Looking to study physics in Germany

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the considerations and challenges of pursuing a physics degree in Germany, particularly for someone transitioning from a different field of study. Participants explore concerns about age, financial sustainability during advanced studies, career prospects in academia versus industry, and the perceived value of a physics degree.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether being 21 years old is too late to start a physics degree, noting that the average age of students is typically 18-19.
  • Concerns are raised about financial support during master's or PhD studies, with suggestions including scholarships, government funding (BAföG), and university jobs.
  • There is acknowledgment that while the path to a permanent academic position in physics is challenging, there are many interesting career opportunities outside of academia.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about the value of a physics degree if it leads to a career in software development, arguing that the extensive time and effort required for a physics education may not justify a shift to a field perceived as less aligned with their passion.
  • Responses highlight that both engineers and physicists are sought after in various industries, including software development, consulting, and government roles.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the value and applicability of a physics degree, particularly regarding career outcomes. While some acknowledge the potential for diverse job opportunities, others question the relevance of a physics education if it leads to non-physics roles.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss various assumptions about age, career paths, and the nature of work in physics-related fields, but these assumptions remain unresolved and are subject to individual interpretation.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a transition to physics from another field, prospective students interested in studying physics in Germany, and those exploring career options for physics graduates.

kirylloss
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Hello everyone ,
first of all i hope I'm posting in the right place :D if not pardon me I'm new here.
i seek enlightenment actually. I'm 21 years old almost finished bachelors in Information systems(which was a bad choice by my side ) from university in Egypt ( but I'm completing it anyway :D )
but actually I'm not near satisfied i love to study physics (bachelors)and I'm looking for studying it in Germany but i have really some important questions .
1-Am i old(too late ) for this ?
2- how can student put food on the table after bachelors and while doing master , OR phd and after that post graduate its a long time to go how people earn money at this stage?
3- I'm reading that academia career is very hard and no one getting into it
4- most of the career for physicist is boring and does not have to do with most physicist passion and pay very bad ( is this true)
5-anyone have information about how valuable physics degree in Germany ?
PS: i love physics very much and i don't want end up doing no physics after all effort i will do and even more not paying the pill :D
thank you in advance for you effort and time
 
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kirylloss said:
1-Am i old(too late ) for this ?
The average student will be more like 18-19, but that is not a large difference. You might be able to use some lectures from Information systems for your physics bachelor to speed it up, you would have to discuss this with the university on an individual basis.
kirylloss said:
2- how can student put food on the table after bachelors and while doing master , OR phd and after that post graduate its a long time to go how people earn money at this stage?
PhD positions are paid - well enough to live from it. Before that:
You can look for scholarships.
BAföG is a government-funded option, you can check if you qualify for funding from them. They also have reasonable student loans, but if you get away without them it is certainly easier.
Universities usually have some jobs where you take care of students doing lab courses or similar - not in the first year, but later. Jobs outside of university are possible as well.
kirylloss said:
3- I'm reading that academia career is very hard and no one getting into it
The fraction of physics students ending up in a permanent position doing physics in a university is small, but there are many interesting positions elsewhere.
kirylloss said:
4- most of the career for physicist is boring and does not have to do with most physicist passion and pay very bad ( is this true)
Huh? Where did you hear this? Permanent staff spends a significant fraction of their time with administrative work and teaching, but they are still doing research.
kirylloss said:
5-anyone have information about how valuable physics degree in Germany ?
See point 3. There is a large range of positions where physicists can work. You don't necessarily have exactly the 100% work-related experience, but the flexibility learned in physics research is as valueable as applied knowledge you can quickly learn.
 
mfb said:
The fraction of physics students ending up in a permanent position doing physics in a university is small, but there are many interesting positions elsewhere.
i'm very thankful for your reply mfp , if you have enough time like what these interesting positions? , if you mean industry sector does not people with engineering degree have better chance in there ?
 
They look for both engineers and physicists.

Software development is an option.
Consulting companies are looking for physicists as well.
Patent attorneys, various government jobs where physics knowledge is useful, ...
 
thank you :)
 
but i don't think that going for physics degree and phd to end up doing software development i would be software developer just right after a 2mouth or 3 XD of self studying with my degree we are talking here about at least 8 years of hard work to achieve that if you get what i mean ( if not working in physics then not worth it at all )
 

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