physics in my future?

LIFE1001Physics & Life Choices

Physics in my future?Physics in my future?

LIFE1001 Lecture 83,000,000 – Physics & Life Choices

Updated:12/04/2023 07:08 AM

Gonna try to sell you the reality rather than the dream…


Academia…Academia…

More than just boring old academics ranting away at blackboards…


Academia… Dream or Nightmare?Academia… Dream or Nightmare?

Academia is 30% heaven and about 70% hell.

The biggest hell is the work-load: supremely ultra-competitive, takes lots of sacrifices.

This isn’t to discourage you, it’s to be honest about what you’re up against.

The best bit: Mostly get to choose your own directions, work own schedule, travel.


The pointy end of the pyramidThe pointy end of the pyramid

Some of you will turn left voluntarily, many of you will turn left by repeated games of musical chairs…

Taken from: http://blogs.nature.com/naturejobs/

2014/10/03/the-postdoc-decision

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Don’t quit physics yet…Don’t quit physics yet…

99% of the 96.5% who turn left have a job.

It is often really rewarding, pays more, and involves less hours than academia. It’s

just not obvious to you yet.


Where my friends have ended up…Where my friends have ended up…

“We are smart creative hard-working people, they are always in demand…”

“It's lucky most smart people have figured out that they can make more money risk free by just getting a job.”

Director/CTO of startup company.

Partner in own consulting firm.

Designing physics-real CGI for video games.

Science journalist

Editor at journal

Interface design at

imaging co.

Meteorologist

Patents law

Share-trader

Simulation development for

oil company.

Staff scientist w/ Rio Tinto.

Teacher

Production engineer at Intel

Research scientist with US Navy

Investment strategist

Content developer:

education co

Engineer with science equipment co.

Software writer

Science communication

“Gentleman of Leisure” (i.e., rich & enjoying life).

Novelist/Author

MusicianPolitical advisor

Artist


Tips…Tips…

1. Do physics (and maths): advances your problem solving skills, pushes you further into top x % of society where x

2. Avoid becoming too narrow too early. Diversify, keep your options open. What can you learn that makes you different to everyone else?

3. Don’t become an equation monkey; work on your ‘soft’ skills also (e.g., writing, presentation, managing people).

4. Focus on improving yourself: you don’t have to be the smartest kid in the class in first year to be on top by end of honours.

5. Work hard, stay positive. Resilience is an essential skill, especially in academia.


Tips…Tips…

6. Press your technological advantage…

Use it to see inside real life in science even…


All that matters in the end...All that matters in the end...

Be nice people, have an awesome life.

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