Pursuing Physics: Questions from a Recent Graduate

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a recent graduate's experiences and uncertainties regarding pursuing a career in physics. Participants explore various aspects of studying physics, potential career paths, and the transition between physics and engineering, as well as sharing personal experiences related to university applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to study physics, particularly in cosmology and nuclear physics, but feels uncertain about career paths and future goals.
  • Another participant suggests that engineering could be a suitable field for those interested in designing and building, noting the potential for better job prospects.
  • A participant questions whether pursuing engineering after studying physics at university is feasible, indicating a preference for theoretical study.
  • It is mentioned that transitioning from physics to engineering is relatively straightforward, while the reverse may be more challenging due to the need to learn specific engineering tools.
  • Participants share their experiences with university applications, including rejections and offers from various institutions, and discuss the possibility of reapplying to Oxford.
  • One participant shares concerns about their ability in physics, particularly related to gender stereotypes, reflecting on their own late decision to switch from biology to physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the suitability of engineering versus physics as a career path, with some advocating for engineering due to job prospects while others prefer the theoretical aspects of physics. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best path forward for the original poster.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various universities and application statuses, indicating a competitive environment and personal uncertainties about their academic choices and future directions.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a career in physics or engineering, recent graduates navigating university applications, and those interested in the interplay between theoretical and applied sciences may find this discussion relevant.

Vixus
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Hey there. First post, so tell me if I'm doing anything wrong.
I got called to Oxford for an interview recently and it all went horribly wrong. Of course, I didn't get an offer. I know this is not the be-all and end-all and I still want to study physics. However, I can't help but feel I don't have a clear aim with where I want to go with physics and maybe that came across in my interviews.

I enjoy studying Physics, although I only just really got into it. Namely the fields of cosmology and nuclear physics (quantum mechanics, elementary particles, applications, etc). I know Physics is mostly mathematical, so I'll need to buck up my maths skills. It's just the fact that Physics governs our universe, that's what gets me so hooked on it. I want to be able to study it further but I don't have any idea about careers or the future.

I only very recently decided on taking Physics instead of Biology for instance. My mind just switched. I think what I'd like to is design or create something at the end of the day. If it means researching at the forefront of the field, no matter.

It's my final year in school and I need to start making some important life decisions. Hope you can help out.
Thanks, Vix.
 
Last edited:
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If you like designing and building things that make use of your understanding of the physical world, perhaps engineering is for you? You'll also have a much easier time landing a well-paying job, which is, unfortunately, a primary concern for most people.

- Warren
 
I actually did think about it, but don't know if I really want to go for engineering at university. I think I'm being more theoretical in what I want to study. An engineering job, maybe. I've seen physicists enter many different vocations such as investment banking (to name one.)

Is it possible to enter engineering after taking up physics at university?
 
It's rather easy to take up an engineering position after studying physics, but very difficult to accomplish the converse. You would need to learn some of the tools that engineers use, but most of the concepts will be already be familiar to you.

- Warren
 
Do you have any recommended reading material for nuclear physics, radioactivity, quantum theory?
 
Undergraduate QM and Nuc&Particle texts.

- Warren
 
Did you actually get rejected from oxford or are you still waiting to hear from them?

Where else did you apply?
 
rho said:
Did you actually get rejected from oxford or are you still waiting to hear from them?

Where else did you apply?
Yeah, got rejected. I applied to UCL (conditional), Edinburgh (Unconditional), St Andrews, Imperial. I may apply to Oxford again next year (Year 2 entry.)
 
wow I am in the same boat as u that's what i did i was thinking of applying to something biology related but changed my mind last minute because i knew i really loved physics but i was afraid i wouldn't be any good at it being a girl..dunno y.
 
  • #10
Vixus said:
Yeah, got rejected. I applied to UCL (conditional), Edinburgh (Unconditional), St Andrews, Imperial. I may apply to Oxford again next year (Year 2 entry.)

Well done on your other offers, I'm still waiting for Cambridge to reply (doubt I got in). Have you visited UCL, I'v got an interview next month and I wondered if the department was any good?
 
  • #11
Turns out Imperial was unsuccessful as well. Just have to wait for St. Andrews now, I guess.
 

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