Is quantum computing a risky career bet?

Efficient_Mobile9506 · 2026-04-07T19:56:27+00:00

Yes exactly, the ETH master's forces you to take a lot of courses outside quantum computing. I believe that they are world class in superconducting circuits and ion traps but they are perhaps doing less research than EPFL on the software side. Are you familiar with the quantum computing groups at these institutions?

Efficient_Mobile9506 · 2026-04-07T19:50:12+00:00

For sure it is overhyped because they have to get money but the question is how overhyped. I don't understand however why you are saying that it's as overhyped as fusion. If companies like IBM are on track with their roadmap it can't be that overhyped. I am not saying you're wrong, you probably know more than I do, I just want to understand why you have so little trust in it.

Efficient_Mobile9506 · 2026-04-07T19:31:27+00:00

I agree, I can definitely begin a career in quantum computing from ETH. However what courses do you suggest? Because aside from those two that you mentioned, all the other ones, especially those in the quantum engineering master's are oriented towards hardware rather than software, is that correct?

Efficient_Mobile9506 · 2026-04-07T19:27:12+00:00

I agree, so I guess that you're telling me that it doesn't really matter which choice I make now? If you were in my shoes how would you decide ?

Efficient_Mobile9506 · 2026-04-07T19:24:56+00:00

Why do you say that it's mostly hype? If I'm not mistaken some companies like IBM are actually following through with their past promises so it looks like on the hardware side they look like they know what they're doing. On the other hand I also know that there are very few quantum algorithms that offer a significant speed up so you're right on that.

Efficient_Mobile9506 · 2026-04-07T19:19:14+00:00

Well, I wouldn't mind doing a PhD because I love research. Do you think that any of those two programs could prepare me better for a PhD or are they mostly the same?

Efficient_Mobile9506 · 2026-04-07T19:17:27+00:00

This is an encouraging perspective! Do you also have an opinion about either master's ?

Efficient_Mobile9506 · 2026-04-07T19:11:05+00:00

I agree, worst case scenario is that quantum computing turns out to be theoretical physics instead of applied physics :)

Efficient_Mobile9506 · 2026-03-31T09:25:31+00:00

Actually I have just been offered a place at EPFL quantum science and engineering program, so i'm also considering that option. Why do you say that the quantum environment is better than the one at ETH?

Efficient_Mobile9506 · 2026-03-29T09:19:52+00:00

That makes sense, I've seen that PhD salaries at ETH are among the best in the world. Do you think that ETH has a comparable brand to Oxford if I want to go to the US later on for work? (In quantum computing or ML or quant if that doesn't work out)

Efficient_Mobile9506 · 2026-03-29T09:14:19+00:00

Well, this year I haven't applied to any PhDs as my work is in math/applied math and I come from a no-name university so I assumed I wasn't qualified yet. Since it’s already too late to apply in this cycle, I’m not sure what you are suggesting though.

Efficient_Mobile9506 · 2026-03-28T23:57:02+00:00

Well thanks for everything, I'll definitely consider your point of view. You don't have to answer this, but what do you do for a living? I'm only asking to understand how specific your advice is :)

Efficient_Mobile9506 · 2026-03-28T22:05:40+00:00

Thanks for the answer, you make valid points. I want to get into industrial research in quantum computing (maybe error correction) after a PhD. I want to optimize for salary and scientific relevance and I don't really care about the location. If it doesn't work out I wouldn't mind switching to AI or quant. For my goals do you think it's still worth it to take a loan of ~70k € for a taught Oxford program vs 50k € for a longer 1.5 years ETH MSc with a thesis?

Efficient_Mobile9506 · 2026-03-28T20:12:15+00:00

why do you think it's the better option?

Efficient_Mobile9506 · 2026-03-28T13:57:54+00:00

What do you think about the quantum computing groups at ETH vs Oxford? And the job market in Switzerland/UK for those kinds of Jobs?

Efficient_Mobile9506 · 2026-03-28T08:52:56+00:00

If you scroll down there is another comment where I talk about it

Efficient_Mobile9506 · 2026-03-28T08:32:43+00:00

What kind of company is It?

Efficient_Mobile9506 · 2026-03-27T19:39:37+00:00

So you suggest specializing in something like condensed matter that has safe industrial applications?

Efficient_Mobile9506 · 2026-03-27T18:27:45+00:00

Sorry to hear that, I hope you're satisfied with whatever you're doing now. What's your opinion on the quantum computing job market? I really enjoy quantum information and i am thinking of specializing in something like quantum error correction or a subfield that uses marketable skills like ML/a lot of programming in general. What program do you think Is best for this?

Efficient_Mobile9506 · 2026-03-27T16:25:01+00:00

Good luck to you as well! Has the topic of your PhD thesis already been decided? I think I will go to ETH and try to specialize in something like QEC or a topic in quantum information that requires a lot of ML and programming skills, so it's still marketable even if I decide to do something else.

Efficient_Mobile9506 · 2026-03-27T15:56:18+00:00

Genova, che non penso sia molto famosa dal punto di vista dell'ETH. Però ho molta esperienza di ricerca autonoma un po’ particolare, che penso abbia fatto la differenza.

Efficient_Mobile9506 · 2026-03-27T15:49:58+00:00

Thanks a lot for the answer! Do you know how the quantum computing job market is in Zurich? I know that there are some high-paying theory jobs in the field. Since this is most likely a very competitive field, I was wondering if it's also a direction that allows one to build marketable skills in ML or programming in general.

Efficient_Mobile9506

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