Masters or phd to work at natioanl lab or industry?

[pablo4429]

So, I am going to be graduating with a BS in physics next spring and I am unsure about what to to about grad school. I think I would like to work on renewable energy at a national lab or in an upcoming industrial company. I was thinking about going somewhere with an applied or engineering physics program, is this the correct path to seek? I really enjoy physics but almost equally enjoy the hands on, applicable side of engineering, so I figure a mix of the two would be ideal. Which level of degree would be appropriate for this type of career? would a master limit me to how far I can move up or whether or not I could oversee a project, which is what I think I would most like to do. Would a phd over qualify me for many positions and limit my job opportunities? I read the sticky and it helped a little, but the section about industry was lacking. I currently intern at general atomics and love what I do there and could really imagine working at a place like that for a career. However, I know there arent a whole lot of places like it so I want to expand my options.
thanks all, i really appreciate it

 

[Goldbeetle]

I think you should definitely do a Master! After that you could do a PhD in the R&D of company that works in renewable energies or the like. You get to do hands-on practical research, supervised also by a university professor and you get already also some insight on how a company works.

 

[nbo10]

After 20 years of experience if won't matter if you have a phd or masters. But in the short term it will matter which degree you have. If you want to do research then a phd will not over qualify you. If you don't have a phd then you are only handicapping yourself compared to other in your field.