Opinions about a career path in quantum computing

[Emanuele19]

Hi, I'm 20 and I'm courrently persuing a barchelor's degree in Computer Science in Italy and now I'm in the middle of the second year. Thinking about a career path I've always been sure to specialize in Cyber Security but I recently came across Quantum Computing that I find fascinating.

After some researches I found that it is not required to have much physics knowledge to come up with a quantum algorithm because it basically all linear algebra. After some other researches I found that real quantum computers are not an actual thing...I mean they exists but because of quantum noise the research is focussing on developing quantum hardware more that quantum algorithms.

So I began to research about the challenges that scientists and engeneers are facing and some more advanced math (Complex Analisys, multi variabile analisys and advanced linear algebra). Currently I'm almost fluent in single variable function analysis and basic linear algebra and discrete math (from some exams I had in university).

I find all those thing very interesting and I'm starting to think about not getting a Major in computer science but getting another barchelor's in Physics and try to specialize in QM. I know this will be very (...very) hard, but I really enjoy the math and I really like this field. But there is a big problem: is there a chance to find a job in this field today? Is it just theoretical? What companies are innovating in this field and moreover...is it worth it?

 

[Dale]

I edited the title to hopefully get the attention of the members who actually are in the quantum computing field.

I am not one of them, but I do know that the more you focus your career goals on a single exciting technology or topic the more difficult employment becomes. You start to compete with all of the other people who are also focused on that particular topic. All of you together neglect other job opportunities.

If you are less focused on the topic then your skill set will be useful more broadly and you will have more opportunities.

 

[Choppy]

I can't find the article I was reading a couple of days ago about the company, but here's an example of a physics master's graduate who founded a quantum computing cyber-security company: .

 

[Vanadium 50]

A few questions for your research:

• Who do you think will pay you to do this?
• How many people are they hiring?
• What is their backgrounds?
• How many people have similar backgrounds?
• Why should they hire you instead of them?

(You might notice that none of this is QC-specific)

 

[Emanuele19]

I edited the title to hopefully get the attention of the members who actually are in the quantum computing field.

I am not one of them, but I do know that the more you focus your career goals on a single exciting technology or topic the more difficult employment becomes. You start to compete with all of the other people who are also focused on that particular topic. All of you together neglect other job opportunities.

If you are less focused on the topic then your skill set will be useful more broadly and you will have more opportunities.

Thank you for the precious advice. I really appreciate it.

 

[Emanuele19]

I can't find the article I was reading a couple of days ago about the company, but here's an example of a physics master's graduate who founded a quantum computing cyber-security company: .

That is really interesting, definitely a good starting point for a deeper research. Thank you very much.

 

[Haborix]

You might find this organization interesting: https://quantumconsortium.org/#our-mission

A lot of good information there and a chance for you to get some familiarity with the area more broadly.

 

[CrysPhys]

I edited the title to hopefully get the attention of the members who actually are in the quantum computing field.

That was a very helpful edit on your part. I'll suggest a further edit: strike out "unconventional" to "unconventional". After all, quantum computing is a relatively new field. What is the "conventional" career path? The OP would benefit from discussions on various career paths.

 

[f95toli]

Firstly, there are currently a LOT of jobs in quantum computing (relatively speaking); there is a huge skill shortage and finding good people is very, very hard. That said, this might have changed in 5 years; so it depends on when you will be looking for work.

Secondly, you don't need to have a physics degree if you want to work on the software side (and and even on the hardware side you will find lots of people with engineering degrees).
There are plenty of people with degrees in math, computer science, chemistry (typically quantum chemistry) etc who work on quantum software/algorithms. One option would be to do a BSc or similar in computer science and then try to specialise more during a masters. Some universities are now even starting to offer dedicated MSc programs.
See e..g,
https://www.surrey.ac.uk/postgraduate/applied-quantum-computing-msc

For context: I do not personally work on quantum software ; but I do lead a research group which includes about 10 people who do. Hence I am quite familiar with the field

 

[berkeman]

I'll suggest a further edit: strike out "unconventional" to "unconventional".

Unfortunately, strikeout and similar text formatting is disabled by the forum software in thread titles, so we're not able to help with that.

 

[CrysPhys]

Looks like Dale simply deleted "unconventional" from the title. That works.

 

[Emanuele19]

Thank you all for the answers, I appreciate it.