Becoming a Physicist: My Journey and Career Aspirations in Mathematical Physics

[narayan.rocks]

Ok here is the thing . I am a 14 year old high school student in India starting grade 11 this year. Since i was 9 yrs old ( 6th grade ) i have been very interested in physics and math .
I thought my self high school physics , the whole of resnick halliday's FOP , Single variable Calculus , Higher algebra , geometry , plane trigonometry .
I want to take up Mathematical physics as my career as i love the field. My back up options are Experimental physicist or Applied Mathematician.
I don't want to stay here in India for the rest of my life as there are no significant research opportunities . I plan to go to US for undergrad and graduate work .

I have come to hear that even in US there are not a lot of opportunities and a lot of Physics PHDs end up working in some other field and don't end up with a research position.

The question is how hard is it to get a good research position ( a job where i could actually research and do physics/math ). I am pretty smart and a very hardworking person . I have a slight condition of Asperger's and thus i don't have lot of friends and i like to spend my time with books rather than people and thus can do a good lot of work .

So if i get through Undergrad and Grad school with excellent grades and also get my Phd . would it still be difficult to land a research position

 

[Snow-Leopard]

I thought my self high school physics , the whole of resnick halliday's FOP , Single variable Calculus , Higher algebra , geometry , plane trigonometry

Good Start! Keep Going.

I want to take up Mathematical physics as my career as i love the field. My back up options are Experimental physicist or Applied Mathematician.

Experimental Physics & Applied Mathematics at last become two different thing, you will become only one! Stay with both at Graduate School but not after that.

I don't want to stay here in India for the rest of my life as there are no significant research opportunities . I plan to go to US for undergrad and graduate work.

If you planning to come US then work hard to get International Olympiad Medals & Science Fair Awards because last year from India only 4 selected for MIT and all have golds & Perfect SAT Score. Admission Process is of 18 months. Register today for My MIT or others in which you want to go for Undergrad.

I have come to hear that even in US there are not a lot of opportunities and a lot of Physics PHDs end up working in some other field and don't end up with a research position.

That's true and applies to all over world. only PhD not going to give you Research Post.

The question is how hard is it to get a good research position ( a job where i could actually research and do physics/math ). I am pretty smart and a very hardworking person . I have a slight condition of Asperger's and thus i don't have lot of friends and i like to spend my time with books rather than people and thus can do a good lot of work

May be ZapperZ know this best that how hard to get a Research Position in US. Read his Thread So You want to be Physicist.

 

[narayan.rocks]

thanks for you reply . So what should we do after the phd so as to land a good research position

 

[Snow-Leopard]

thanks for you reply . So what should we do after the phd so as to land a good research position

Not after PhD,Start with Undergraduate. If you go to US then their Join SPS (Society of Physics Students),Read the Physics Today.Do Internships and write Undergraduate Research Papers and Publish them.(I don't Know about more on US system wait for ZapperZ)

http://www.jurp.org/
http://www.spsnational.org/programs/awards/research.htm

 

[Matrix0]

in this field?

As a fellow physicist, I am excited to hear about your passion for physics and mathematics at such a young age. It takes a lot of dedication and hard work to self-study and master these subjects, and I commend you for that.

In terms of your career aspirations, wanting to pursue mathematical physics is a great choice. This field combines the beauty of both mathematics and physics, and offers a wide range of opportunities for research and discovery. It is also important to keep in mind that having backup options, such as experimental physics or applied mathematics, is always a good idea as they all complement each other and can lead to different career paths.

As for your concerns about research opportunities, it is true that the competition for research positions in the US can be tough. However, with your dedication and hard work, and with the right guidance and mentorship, it is definitely possible to secure a research position in this field. It is important to not only have excellent grades, but also to gain research experience through internships, research projects, and participating in conferences and workshops. Networking and building connections with other physicists and researchers can also be helpful in finding research opportunities.

Additionally, having a condition like Asperger's may actually be an advantage in this field. Many physicists have a strong preference for working alone and being able to focus deeply on their research, so your ability to spend long hours with books and your dedication to your work can be seen as strengths.

Overall, I encourage you to continue pursuing your passion for physics and mathematics. With hard work, determination, and the right mindset, you can achieve your goals and land a research position in this field. Best of luck on your journey to becoming a physicist!