For Physics Majors, is going to work after graduation better than going to grad school for research?

Author: Intelligence_06

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#1
Intelligence_06
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Title explains it. IDK what viewpoints will be on here but if you have a voice, shout thy lungs out so I could hear you.

Don't say stuff like "Ohh you shouldn't even go to colleges at all". If so, shut up. I am like top 1~3 in terms of GPA at my school, there is no reason for me to not go.

Also I am still just a HS senior. My major in the applications say it's Physics but obviously I am not yet a physicist. If you can somehow convince me to switch to engineering or something(despite in many schools the college of engineering is actually harder to get in), sure I guess, another essay topic.
#2
n8nrgim
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engineering is more practical, so i would guess it would pay better. i think physics majors are smarter, but that doesn't pay the bills. at least, that's my impression. i majored in electrical engineering and environmental science, and it's nice to know there's lots of good paying jobs out there especially with my engineering degree. 
#3
FLRW
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@Intelligence_06

23 days later

#4
sadolite
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All I can say about higher education is that it is no guarantee of a high paying job or financial success. Knowledge does not equal intelligence, experience, competence, motivation or work ethic. Lacking in any of these areas dictates your success more than all of your knowledge. Are you worth what you think you are, time will tell.

7 days later

#5
Dr.Franklin
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@Intelligence_06
It depends on your goals and what you like about physics.

I was considering being a theoretical physicist, I never liked labs or engineering, but decided on CS and it's theory instead because it's a tad bit easier for me and the "applications" of it is abstract in nature as well. I could definitely go onto grad school for it but I am not quite sure I want to yet. 

Take some college physics courses first and see the degree that it beats you up. If you are smart enough to go to grad school for it and then for a PHD than that is always an option. There is no point in getting a masters in physics after your bachelors and stopping since it has no bearing on career outlooks. Just 2 more years and more debt. Otherwise for career prospects, go into engineering. Either that or invent something.


48 days later

#6
FLRW
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So now you can pay someone to do your homework for you? No wonder the USA ranks 29th in IQ.

22 days later

Topic's author
#7
Intelligence_06
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How the hell do we have 7 bots stacked up on top of each other.
#8
ebuc
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@Intelligence_06
New DArt turning into old dart gradually.  
#9
Mharman
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@ebuc
@Intelligence_06
Welp. Looks like the end is near fellas. Again.

Ebuc, I know you remember it well; as do I. "Fun" times, am I right?

Intelligence, were you there when the collapse of DDO happened?
#10
ebuc
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@Mharman
Sorry Mharman, I was relatively new to it then,  and if we share disscussions, I forget.

So much water flows under the bridge of life. Hard to keep track, yet, the great fall of original DDO is not hard to forget.

407 days later

#11
Shila
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@devidjohan
For physics majors, choosing between work and grad school depends on career goals. Jobs offer immediate experience and income, while research expands expertise for academic or specialized roles. Both paths have benefits. For those sharing knowledge, book writing services help craft insightful books that educate and inspire future physicists.
Do forget to throw in some AI.
#12
zedvictor4
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@Shila
All yours for $99.99.

Just send your banking details to my Nigerian web address and I will debit your account for you.
#13
Shila
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@zedvictor4
All yours for $99.99.

Just send your banking details to my Nigerian web address and I will debit your account for you.
What is your Nigerian we address?

91 days later

#14
MayCaesar
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I did a PhD in physics and moved to the industry. I will say this: doing a PhD is only worth it if you are really passionate about science and research - and, chances are, by the end of your undergraduate program you have had no experience doing serious research and have no idea how frustrating it can be. If you are really into learning hard things and can handle a lot of frustration, low pay, sometimes months of no research progress at all, and genuinely find your research fun - then you are going to have a great time. 

Bad reasons to do a PhD (or, less so, a Masters):
  • "I want to learn more". 95% things you will learn will be very specific to your field. You will learn far more practical skills doing a real job.
  • "I want to have better career prospects". Unless we are talking academia, you will have far better career prospects if you work for the 5-6 years it will take you to do a PhD, and most employers do not particularly care about your PhD, but they do care about your lack of experience.
  • "I don't care about money". You WILL care when you grow up and start thinking about your future and all the cool things you can do in the present.
  • "I don't know what I want to do in life, so might as well do a PhD". Better take a gap year and do some travelling and odd jobs here and there. A PhD is too big a commitment to make when you have no idea about your desired future.
Just my 7 pennies.