Is Choosing a PhD Topic Crucial for Future Opportunities?

[gol3tron]

Does a PhD topic really matter??

Im a 2nd year graduate student trying to find an advisor to work for. I would really like to do an experimental project, but I'm worried that if I commit to one field (condensed matter, say), that I won't have the opportunity when I graduate to do something like experimental particle phys, which my department is lacking. Should I just get a MS and try to finish a PhD somewhere else? Does the topic of your PhD research really matter?

Help!

 

[physics girl phd]

Well, your PhD project does matter, and it sounds like you're clueless right now, which is NOT good. You need to go talk to people in your department, look at papers they've written or posters they have hanging in the halls. Then pick something, because something is better than nothing. If you have no clue and get a terminal masters, do you think your decision or opportunity is going to really be that much better anywhere else in another 2 years? To help you, you might think about what classes you've liked (and done well in), and which field those classes most relate to in regards to the available research at your institution.

 

[lasm2000]

If you want to do hep-exp you will certainly need to do a phd thesis in the area, there is a lot of competition for the available posdoc positions and you won't be in a good position if you do a phd in lasers (just to put some example).

Now, getting a phd in hep-exp is not as complicated as it sounds. Assuming you had a few courses in hep during your masters you can find a position with relative ease. Reason is that experimental groups usually have a much better funding that groups in theory/simulations. If you want more focused advice, send me a PM.

 

[gol3tron]

Well, your PhD project does matter...pick something, because something is better than nothing. If you have no clue and get a terminal masters, do you think your decision or opportunity is going to really be that much better anywhere else in another 2 years?

I'm just worried about getting stuck in a field that will leave me jaded after a PhD. I suppose a better way to phrase my original question is to what extent a PhD can change fields for a postdoc (exp vs. theory)?

I've had PI's in the past that have jumped fields completely (particle phys or GR -> quantum info) but for theory. My instinct is that its easier for theorists to switch fields but harder to find jobs, whereas its the other way for experimentalists..

Thanks for the input!

 

[Andy Resnick]

I'm going to be a devil's advocate and claim the PhD topic matters as much or as little as you choose. My PhD was in experimental physics (officially fluids), but after graduating I moved on to other things- optics, physiology, etc.

A PhD is not an end, but a beginning. What you do with your degree is up to you.

 

[gol3tron]

A PhD is not an end, but a beginning. What you do with your degree is up to you.

AGREE. Helps to know that kind of thing is possible. Thanks!