- #1
darockymn
- 3
- 0
Hello every one I am from Hong Kong. I am in my mid-twenties and I have a very bad result in my undergraduate degree in physics and it hinders me a lot in applying for a graduate degree. Theoretical physics (gravitation, quantum field, strings) is the field that I want to do research in for my future academic career. Being sure that I have recovered from all the problems I had in my undergrad days is responsibility of my own so I do not intend to discuss here.
I am considering two possible routes to achieve my goal. I can either study for a second degree and prove myself, or I can proceed to pursuit a theoretical physics MSc in the Europe.
For the first choice is good because I will have the advantage of time, and been given a good quality education (which I didn't have before), to catch up and fill holes in my incomplete physics background. Also I will be given a second chance where I can achieve the best of myself academically. It will be easier to achieve future career goal with a good undergrad record.
The advantage of the second choice is obvious: time. I get to save three years of time but I will be building my knowledge and research with a shaky foundation.
I am aware that this field is tough and with a low employability, yet it is my biggest passion I have ever had in my life. So I guess if I were to achieve most in life I have no other choice of field. What is the best thing I can do to maximize my chance of pursuing an academic career (probably being a research professor) in this field? Given the low supply of academic job in this field, how should I approach the idea that I am not expected to further study and research in this field beyond grad school? What else should I consider?
Financial concerns are not so important cause I am able to secure a funding for both choices.
Thanks for taking time to help me solve my problem. Is there any pros and cons that I am missing in analyzing my two choices? Are there any aspect that I should have taken into account in making the choice? Please do not hesitate to point out any point of stupidity and ignorance from my arguments. Any opinion will be much appreciated :)
I am considering two possible routes to achieve my goal. I can either study for a second degree and prove myself, or I can proceed to pursuit a theoretical physics MSc in the Europe.
For the first choice is good because I will have the advantage of time, and been given a good quality education (which I didn't have before), to catch up and fill holes in my incomplete physics background. Also I will be given a second chance where I can achieve the best of myself academically. It will be easier to achieve future career goal with a good undergrad record.
The advantage of the second choice is obvious: time. I get to save three years of time but I will be building my knowledge and research with a shaky foundation.
I am aware that this field is tough and with a low employability, yet it is my biggest passion I have ever had in my life. So I guess if I were to achieve most in life I have no other choice of field. What is the best thing I can do to maximize my chance of pursuing an academic career (probably being a research professor) in this field? Given the low supply of academic job in this field, how should I approach the idea that I am not expected to further study and research in this field beyond grad school? What else should I consider?
Financial concerns are not so important cause I am able to secure a funding for both choices.
Thanks for taking time to help me solve my problem. Is there any pros and cons that I am missing in analyzing my two choices? Are there any aspect that I should have taken into account in making the choice? Please do not hesitate to point out any point of stupidity and ignorance from my arguments. Any opinion will be much appreciated :)