Young Person Decisions
Posted: Mon Nov 23, 2015 8:46 am
Hello all,
I'm a first year BSc Physics student debating the common question of Physics vs Engineering - do I switch or do I stay?
I like physics, but I wouldn't say it is my One True Passion, because a lot of things appeal to me. Economic prosperity is a life goal for me, not the most important, not at all, but it's important enough so that I would feel comfortable accepting the differences between the two subjects for the sake of a stable future.
My university is not prestigious at all, so my university name won't advantage me in that respect (other forums seemed to think the school was more important than the subject, I'm not disagreeing, but it doesn't apply to me). It seems like physics graduates have two options, research or industry/banking. Since I'm not going to do research (if I can avoid a masters, I will), then which degree is more suited to my goals?
I don't know what I want to be 'when I grow up', so some have suggested physics as it's got a much broader career range. However, in which circumstance would a company hire a physicist over someone specialised in the job? When predicting trends, wouldn't they go for the statistics graduate? When designing high performance cars, wouldn't they choose the materials engineer or the automotive engineer?
I don't have a 'One True Calling/Passion', so "do what you love" isn't a helpful answer.
What is more valuable to a person like me?
I'm a first year BSc Physics student debating the common question of Physics vs Engineering - do I switch or do I stay?
I like physics, but I wouldn't say it is my One True Passion, because a lot of things appeal to me. Economic prosperity is a life goal for me, not the most important, not at all, but it's important enough so that I would feel comfortable accepting the differences between the two subjects for the sake of a stable future.
My university is not prestigious at all, so my university name won't advantage me in that respect (other forums seemed to think the school was more important than the subject, I'm not disagreeing, but it doesn't apply to me). It seems like physics graduates have two options, research or industry/banking. Since I'm not going to do research (if I can avoid a masters, I will), then which degree is more suited to my goals?
I don't know what I want to be 'when I grow up', so some have suggested physics as it's got a much broader career range. However, in which circumstance would a company hire a physicist over someone specialised in the job? When predicting trends, wouldn't they go for the statistics graduate? When designing high performance cars, wouldn't they choose the materials engineer or the automotive engineer?
I don't have a 'One True Calling/Passion', so "do what you love" isn't a helpful answer.
What is more valuable to a person like me?