- #1
metalrose
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Hi
I am currently an undergrad. studying electronics and communication engineering in India. I had no intention of studying that particular subject, but I chose it since I couldn't make it into a physics undergrad. programme (not because I'm bad enough academically, but due to some technical reasons).
I am studying undergraduate physics on my own as of now. I plan to apply for grad. school in the U.S. after my engg.
I always knew that being a physicist is not the best idea to become rich and is in general quite an ardous task. So I knew the situation was bad, but as I have recently realized, it appears to be really really bad.
I mainly got discouraged from the following two posts:
http://wuphys.wustl.edu/~katz/scientist.html
and
http://sciencejobs.blogspot.com/2005_02_02_archive.html
I know many of you might have answered similar questions many times in the past but its really difficult to dish out deep into websites and find old threads.
Also let me add, that I am very passionate about being a theoretical physicist and would most likely want to end up working in fundamental physics (string theory/high energy or Quantum mech.) or Astrophysics/cosmological physics.
Is it even worth it applying to a grad. programme in physics? Is the situation really that bad?
If eventually my chances of getting a tenured position (after a max. of 3-4 years of post doc) are pretty bleak, and if i have to eventually end up working in finance or banks etc, why not get an MBA right after my engg. and build that career at early twenties rather than at early thirties?
That doesn't mean that I'll leave physics all together, maybe I could self study it, just the way I am right now?
I know it's quite a different game to actually be in the scene than work at a distance, but if the situation in academia is that bad, what options do I have?
Plus, my not being an american would close half the job opportunities that require US citizenship.
Also, would my having a BS in Electronics and Communication Engineering from an average engineering Institute in India make any difference 6-7 years down the line when and if I apply for various jobs outside of India?
waiting for your views...
Thanks
I am currently an undergrad. studying electronics and communication engineering in India. I had no intention of studying that particular subject, but I chose it since I couldn't make it into a physics undergrad. programme (not because I'm bad enough academically, but due to some technical reasons).
I am studying undergraduate physics on my own as of now. I plan to apply for grad. school in the U.S. after my engg.
I always knew that being a physicist is not the best idea to become rich and is in general quite an ardous task. So I knew the situation was bad, but as I have recently realized, it appears to be really really bad.
I mainly got discouraged from the following two posts:
http://wuphys.wustl.edu/~katz/scientist.html
and
http://sciencejobs.blogspot.com/2005_02_02_archive.html
I know many of you might have answered similar questions many times in the past but its really difficult to dish out deep into websites and find old threads.
Also let me add, that I am very passionate about being a theoretical physicist and would most likely want to end up working in fundamental physics (string theory/high energy or Quantum mech.) or Astrophysics/cosmological physics.
Is it even worth it applying to a grad. programme in physics? Is the situation really that bad?
If eventually my chances of getting a tenured position (after a max. of 3-4 years of post doc) are pretty bleak, and if i have to eventually end up working in finance or banks etc, why not get an MBA right after my engg. and build that career at early twenties rather than at early thirties?
That doesn't mean that I'll leave physics all together, maybe I could self study it, just the way I am right now?
I know it's quite a different game to actually be in the scene than work at a distance, but if the situation in academia is that bad, what options do I have?
Plus, my not being an american would close half the job opportunities that require US citizenship.
Also, would my having a BS in Electronics and Communication Engineering from an average engineering Institute in India make any difference 6-7 years down the line when and if I apply for various jobs outside of India?
waiting for your views...
Thanks
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