The discussion revolves around the implications and perceptions of having a physics degree, particularly in relation to career paths and the definition of a "physicist." Participants explore the broader educational value of a physics degree compared to vocational training, the job market for physics graduates, and the semantics surrounding professional titles in the field of physics.
Participants express multiple competing views regarding the definition of a physicist and the relevance of educational background versus professional experience. The discussion remains unresolved, with no consensus on the criteria for identifying someone as a physicist.
The discussion reflects varying perspectives on the relationship between education and professional identity, as well as the societal perceptions of physics graduates in the job market. Limitations include the lack of a clear definition of what constitutes a physicist and the subjective nature of professional titles.
:Dleroyjenkens said:I'm about to graduate with a bachelor's in physics, and I wouldn't want to work for a company that hires someone like me to do physics.
Masters, PhD, internships.Maylis said:So a physics degree doesn't train you to be a "physicist"? Where does one get this additional training to become a "physicist"?
Ok, so you've got a person with a BS in physics that doesn't work in physics, they're employed as an engineer. Then you have someone with a PhD in physics that is employed as a physicist. Would you call them both physicists?wukunlin said:there isn't really a set definition to label someone as a physicist
I would. I also understand why some people wouldn't, but personally I don't see why not.Evo said:Ok, so you've got a person with a BS in physics that doesn't work in physics, they're employed as an engineer. Then you have someone with a PhD in physics that is employed as a physicist. Would you call them both physicists?
Isn't the engineer an engineer? I have a good friend that has a BS in physics, an MS in computer science. He is an inventor for a huge company that I am sure you have probably used at least one of his inventions, he holds a number of patents in his name through that company. He does not consider himself a physicist because he doesn't do physics.. Doesn't what you do define what you are more than what your college major was?wukunlin said:I would. I also understand why some people wouldn't, but personally I don't see why not.
That's one way to look at it. Some of theese people also consider themselves as "physicist working as an engineer."Evo said:Doesn't what you do define what you are more than what your college major was?
I don't consider your undergrad degree as defining your occupation if you do not work in that occupation.wukunlin said:That's one way to look at it. Some of theese people also consider themselves as "physicist working as an engineer."
I wouldn't say "no you're not, your're an engineer!"
I have a degree in business, but I went to work at AT&T and they put me through their data school and I became a data specialist, at times called a network engineer, network architect, etc... I have no experience in business, but over 30 years designing data networks. What am I? No one at work even knew what my degree was in, nor did they care. What I did for a living was what I was.Evo said:I don't consider your undergrad degree as defining your occupation if you do not work in that occupation.
Oh, I don't disagree with that. The occupation as an engineer is clear cut. But generally, when I see people refer to themselves or others as a physicist, it doesn't necessarily mean they are talking about their occupation.Evo said:I don't consider your undergrad degree as defining your occupation if you do not work in that occupation.
I think people like to call themselves a physicist because they think it's impressive, but I feel that it is unfair for someone with only a BS to claim the same title as someone with a PhD that actually works in physics. Those people have worked REALLY HARD to earn the title. To be honest, they can say they got a BS in physics, but don't actually do physics, if they are trying to impress someone, but I have to ask WHY? Admit what you really do, people may think it's cool.wukunlin said:Oh, I don't disagree with that. The occupation as an engineer is clear cut. But generally, when I see people refer to themselves or others as a physicist, it doesn't necessarily mean they are talking about their occupation.
If I remember correctly (don't quote me on that one, I'll need to check later), former CEO of Intel referred to himself as a physicist at around the time he stepped down from the role and his work is definitely management and engineering.
This is probably a regional difference. I mostly hear those people say "I am a professor/lecturer/postdoc/research fellow/PhD candidate" and then they will talk about their department and research topic when asked. Those people who simply say "I am a physicist!" will likely be taken as a joke or a crackpot.Evo said:I think people like to call themselves a physicist because they think it's impressive, but I feel that it is unfair for someone with only a BS to claim the same title as someone with a PhD that actually works in physics. Those people have worked REALLY HARD to earn the title.