Physics B.S.: Deciding Field for PhD

[Destroxia]

So, I've finally switched my major to a Physics B.S. I am a 2nd year, sophomore, previously Chem. Eng.. I didn't switch after the start of the semester so I am missing out on some physics classes, but am planning to make those up later, and have went through a few of those classes' textbooks, and did tests for each chapter. I've done intro to Quantum using Griffiths 1st edition, Fluids, and Thermo. through textbooks. I am only mentioning this to give an idea of what experience I've have with physics classes.

Anyway, my main question is now, how do I go about choosing the field I want to go into once I do my PhD. From all the physics I've done so far, I love all of it. My main issue now is choosing between subjects, but I can't imagine myself doing that. I would like to learn everything, but I know that is not realistic. How can I possibly make up my mind, or at least even some tips on deciding what I would want to do?

 

[jedishrfu]

Search for Zapperz's thread "So You Want to be a Physicist". He outlines the steps and phases you'll go through to become a PhD level physicist.

Also Gerard T'Hooft has a website on becoming a theoretical physicist which you can find via google.

 

[Destroxia]

Search for Zapperz's thread "So You Want to be a Physicist". He outlines the steps and phases you'll go through to become a PhD level physicist.

Also Gerard T'Hooft has a website on becoming a theoretical physicist which you can find via google.

Thank you, I appreciate it.

 

[jedishrfu]

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/so-you-want-to-be-a-physicist.240792/

 

[clope023]

So, I've finally switched my major to a Physics B.S. I am a 2nd year, sophomore, previously Chem. Eng.. I didn't switch after the start of the semester so I am missing out on some physics classes, but am planning to make those up later, and have went through a few of those classes' textbooks, and did tests for each chapter. I've done intro to Quantum using Griffiths 1st edition, Fluids, and Thermo. through textbooks. I am only mentioning this to give an idea of what experience I've have with physics classes.

Anyway, my main question is now, how do I go about choosing the field I want to go into once I do my PhD. From all the physics I've done so far, I love all of it. My main issue now is choosing between subjects, but I can't imagine myself doing that. I would like to learn everything, but I know that is not realistic. How can I possibly make up my mind, or at least even some tips on deciding what I would want to do?

Most people just pick a sub area that they think is exceptionally cool and they find a prof doing compatible research and they roll with it; I listened to a presentation about ITER (so fusion plasma physics) some time mid way between being a sophomore and a junior in physics and I thought the field sounded really interesting (plus I like E&M, thermo and fluids so it fit) and fortunately had a professor doing plasma research at my home university so I did research with him till senior year.