- #1
yeshuamo
- 39
- 6
After a degree in business and literature and a few years as a science writer in advertising, I'm going back to school for a second bachelor's. My idea is to go into a physics-related field. Ideally, I'd be an astrophysicist.
I love physics and plan on graduate school, but knowing how many physics PhDs still go into business and engineering, I'm wondering if it's better to just go straight into studying engineering. Even though the idea of working for a space agency makes me starry-eyed, I know that in engineering I'd rather do robotics/AI rather than mechanical or aerospace. I'm more of a drones girl than a rockets girl, in military terms. I think robots are more interdisciplinary and have more room for improvement than mechanical systems (please prove me wrong). I have done some programming and enjoyed it for its mathematical logic aspect.
My main strengths lie in solving equations, understanding abstract concepts, showing evidence for my statements, doing proofs, interpreting study results, writing scientific reviews, teaching and mentoring younger colleagues. I love doing those things and am good at them. Design, product development, or working for consumers have never had my fancy and I'm not that great at them as a result. I think my brain is more theoretical rather than design-oriented. I also love space (but in physics, who doesn't?), but I'd rather put up with the politics of academia than with the politics of the military (or with fluffy startups).
How much satisfaction do you think I may find in the long term if I go into engineering for robotics now, as opposed to a purely academic field like dark energy?
Your time and insights are very much appreciated.
I love physics and plan on graduate school, but knowing how many physics PhDs still go into business and engineering, I'm wondering if it's better to just go straight into studying engineering. Even though the idea of working for a space agency makes me starry-eyed, I know that in engineering I'd rather do robotics/AI rather than mechanical or aerospace. I'm more of a drones girl than a rockets girl, in military terms. I think robots are more interdisciplinary and have more room for improvement than mechanical systems (please prove me wrong). I have done some programming and enjoyed it for its mathematical logic aspect.
My main strengths lie in solving equations, understanding abstract concepts, showing evidence for my statements, doing proofs, interpreting study results, writing scientific reviews, teaching and mentoring younger colleagues. I love doing those things and am good at them. Design, product development, or working for consumers have never had my fancy and I'm not that great at them as a result. I think my brain is more theoretical rather than design-oriented. I also love space (but in physics, who doesn't?), but I'd rather put up with the politics of academia than with the politics of the military (or with fluffy startups).
How much satisfaction do you think I may find in the long term if I go into engineering for robotics now, as opposed to a purely academic field like dark energy?
Your time and insights are very much appreciated.
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