astronomy? Don't you think there will be competition for that job? Why do you think you are more qualified than them?

Zz.
 
ZapperZ said:
What makes you think you are qualified to be employed for a physics/astronomy/astrophysics job? If I give you a waveguide and ask you to map the EM field in that waveguide, are you able to do that?

Furthermore, how are you going to get that job ahead of people who have a background and degree in physics/astrophysics/astronomy? Don't you think there will be competition for that job? Why do you think you are more qualified than them?

Zz.
well, have i said that I'm better than them? I don't think that I did.
I'm asking for the opportunities, how to be qualified to get a job in physics/astrophysics/astronomy :)
 
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Amira bn said:
well, have i said that I'm better than them? I don't think that I did.
I'm asking for the opportunities, how to be qualified to get a job in physics/astrophysics/astronomy :)

Get a PHD in physics/astrophysics/astronomy.

Zz.
 
What KIND of job do you want? If you have an example of the job that you want, then the answers here would be more precise.

You don't necessarily need a PhD, but ZapperZ is obviously right that there are many people already in these fields that would be more qualified. That's not to say that YOU can't get qualified, but start by explaining what you want to be doing...
 
plasmon_shmasmon said:
What KIND of job do you want? If you have an example of the job that you want, then the answers here would be more precise.

You don't necessarily need a PhD, but ZapperZ is obviously right that there are many people already in these fields that would be more qualified. That's not to say that YOU can't get qualified, but start by explaining what you want to be doing...

Hey,

Thank you for being positive ^^
The kind of jobs i want are lab jobs, research physicist, a teacher.
As i said, no i don't think I'm qualified yet, so what I'm asking here is "how I can be qualified without getting more university degrees to get thses kind of jobs?"

Thanks.
 
Amira bn said:
Hey,

Thank you for being positive ^^
The kind of jobs i want are lab jobs, research physicist, a teacher.
As i said, no i don't think I'm qualified yet, so what I'm asking here is "how I can be qualified without getting more university degrees to get thses kind of jobs?"

Thanks.

A PGCE in the UK is about 10 months and you can get a bursary depending on your degree classification, there may have something similar where you are.
https://www.britishcouncil.dz/en/about/jobs
There always seems to be a shortage of science teachers.

You don't fancy going for a MSc or something similar in geology? Its an interesting subject ..
 
Planetary geology, astrogeology, and geophysics come to mind. You will need more schooling, but you are probably best to use your geology knowledge in combination with physics or astronomy. Good luck!
 
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Most physicists can't even get jobs in physics, so probably not.
 
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  • #10
Teaching high school physics is your best bet. A buddy of mine is nearing the end of a long career as a high school physics teacher with a BS in geology. Often, one can get a high school science teaching certification with a BS in any science field, then the teaching assignments come down to the local principal. Some districts and schools have more demand for physics teachers than others.
 
  • #11
The OP stated that he/she received his/her degree from Algeria. Presumably, this is where he/she is seeking employment, unless further clarification is given.

So consider this when you are giving advice on what he/she may be able to do.

Zz.
 

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