Physics What do astrophysicists do outside of academia?

  • Thread starter Thread starter AerospaceKid
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Academia Outside
AI Thread Summary
Astrophysicists have diverse career options outside of academia, including roles in finance as quantitative analysts, data mining, computer programming, and even positions like actuaries or management in retail. The discussion highlights that while there are numerous pathways available, some may be more prevalent than others. Salary expectations for astrophysicists with a PhD vary widely depending on the industry, with financial and tech sectors often offering higher compensation. Resources and links to relevant discussions are provided for further exploration, including insights from professionals like twofish-quant, who has experience in both the oil and financial industries. The conversation suggests that exploring academic advice forums may also yield valuable information.
AerospaceKid
Messages
8
Reaction score
0
I am wondering what astrophysicists do outside of academia. also what would their salary be with a PHD?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
work for a bank as a quantitative analyst?

find work as a computer programmer?

data mining?

become an actuary?

starbucks manager?

all of these are educated guesses, I'd imagine there are loads and loads of options available, but some of these may be more common than others.
 
A couple of useful links:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=491468
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=391553
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=354287
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=376191
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=404234
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=532100

Also look around for twofish-quant's posts, he's an astrophysicist who worked in oil and financial industries with some insightful posts.

Might also be helpful to look in the academic advice forum as well.
 
Lol. hadsed you should be in charge of the sticky's. :wink:
 

Thread 'Working for defense company?'

I don't know if anyone on here works for any of the well known defense companies of your country, whichever country you are from?? Also, if you choose to work in one, do you think the engineering education provide from your school would adequately prepare you for the job. What do I mean by that? Well if you work at say Lockheed Martin and you work in the latest iteration of a missile or if you work at Pratt & Whitney, they assign you to work in the team helping out with building the jet...
View full post »

Thread 'Physics Major Considering Masters in EE -- Need help!'

Hello, I graduated from undergrad a few years ago with a Major in Physics and minor in Electrical Engineering. I tried to get experience working on and testing circuits through my professor who studied Neutrinos, however covid caused the opportunity to go away and I graduated with no experience or internships. I have attempted to break into the engineering industry with no success. Right now I am considering going for a Masters in Electrical Engineering and I need advice on if this would be...
View full post »

Thread 'Is a career in Optics/Photonics engineering right for me?'

So lately, my interest in the realm of optics/optoelectronics/photonics engineering has grown and I have started to seriously consider pursuing a career in the field. I have done a bit of career research and also have done some learning on the side to gather more knowledge on these topics. However, I have some questions on what a career in these fields would look like, and I wanted to find out more about this area to know what I would be getting myself into if I did make the choice to pursue...
View full post »

Similar threads

Physics Working as a Researcher in academia without teaching/lecturing
Replies
19
Views
4K
Physics Tenure tracks and dead ends in academia
Replies
27
Views
2K
Physics Theoretical Physics Careers in Germany
Replies
3
Views
171
Physics Should I apply to do an astrophysics PhD or stick with an engineering job?
Replies
28
Views
2K
Physics Do endowed research positions exist in physics like Terrence Tao has?
Replies
14
Views
3K
Physics Quantum Computing masters with Theoretical physics background
Replies
4
Views
3K
Physics Leaving Academia While Still Contributing to Physics Research
Replies
12
Views
3K
Physics What types of industrial jobs do physics PhDs tend to land?
Replies
35
Views
12K
Physics Concerns about my career stability in academia
Replies
12
Views
3K
Physics AI in Physics: A Promising Future for Academia?
Replies
6
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top