5 answers
Emily
Student
Naperville, Illinois
5
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How hard is it to get a career as a physicist if I'm an engineering major with a finance minor ?
Is there any way to do this without having to get a PhD?
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5 answers
Jared Smith
4
Answers
Updated
Jared’s Answer
Caveat: I'm an engineer, not a physicist.
Anecdotally, some of the best engineers I know graduated with physics degrees. My simplistic engineer perspective is that Physicists focus on theory and expanding our understanding, while Engineers focus on applying that understanding to solve problems.
I think moving from physics to engineering is natural. It is not without challenges, but easier to pick up the techniques for applying laws of physics once you have that physics education. But moving from engineering to physics may be more difficult. Engineers typically learn only enough about the principals of physics to apply them (I don't need to know all the technical details about how a car operates to be able to drive it). You may be required to get additional schooling or credentials that you won't pick up in straight engineering.
But either path is viable, and being an engineer in a room full of physicists will mean you've got a very valuable perspective to bring to any team. Good luck, Emily!
Anecdotally, some of the best engineers I know graduated with physics degrees. My simplistic engineer perspective is that Physicists focus on theory and expanding our understanding, while Engineers focus on applying that understanding to solve problems.
I think moving from physics to engineering is natural. It is not without challenges, but easier to pick up the techniques for applying laws of physics once you have that physics education. But moving from engineering to physics may be more difficult. Engineers typically learn only enough about the principals of physics to apply them (I don't need to know all the technical details about how a car operates to be able to drive it). You may be required to get additional schooling or credentials that you won't pick up in straight engineering.
But either path is viable, and being an engineer in a room full of physicists will mean you've got a very valuable perspective to bring to any team. Good luck, Emily!
Nidhi Magoo
17
Answers
Sacramento, California
Updated
Nidhi’s Answer
Transitioning from an engineering background to a career in physics can be challenging but is not impossible. Your path would depend on the specific field of physics you're interested in, as some areas might be more closely aligned with your engineering background than others. Here's a brief guide on how you could approach this transition:
1. Leverage Your Existing Skills: Engineering and physics share many overlapping principles and skills, such as problem-solving, mathematical modeling, and a deep understanding of physical laws. Your finance minor could also be beneficial if you're interested in areas like financial physics or data analysis.
2. Gain Relevant Experience: Try to gain experience in the field of physics you're interested in. This could be through internships, research projects, or working as a research assistant.
3. Further Education: While many career paths in physics do require advanced degrees, not all of them do. However, you may need to take additional coursework in physics to fill in any gaps in your knowledge, especially if your engineering degree didn't include a heavy physics component.
4. Certification and Training: Consider obtaining certification or training in specialized physics areas. For example, medical physics has a certification path that doesn't necessarily require a Ph.D.
5. Networking: Connect with professionals in the field. They can provide valuable insights and may know of job opportunities that aren't widely advertised.
6. Job Hunting: Look for entry-level positions that allow you to apply your engineering skills within a physics context. Such roles could be in areas like applied physics, engineering physics, or technical roles within physics-based industries.
Remember, the path to becoming a physicist is often not linear, and there's no 'one-size-fits-all' approach. Good luck!
1. Leverage Your Existing Skills: Engineering and physics share many overlapping principles and skills, such as problem-solving, mathematical modeling, and a deep understanding of physical laws. Your finance minor could also be beneficial if you're interested in areas like financial physics or data analysis.
2. Gain Relevant Experience: Try to gain experience in the field of physics you're interested in. This could be through internships, research projects, or working as a research assistant.
3. Further Education: While many career paths in physics do require advanced degrees, not all of them do. However, you may need to take additional coursework in physics to fill in any gaps in your knowledge, especially if your engineering degree didn't include a heavy physics component.
4. Certification and Training: Consider obtaining certification or training in specialized physics areas. For example, medical physics has a certification path that doesn't necessarily require a Ph.D.
5. Networking: Connect with professionals in the field. They can provide valuable insights and may know of job opportunities that aren't widely advertised.
6. Job Hunting: Look for entry-level positions that allow you to apply your engineering skills within a physics context. Such roles could be in areas like applied physics, engineering physics, or technical roles within physics-based industries.
Remember, the path to becoming a physicist is often not linear, and there's no 'one-size-fits-all' approach. Good luck!
Krishna Patel
Strategic Alliance Marketing
4
Answers
Bloomfield, Connecticut
Updated
Krishna’s Answer
Transitioning from an engineering major with a finance minor to a career in physics can be both challenging and rewarding, depending on how you leverage your background and the steps you take to bridge the gap between these disciplines. Here’s a structured approach to navigating this career path:
Understand the Requirements: A career in physics typically requires a strong foundation in physics and mathematics. Review job descriptions for roles you’re interested in to understand specific qualifications and skills needed.
Supplement Your Education: Consider taking additional courses in physics if your current program lacks sufficient coverage of the fundamentals. This could be through elective courses, a second major, or a minor in physics. Online courses and certifications can also bolster your knowledge.
Research Experience: Gain experience in physics through research projects, internships, or collaborations with physics departments at your university. This practical exposure is crucial in the field of physics.
Leverage Your Engineering Skills: Your background in engineering and finance can uniquely position you in areas like applied physics, materials science, or roles that require complex problem-solving and analytical skills. Highlight these skills when applying for roles that intersect with physics.
Pursue Further Education: Depending on your career goals in physics, you might consider pursuing a Master’s or PhD in physics to fully transition into more specialized or research-focused roles.
Network with Physicists: Connect with professionals in the field through academic conferences, seminars, and professional networking sites like LinkedIn. Networking can provide valuable insights and open up opportunities.
Stay Persistent and Flexible: Transitioning careers is a journey that requires persistence. Be open to starting in roles that might not be a perfect fit but can lead you closer to your ultimate goal in physics.
Embarking on a career in physics with a background in engineering and finance is definitely achievable with the right strategic steps, highlighting how multidisciplinary skills can be an asset in the diverse field of physics.
Understand the Requirements: A career in physics typically requires a strong foundation in physics and mathematics. Review job descriptions for roles you’re interested in to understand specific qualifications and skills needed.
Supplement Your Education: Consider taking additional courses in physics if your current program lacks sufficient coverage of the fundamentals. This could be through elective courses, a second major, or a minor in physics. Online courses and certifications can also bolster your knowledge.
Research Experience: Gain experience in physics through research projects, internships, or collaborations with physics departments at your university. This practical exposure is crucial in the field of physics.
Leverage Your Engineering Skills: Your background in engineering and finance can uniquely position you in areas like applied physics, materials science, or roles that require complex problem-solving and analytical skills. Highlight these skills when applying for roles that intersect with physics.
Pursue Further Education: Depending on your career goals in physics, you might consider pursuing a Master’s or PhD in physics to fully transition into more specialized or research-focused roles.
Network with Physicists: Connect with professionals in the field through academic conferences, seminars, and professional networking sites like LinkedIn. Networking can provide valuable insights and open up opportunities.
Stay Persistent and Flexible: Transitioning careers is a journey that requires persistence. Be open to starting in roles that might not be a perfect fit but can lead you closer to your ultimate goal in physics.
Embarking on a career in physics with a background in engineering and finance is definitely achievable with the right strategic steps, highlighting how multidisciplinary skills can be an asset in the diverse field of physics.
Craig Muraskin
Strategy, innovation, transformation
4
Answers
Wilton, Connecticut
Updated
Craig’s Answer
While I may not be an engineer or a physicist, my children have embraced these fields. One is currently pursuing a PhD in engineering, while the other is exploring PhD programs in Physics.
Your career path will always be influenced by your ambitions. However, if you aspire to spearhead a laboratory or engage in groundbreaking work, a PhD is likely to be essential, especially in the field of physics.
Your career path will always be influenced by your ambitions. However, if you aspire to spearhead a laboratory or engage in groundbreaking work, a PhD is likely to be essential, especially in the field of physics.
Tariq Malik
engineering manager
2
Answers
Troy, Michigan
Updated
Tariq’s Answer
I've had the privilege of bringing on board numerous software engineers, many of whom hold degrees in Physics, including master's and even a PhD. I've also observed the opposite, and it's clear to me that both fields share a common ethos - the pursuit of innovation, research, and problem-solving.