Thinking of starting a career in Astrophysics, need advice?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around seeking advice for starting a career in astrophysics, including educational pathways, necessary skills, and personal motivations. It touches on theoretical physics and the challenges associated with pursuing a career in this field.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong interest in astronomy and theoretical physics, noting a significant time investment in related reading and media.
  • Concerns are raised about the long educational path and financial prospects in astrophysics, with a mention of needing at least 10 years post-university to specialize.
  • Another participant suggests obtaining an advanced degree in physics with a focus on astrophysics, although they note a lack of information about the original poster's current education level.
  • A humorous suggestion is made to develop an "unnatural obsession with math" as a necessary skill for the field.
  • One participant points out that the thread was moved to the appropriate Career Guidance forum, indicating a potential oversight by the original poster.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the necessity of pursuing an advanced degree in physics for a career in astrophysics, but there is no consensus on the specific steps or personal qualities required to succeed in the field.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the implications of the educational and financial aspects mentioned, and there are unresolved questions about the original poster's current educational background and age.

Remon
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I know it sounds like a big decision (which it is) but I've been considering it for a few weeks now and found that I'm really interested in astronomy and the physics that it is based on (I also really like theories, so maybe a theoretical physicist position too). I'd spend 3+ hours a day just reading things about astronomy, possibility of life on other planets, our origin, the many different and interesting theories (also watching a lot of Michio Kaku), etc. when I'm suppose to be studying other subjects. I know its a very hard path to take to get about $40K to maybe $90K a year (and no, I'm not doing it for the money) and that I probably need at least 10 years after university to really specialize in something and that'll pay decent, but is all of this really true? I don't know many Astrophysicists or Theoretical Physicists (as you might imagine) so I don't really know who to ask, so I chose this section of the forum (sorry if it's the wrong section, but there was no "career" section) and I'm not even 19 yet so my experience is obviously very limited, is anyone here with enough experience to "point" me in the right direction? Also do you have to be born gifted or born interested in physics and astronomy like Michio Kaku who built a particle accelerator when he was only in high scool (yeah...seriously)? because I'm not like that at all. Also, sorry about the book I just wrote... lol, I'm not even sure if anyone will see it, but it feels good to get it off my chest :smile:
 
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Your first step should be to get an advanced degree in physics- with a focus on astrophysics. You don't say how old you are or what education you already have so I don't know how much that will take.
 
HallsofIvy said:
Your first step should be to get an advanced degree in physics- with a focus on astrophysics. You don't say how old you are or what education you already have so I don't know how much that will take.

I said that I was almost 19 in my original post
 
Develop an unnatural obsession with math.
 
Remon said:
(sorry if it's the wrong section, but there was no "career" section)

You apparently overlooked our Career Guidance forum. :smile: I've moved this thread there.
 
Chronos said:
Develop an unnatural obsession with math.

On it.
 

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