Navigating My Future: My Journey from Engineering to Mathematics and Physics

  • Thread starter Thread starter Nugso
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Future Lost
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a student studying Aeronautical/Aerospace engineering in Turkey who aspires to become a mathematician or physicist instead. The student expresses dissatisfaction with their current path, feeling constrained by the educational system that favors medicine and engineering. They plan to achieve good grades in engineering to pursue graduate studies in the USA or UK in their desired fields. Participants in the discussion encourage the student to follow their passion for mathematics and physics, emphasizing the importance of understanding the rigor and proofs in mathematics. They also caution about the challenges of securing academic positions in these fields, suggesting the student should be well-informed about the realities of pursuing a career in academia. A shared link to a relevant thread provides additional insights on transitioning from engineering to physics. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of aligning one's studies with personal interests and the challenges faced in academia.
Nugso
Gold Member
Messages
170
Reaction score
10
Hello everyone. Before I start asking my question, I'd like to, if I may, talk about myself. I'm currently studying Aeronautical/Aerospace engineering and the following year will be my third year(including undergraduate preparotry). But, I don't really want to be an engineer, but a mathemetician or particle or theoretical physics. However, in the country I'm living(Turkey), it's kind of impossible to study those subjects. "Good students" are either in medicine or in engineering. So after being successful on the university exams( I hope I'm not looking like a smart ars* by saying this) I decided to be an engineer knowing I do really like Maths and Physics and hate biology. But engineering isn't, I think, for me. I know some of you might say why don't you just change your subject, but as I've said before, I cannot. At least not in Turkey. I'm now thinking of getting as good grades as I can and then graduate. Afterwards doing my graduate in the USA or the UK etc on physics or maths hence I'll probably be a physicst or mathematician. What do you really suggest? How do I really know I do want to be a physicst or mathematician? ( Because I'm sort of tickle, but maths and physics, especially maths has always been my favorite subject since I was like 5)

Thanks for listening to me and sorry for my English.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I don't know about physics, but mathematics is all about proofs. Do you like proving theorems, understanding why they are valid? Good arguments? Rigor?

BiP
 
  • Like
Likes 1 person
Bipolarity said:
I don't know about physics, but mathematics is all about proofs. Do you like proving theorems, understanding why they are valid? Good arguments? Rigor?

BiP

Thanks for the reply BiP. Yes, I think I do. I think I like almost everything in mathematics.
 
Not everybody who gets a PhD in pure science or mathematics has an easy time being able to DO something with it. I suggest following your heart, especially if you are dedicated, but just make sure you know what you're getting in to!
 
  • Like
Likes 1 person
By mathematician or particle physicist, do you mean a professor? Those positions are extremely hard to get.

You should look at this thread if you are really considering going into physics after engineering:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=64966

It certainly can be done but you'd be wise to read what ZapperZ says there.

I really wish you the best of luck, Nugso.
 
  • Like
Likes 1 person
Thank your for the replies ilmareofthemai and lisab. I know they're very hard to get and I'll have hard time getting it/them. But it is still better than getting something you don't really like easily. Thanks for the link by the way. It was really of help.
 
  • Like
Likes 1 person
I don't know if anyone on here works for any of the well known defense companies of your country, whichever country you are from?? Also, if you choose to work in one, do you think the engineering education provide from your school would adequately prepare you for the job. What do I mean by that? Well if you work at say Lockheed Martin and you work in the latest iteration of a missile or if you work at Pratt & Whitney, they assign you to work in the team helping out with building the jet...
Hello, I graduated from undergrad a few years ago with a Major in Physics and minor in Electrical Engineering. I tried to get experience working on and testing circuits through my professor who studied Neutrinos, however covid caused the opportunity to go away and I graduated with no experience or internships. I have attempted to break into the engineering industry with no success. Right now I am considering going for a Masters in Electrical Engineering and I need advice on if this would be...
So lately, my interest in the realm of optics/optoelectronics/photonics engineering has grown and I have started to seriously consider pursuing a career in the field. I have done a bit of career research and also have done some learning on the side to gather more knowledge on these topics. However, I have some questions on what a career in these fields would look like, and I wanted to find out more about this area to know what I would be getting myself into if I did make the choice to pursue...

Similar threads

Replies
9
Views
1K
Replies
14
Views
1K
Replies
19
Views
4K
Replies
18
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
422
Replies
21
Views
4K
Replies
7
Views
3K
Back
Top