Thursday, September 11, 2014

Straight Talk for Math and Physics Majors (That Coward Professors Won't Give)

If you're a physics or math major, I have some straight-talk about your majors and employment options that your professors and guidance counselors are too timid and cowardly to give.

First, the good news. You're probably above-average in intelligence and this advantage in intelligence shouldn't be underestimated. The average IQ for math and physics majors is roughly 130-135, and the typical math professor is about 145-150. You may not think this is that high, but when you graduate and have to look for a job and are no longer around smart people all the time, this difference in intelligence will become more noticeable. Also, hard degrees like math, physics, etc. show employers that you're smart and a good-problem solver, and you probably picked up a good deal of computer programming along the way, which is a plus.

While they're not as good as engineering or computer science degrees, math and physics degrees nonetheless do have some job prospects. Math graduates can become actuaries, entry-level statisticians, math teachers and the like. Physics majors can do similar work as well as becoming a high-school physics teacher. Both can go into computer programming or software engineering if they know how to code. I've heard of physics graduates working as engineers with only a physics degree, but that's probably pretty rare.  

Now, the bad news: Math and physics degrees are primarily theoretically-oriented and don't really teach you anything that's useful in the real world. Is it fascinating to study modern algebra or quantum mechanics or differential equations? Sure, if you're a math/physics major and you find that interesting. But the reality is that nobody demands these skills, and very few jobs require this knowledge. Physics degrees are especially problematic as they primarily involve the study of theoretical physics, which very few jobs require.

Additionally, the job market in academia is extremely tight, and if you decide to go down this route, you'll likely end up as an adjunct making just above minimum-wage and forced to move every two or three years. Unless you went to MIT or CalTech, you should give up on the academic route. If you dreamed of becoming a research mathematician or theoretical physicist, it probably isn't going to happen. The sooner you suck it up and let go of it, the better off you'll be.

Also, many math and hard science students are seriously lacking in social and communication skills. Intelligence by itself isn't going to get you anything if you have poor social skills, and you'll repeatedly see yourself being passed over for jobs and promotions for less intelligent people who are better communicators. This may cause you to become bitter, but don't be. Use your smart mind to outwit the less intelligent and learn social and communication skills.

My advice is this: Learn computer programming and really know how to use computers to solve problems. If you're a good programmer, you immediately have an advantage over most CS grads, because most of them can't code worth a shit. I would also advise double-major in something more employable and in-demand. For example, if you're interested in physics, I would suggest double-majoring in physics and engineering. It'll probably take you 5 years to complete, but most college students take about 5 years to finish their degrees today. If you're a math student, consider double-majoring in something like computer science, economics, finance or engineering.

Really work on communication and social skills. Most STEM students lag behind humanities/arts students in this area and it really shows. In short, learn how to program well, learn communication and social skills, and consider double-majoring in something that's in higher demand.


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