What Career Options Exist for Those Passionate About the Universe?

AI Thread Summary
Choosing a university path can be daunting, especially when interested in fields related to the Universe, such as astronomy, astrophysics, or aerospace engineering. Each option has its unique challenges, and there may be additional career paths within the field that are not yet considered. A suggestion is to pursue an undergraduate degree in physics, as it provides a solid foundation and flexibility to transition into various specialties, including astrophysics or aerospace. The first couple of years in these disciplines often share similar coursework, allowing for exploration before making a definitive choice. Considering the option to study as an undecided student for a year could also be beneficial, providing time to explore interests further.
Pazarito
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hi!

I'm slowly approaching my time for Uni and since the choice of what to study further will probably shape the rest of my life I am taking it very seriously, but the amount of information and careers to choose from is just overwhelming I thought this might be the right place to ask.
I am sure I want to do something related to the Universe, I just can't figure out what.

My choices so far are astronomer, astrophysicist or engineer (probably aerospace).

I feel an interest towards each one of these but also each one has its own flaws. Maybe there is something else in the field that is more attracting for me that I don't know of yet, but like I said, there are just too many options (and I haven't even started with choosing the University), so I feel kind of lost.

If you could maybe describe your every-day work, the skills and qualities that are needed, or just give a tip or maybe just tell what helped you decide, that would be much appreciated. :)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Pazarito said:
Hi!

I'm slowly approaching my time for Uni and since the choice of what to study further will probably shape the rest of my life I am taking it very seriously, but the amount of information and careers to choose from is just overwhelming I thought this might be the right place to ask.
I am sure I want to do something related to the Universe, I just can't figure out what.

My choices so far are astronomer, astrophysicist or engineer (probably aerospace).

I feel an interest towards each one of these but also each one has its own flaws. Maybe there is something else in the field that is more attracting for me that I don't know of yet, but like I said, there are just too many options (and I haven't even started with choosing the University), so I feel kind of lost.

If you could maybe describe your every-day work, the skills and qualities that are needed, or just give a tip or maybe just tell what helped you decide, that would be much appreciated. :)

Hi there!

I understand your problem, having made the decision myself a couple of years ago. I chose to study Physics in the end, though Aerospace was another field that interested me.

Something worth thinking about is the specialty of the field. Studying an undergrad physics degree can easily lead to astrophysics, astronomy, or aerospace engineering. I think you would have a harder time studying aerospace and then transferring to a science discipline (though not impossible). I think studying physics leaves more doors open to you, and opens many of the same that other subjects do.
 
The first year or two of each of these are very similar. Can you study as an undecided student for a year?
 
Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...
Back
Top