PhD in Theoretical Solid State Physics: Industry vs. Academia

[Adrian Baker]

Originally posted by chroot
Actually, I have no physics degrees, and am quite a long way from getting one at this point.

- Warren

Wow Warren - you surprise me. You might not have the degree but your knowledge is very impressive indeed.




I studied Mechanical Engineering for a year and hated it, so left, then went back after a year out and did a BSc in Materials Science. Nearly all my knowledge of Physics comes from self-study and helpful forums like this one. I reckon another twenty years or so and I should be getting the hang of it!

 

[chroot]

Originally posted by Adrian Baker
Wow Warren - you surprise me. You might not have the degree but your knowledge is very impressive indeed.

Thank you very much! I'm essentially all self-taught, which has a few advantages, but many more disadvantages. I'm also frankly not very good at physics -- I don't seem to have any natural ability. I have had to struggle really hard just to get what little knowledge I have. But, it's a labor of love, I guess.

- Warren

 

[Dr Transport]

I have a PhD in Theoretical Solid State Physics, my specialty is transport in anisotropic semicondiuctors, i.e. solve the Boltzmann equation for the distribution of holes or electrons. I do not use the relaxation time approximation though, my method is exact, not an approximation.

I work in the defense industry like most of the people I went to school with and do nothing that my degree prepared me for. Don't be on the lookout for a faculty position too soon, they are far and few between and do not pay nearly as well as industry.