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I can't stand physics anymore, I'll change my major to Mathematics. Anyone knows the careers for Mathematics major?
If your primary concern is a career, then it would seem a wiser path to select careers that interest you first, and select your major based on what's most likely to get you there second.
Thanks homeomorphic, this is very true and also the reason why I don't like job ads that state they are looking for candidates with "passion or true love for the work", which to me are all lies that are formally metaphorized or expressed to lure young minds. Those companies seem to operate like slave-driven systems instead; 9/10 of them would never pay you overtime work (extra hours of work beside the regular 7-8 hours per day) by blaming it on the *nature* of the work itself. I don't know how much an math mojor can earn in the US but might not be higher than the rate by which an engineer of the same educational level is evaluated.homeomorphic said:That's good advice in so far as you interpret it to mean beware of fields for which you will like studying in school, but will not like the jobs for. That's the trap I fell into when I studied math. I liked studying it, but as soon as I got to the stuff they pay you for (research and teaching), I strongly disliked it. That's the scenario you want to avoid. The trouble was that I thought I would like it, and it's not always that simple to figure out that you won't like it until you try it.
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Thanks homeomorphic, this is very true and also the reason why I don't like job ads that state they are looking for candidates with "passion or true love for the work", which to me are all lies that are formally metaphorized or expressed to lure young minds. Those companies seem to operate like slave-driven systems instead; 9/10 of them would never pay you overtime work (extra hours of work beside the regular 7-8 hours per day) by blaming it on the *nature* of the work itself. I don't know how much an math mojor can earn in the US but might not be higher than the rate by which an engineer of the same educational level is evaluated.
I don't know about those who accepted jobs of little pay 1/3 as lower than the market rate self claiming it is for the love of work but I know their sincerity is or should be seriously skeptical to many of us all. Other than that the work may only help earn them extra bits of incomes.
To the OP, a pure physics major is usually hard for one to find a job but an additional study up into other areas that use math much more such as computational physics, which is to deal with mathematical models in physical systems using computers, would lighten up his career path a little better.
Job market is too complex today.homeomorphic said:...The problem is that most jobs that use any significant math tend to want background knowledge, specifically tailored to their particular, very tiny pigeon hole that they want you to fit into. I know signal processing at a basic level, for example. You'd think maybe I could get a job doing DSP programming or something. But no. You have to already know the software and stuff like that. That's what I'm talking about. Basic specialized knowledge doesn't cut it. More often than not, they basically want you to already know how to do your job, not just know about the general subject matter and be able to learn to do it. There are, of course, exceptions, but this is the tendency out there in the job market. I have more or less abandoned any requirement of using much math and am now looking for a job in software development, but I'm having to retrain myself for that, even with my computer science minor from undergrad.
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There are several career options available for a frustrated physics student with a mathematics major. Some common career paths include data analyst, actuary, financial analyst, statistician, and operations research analyst. These careers require strong mathematical skills and can be a good fit for students who enjoy problem-solving and data analysis.
A mathematics major can complement a physics background by providing a strong foundation in mathematical principles and problem-solving techniques. This can be especially useful in fields such as theoretical physics, where advanced mathematical concepts are often used to describe and understand complex physical phenomena.
It depends on the individual's strengths and interests. While a mathematics major may require a strong understanding of mathematical concepts, it may not necessarily be a good fit for someone who struggles with applying those concepts to real-world situations. It is important to consider one's strengths and interests before choosing a major.
Yes, a mathematics major can lead to a successful career in physics. Many careers in physics require strong mathematical skills, and a mathematics major can provide a solid foundation for further studies in this field. However, it is important to note that a mathematics major alone may not be sufficient for a career in physics, as practical experience and specialized knowledge in physics may also be necessary.
A mathematics major can be useful in a variety of fields, including engineering, computer science, economics, and even biology. The problem-solving and analytical skills gained through a mathematics major can be applied to a wide range of industries and job roles.