Expert: Daniel Mazur - 2/11/2009

Question
Hello Daniel,
I'm currently 16 and am two years from completing my country's national exam, the Leaving Certificate. I am extremely interested in Mathematics and Physics. I'm studying both of them for the exam, along with Applied Mathematics. Math is my favorite of the three.

Do you know of any careers which incorporate the three subjects? I don't want to do pure physics, or pure math. If it was a mixture of the two, although mostly based on math, I would be happy.

Can you recommend any careers and where I might actually get a job?


Thank you,
Paul

Answer
Hello Paul,

there are a few careers to chose from, based on your inclinations as you described them. Scientific physics and maths are the most logical ones, but you need to consider your "minors" as well, skills outside your current curriculum, in order to see the full range of your options. Language skills, manual/technical skills, computer programming/web design, these are some examples of what I mean. A degree in physics or maths may give you a job at a university, government-funded research institute, or somewhere in what we call "the Industry". The latter sphere is driven by the market, the Product, it is based on deadlines, so it offers comparatively less opportunities for people wanting to solve abstract and model problems like those existing in maths and physics. Still, even in the industrial Research & Development teams, there are people with degrees in pure or applied science. Now you are only deciding about your general direction, so you best keep you mind and options open. Should you feel a desire for making inventions, new designs, seeing a "material" result of your work, you could consider an engineering career. Engineering has a larger job market and higher salaries than science.

I should also tell you that university level maths and physics is very much unlike the things you study at high school - unless you have attended a specialized high school that is. I strongly recommend you to pay a visit to your nearest university that offers maths and physics as their programs of study. Attend a seminar, a workshop, talk to people. It may give you a better feel for what "pure maths" or "pure physics" are. Amazingly high percentage of people like you and me (with the same favourite subjects at high school) choose theoretical physics or astronomy to seek a graduate degree in. The fields are attractive, no question about that, but they have a major disadvantage in the relatively small job market compared to, for example, physics of materials. In many countries it is possible to get a Bachelor's degree in one thing and then Master in another. You can pick Maths first and then theoretical physics, but you will need to add a couple of years of study to compensate for the transition.

You still have good 5-6 years before your Bachelor degree, and it will be only then, when you'll need to decide. There are enough jobs that make use of talents in mathematics and physics, never fear. In the worst case scenario, when we fail as scientists, we can always get a well paid job in IT or in a bank :-))).

Good luck and ask again, if you feel like it.

Cheers,
Daniel