Career questions tagged physics
Is 50% of a standard work week sufficient for a part-time PhD?
I'm starting out on a part-time employer-sponsored PhD after spending a few years in industry. My employer has given me 50% of my usual work-week time - ie about 19 hours a week (flexibly scheduled to suit me, not a strict pattern)- to work on the PhD research work, with the expectation that the PhD is spread over double the full-time number of years. I know PhDs have a reputation for long hours - although I don't know to what extent this reflects the workload coming in fits-and-starts vs a steady workload; how much is down to poor student time management leading things to be packed in last-minute, and how much this reflects the workload *actually* being higher. Averaged over a year, how many hours a week is typically actually needed for a PhD? Is my work allocation enough, or do I necessarily need to put in outside-of-work hours to ensure I complete in time? If so, roughly by how much should I expect to need to put in?
Advice for a mature student part-time PhD?
Having previously finished my studies at Masters level and after spending a number of years in industry in operational technical roles, I've started doing more research work and found myself underqualified for research positions, having not originally completed a PhD. I'm fortunate that my employer has been able to support a part-time PhD to rectify this - however, as someone coming back into University as a part-time mature student, what change of mindset from my current industrial work approach do I need to be successful in a PhD and in research work?
How useful is a minor in physics?
I am studying mechanical engineering to obtain a bachelor's degree, but I am considering studying astrophysics for my master's. Is the minor in physics worth it?
Is doing a dual degree worth it?
Any tips for someone considering a dual degree? I'm going to college for physics soon (focusing on astrophysics), and I'm thinking about getting a nuclear physics or engineering degree with it. I'm a bit worried about the workload, considering I'm working to put myself through college. Does anyone who's done a dual degree have any insight? Would you say it's worth it, or would you have done anything differently?
What courses should I take to be knowledgeable in pathology?
I'm currently a freshman physics major that is hoping to become a pathologist in the future. I am on the pre-med track, but I want to be knowledgeable about pathology before medical school. Are there any college courses that aren't on the pre-med track but will help me understand the topics of pathology better?
How difficult is it to become an astrophysicists, and is it worth it?
On average, how much schooling is required for this profession? If one were to graduate with a bachelor’s in physics, is there a specific degree for astronomy to pursue when going to grad school? Is the field in demand nowadays? While I have a passion for the field and that’s the reason why I plan on pursuing it, I also understand that i’ll likely go into some debt. Does an astrophysicist job pay well enough to get said debt paid off somewhat quickly?
How do I contact professors for undergraduate research experiences as a prospective physics major, and what should I include in my email to professors?
I have no research experience and am hoping to gain valuable research skills that will help me on my path to graduate school (hoping to eventually pursue a graduate degree in physics).
How can I better choose between multiple STEM paths when I feel capable of more than one and don’t want to limit myself too early?
I’m a high school senior planning to study neuroscience and psychology, especially children’s development. At the same time, I’m strongly drawn to more technical fields like biotechnology and even physics. I’ll be starting in August at Baylor or Loyola Chicago, but I’m already considering transferring into a more research-intensive STEM environment. For professionals who had overlapping interests early on, how did you decide what to commit to? What paths would you recommend for someone who wants both deep research involvement and long-term flexibility? #Spring26
How can I effectively study for a physics midterm ?
My high school never really gave us midterms, so this is a big change for me. I want to learn how I can learn the content the most efficiently for a physics-heavy exam.
How do you effectively manage workflow?
I have always loved learning. I will be a college freshman I have varied interests, and would love to get a dual degree in architecture and maybe physics. What are the best strategies for effective time management and workflow? How do you dig deep for motivation when the pressure is on?
Does life actually get easier right after you get your degree, or do we have to keep on achieving a higher education for life to get easier (From a physics major)?
I am trying to get a degree on physics with a concentration in engineering and trying to add a minor on mathematics. I am heading to my junior year of college.
How do you feel about your career as a STEM professor?
I am also pursuing a career in this and would like any additional information or insight you can provide!
Navigating from Industry to a Future Applied Physics PhD
As an Engineering Physics applicant at UCSD who is highly motivated to maximize both undergraduate research and industry internships to navigate tight financials, I am specifically targeting a career in quantum hardware, semiconductors, or nanotechnology. These fields are where I plan to work for five to ten years post-graduation to build a financial foundation before pursuing my PhD and based on current market shifts, what specific technical roles or specialized skill sets should I prioritize right now that will remain high-demand in the future while providing the rigorous experience necessary to keep me competitive for a top-tier graduate program a decade from now?
What are the main classes that are required in order to get a bachelors' degree in electrical engineering? #Spring26
For extra context, I plan on going to Western Carolina University in the fall of this year. I will be a freshman.
How do you manage a difficult major and a minor?
I am planning to major in physics and have a lot of interests in other fields, like film, math, computer science, and engineering. I am not sure how signing up for a minor works and what it looks like.
Should I pursue Computer Science, Physics, or Architecture if my goal is to become an astronomer but job prospects are limited in my country?
I am a freshman student in Ethiopia currently facing a difficult decision regarding my major. I am writing to seek advice from professionals who might have experience in these fields or in navigating career paths in developing regions. Currently, I am enrolled in Computer Science, but I am considering switching to either Physics or Architecture. My lifelong dream is to become an astronomer. However, in Ethiopia, pursuing a Physics degree to enter astronomy is often seen as an impractical path, as most graduates end up in teaching roles rather than research. Because of this, I considered Architecture as a more "practical" second choice. However, I have realized that an Architecture degree would not allow me to pursue a Master’s in Astronomy or Physics later on. On the other hand, I have learned that a degree in Computer Science would still allow me to pivot into Astronomy for my Master’s. I am torn between my passion and the practical reality of the job market in my country. Should I stick with Computer Science as a bridge to my dream, risk a Physics degree, or choose Architecture for stability even if it means leaving astronomy behind? I would appreciate any insights or opinions you can share. Thank you for your time and help. *Note: Question asked anonymously by a learner
I am doing Physics undergraduate degree currently, and I want to do my postgraduate degree in Aerospace engineering. Mostly in abroad universities, so what can I do to get enrolled Like what are the extra courses i need to take while doing my current degree to bridge the gap between physics and aerospace engineering degree? And also, how can I boost my profile to be qualified to get into abroad universities for Aerospace engineering postgraduate degree after completing a physics undergraduate degree ?
How to get into aerospace engineering postgraduate degree in abroad universities after completing physics undergraduate degree in india?
I want a career in an area that involves space-related physics. What kinds of jobs are available besides a general astrophysicist or astronomer?
I want to be in a field that is physics dominated, but I am not entirely interested in common fields like engineering.
I want to become an astronomer. What kinds of high school courses would look good to a college, and what do future jobs look at when hiring?
I am 16 years old, and I love anything to do with space and physics. I really want a career in the area.
What activities can I do to increase my physics skills?
I am a rising high school junior and have a little less than a month before I start my classes again, are there any activities that I can do meanwhile?? I have interest in Quantum physics ( starting from scratch but I love to learn on my own)... Something that can a useful and help me increase my understanding...
How does it feel in the daily life of an aerospace engineer ?
Hi, my name is Anthony. I am in 8th grade, soon heading to high school, and I would like to know what path I should take throughout high school to become an aerospace engineer. I have always had a deep interest in space travel and flight shows, and I want to improve and design spacecraft and jets so that we can explore distant planets. I’ve always loved science and working visually to imagine new designs. What is a typical day like for an aerospace engineer, and what was the most important thing you did in high school to prepare for your career? I am asking because I have always loved building space and planes out of legos and it would be great to design my own plane/spaceship.
What classes should you be taking in high school or college for STEM related jobs?
I want to know if I meet the requirements
Which science should I take next year?
I am undecided for college what science should I take in senior year highschool
What are the best subjects to take to get involved in laboratory sciences?
I just wrote my IGCSE and I’m considering taking up the 6th form
What is the best choice of major/ career for me? (math and physics based)
I am a 16 year old high school junior (and am planning on going to college) and I have always been interested in fields like nuclear science and astronomy. I am open, and not restricting myself to the fields above, since I do not know exactly what would be the best path for me. -I really want to do a position including math (any type works, as long as this is a great part of the job.) -My school is on the smaller side, so I have not had really any experience with coding or engineering (I want to know how big of an undertaking a job like the ones above will be knowing I have basically no understanding) -I have not been able to take a physics class, but it does intrigue me, and I would like to maybe have this be a core part of my job as well (trying to figure out as well how much of a problem this would be) -I have never really been drawn to jobs in the medical, financial or teaching world. -I want to have a job that is transferable- it's not so incredibly specialized that I cannot get a job anywhere.
What study techniques must a college student acquire in order to succeed in advance math or science classes?
I'm a student at a community college pursuing an engineering associate's degree. Recently, I've been struggling with classes that involve complex math or science concepts. Examples of such classes are multivariable calculus and general physics with calculus. Also, I’m a slower learner, and it takes me a while to understand the concepts better. However, since the community college follows a quarter system, I always feel I do not have enough time to go over stuff I've learned in class. Thus, I'd like to know if there is a specific way to study for complex topics or any study tips that can help to retain more information
What is a good way to network for physics internships and opportunities, sites like CareerVillage, forumns, etc..? #Fall25
I am a Junior in College studying for a degree in Physics! I am newly moved in my state and do not know a lot of people. What are network opportunities I can look for?
What do you guys think is the hardest part about Electrical and Computer Engineering? Would love to hear your thoughts!
Like the question says, what do you think? Personally, I'm a high school senior so all I can say so far is E&M. I'm taking AP Physics 2 and self-studying both the Physics C courses. This basically gives me awareness because I like to take on challenges. Feel free to say your thoughts!