The discussion revolves around the job prospects for individuals with a Bachelor of Science in Physics compared to other fields, particularly engineering and geology. Participants explore the feasibility of obtaining a good job without pursuing a master's or PhD, and the implications of choosing a degree based on job market considerations.
Participants do not reach a consensus on the job prospects for a B.S. in Physics. While some believe it offers decent starting salaries, others argue that it may not qualify graduates for specific professional roles, leading to uncertainty about its value in the job market.
Limitations include varying definitions of "decent pay" and "job prospects," as well as the subjective nature of job qualifications related to different degrees. The discussion reflects differing opinions on the effectiveness of a physics degree in securing employment compared to engineering qualifications.
ModusPwnd said:I think you should switch to some sort of engineering then. "Pure" science degrees are largely academic and best complimented with a graduate degree.
ModusPwnd said:"Decent pay" and "chances" are of course relative. It depends more on what you do and what you can do rather than your degree. If you want to just do a BS in physics be sure to try getting marketable skills. Try to do an internship rather than undergrad research, but if you can't fine a relevant internship be sure to do undergrad research. Try to foster actual skills that an engineer might have, coding is a big one that physics undergrads do (its not usually in the curriculum, you have to seek it out yourself via classes, research and personal time). And know that you will be fighting an uphill battle to compete with engineers for engineering jobs.
DrCrowbar said:...my goal is to finish at my current university with a degree that has great job prospects and a decent salary so that I can begin saving up for a top notch engineering college as soon as possible.
Choppy said:For the record, the "degree" does not have job prospects and a decent salary.
You have to remember, particularly with something like physics, the degree is an advanced level of education. It's not job training. People who graduate with a physics bachelor's degree tend to do okay on average in terms of median starting salary and job prospects compared to say, other science majors. But as Modus pointed out, finding a job with a physics degree can be difficult because you're not "qualified" to perform a particular professional function.
It almost sounds to me like what you really should be aiming for is a community college and getting a basic qualification - say in engineering technology. This will allow you to work faster and will help to qualify you for your eventual goal of completing an engineering degree.