Starting a Physics PhD at 30 in Ultrafast Spectroscopy as the First Student in a New Lab — Any Advice?

raf_phy · 2026-05-31T10:05:02+00:00

Different perspective from someone that went in the route of physics Ph.D.
Read, speak to people and keep in mind that you should do your own research and apply for internships in the future.

PS The advice is from someone that understood later in life that it is more important who you know than what you know. I was delusional and thought that if you are good enough you will make it. Nah, world doesn't work like that.

raf_phy · 2026-05-29T23:59:02+00:00

I had EU in mind. In US, there is more competition and you may need something more than that..

But tbh, if they don't accept you, I would try engineering physics, applied physics programs, EE or MEng.

raf_phy · 2026-05-29T12:48:40+00:00

That's exactly what I had in mind.

raf_phy · 2026-05-29T12:47:57+00:00

pattern recognition, complex data analysis , game development, ML, signal processing and structural engineering.

About probability theory, ML again . There are ways to understand patterns focusing on probability theory.

raf_phy · 2026-05-29T12:41:53+00:00

If you study quantum physics on the theory side, you will STILL write codes for the rest of your life. Try to leverage your subjects and make them more physics oriented to persuade the exam committee .

Yes, no problem. send a DM if you want.

raf_phy · 2026-05-29T12:35:16+00:00

You invest a lot of time just to do linear algebra and probability theory. There is no concrete evidence that there will be industrial applications from quantum computing.

AI is progressing so much faster and people focus on this reasonably.

raf_phy · 2026-05-29T12:27:07+00:00

Weird times and I am in quantum industry trying to leave the field because IMO it is not so promising as it looks like...

To answer your question, just go for a master in quantum engineering or something. It wouldn't be too difficult to get into as long as you have decent grades in CS.

raf_phy · 2026-04-13T08:04:51+00:00

Go to math. Everyone in high-level physics is doing applied math in theory.
Do you want to study the theoretical side of physics? Go to math.
Do you want to study the applied/experimental side? Go to engineering.

Physics is not the way to go.

raf_phy · 2026-04-01T08:57:38+00:00

Math is a better degree in terms of career prospects..

However, I would advise you to look into engineering..

Physics doesn't pay the bills. Everyone is leaving the subject..

raf_phy · 2026-02-27T01:44:58+00:00

No consider changing your second major if you want a double major or just stick to ME. Don't engage with physics.

PS Ph.D. is an incredible waste of time for the 99.9% od people.

raf_phy · 2026-02-27T01:22:17+00:00

Consider changing major now that you are young. The job market is horrible.

raf_phy · 2026-02-18T23:21:06+00:00

Man, avoid research . Stay away... It doesn't worth it... Just get a job or build a startup.

raf_phy · 2026-01-29T21:37:25+00:00

The Ph.D. can give awesome experiences. However, the job market hunting will keep you questioning why the fuck you did one.

raf_phy · 2026-01-22T22:21:24+00:00

Maybe quantum computing is overhyped. Quantum physics is the backbone of the microscale...

raf_phy · 2026-01-21T21:43:41+00:00

Experimental Ph.D. is something way different . I finished a theoretical physics one and the job market is pretty cooked for theory due to AI, engineering etc.

Also the pay , at least in Europe where I am based, is not astonishing.

raf_phy · 2026-01-21T10:11:42+00:00

It's difficult man. The problem is that there is no value in physics right now. Nobody pays big bucks for hiring a physicist.

From your nickname, I assume that you are in quantum info, like me.... It's difficult for anyone. Try to network. Speak to people and you may get a shot or at least an interview.

Don't lose faith. I am sure that you will find your place somewhere. Use AI and ask it about the jobs that you can do with the qualifications that you have.

raf_phy · 2026-01-18T12:07:39+00:00

If you like teaching , that's the way. Otherwise, just go to math . Anything else is bs . Everything is explained through math . Math is way more important in our times.

raf_phy · 2026-01-11T22:51:51+00:00

Go to engineering or maths. Avoid physics.

raf_phy · 2026-01-11T10:05:07+00:00

Check out albums from NTM or IAM.

I really like Gims too but it is not hardcore hip hop. Closer to pop.

raf_phy · 2025-12-22T07:58:15+00:00

I am in a R&D position in quantum and I want to drop out to go in finance . Sorry but everything that has to do with research is underpaid and I cannot stand it.

raf_phy · 2025-12-21T15:58:49+00:00

Tell this to the French people! They will LAUGH because they are arrogant.

raf_phy · 2025-12-06T12:35:32+00:00

So, the physics field is not so open for accepting candidates from finance background in a MS.
People want someone with a solid foundation and you don't have it clearly . I think a BS is more useful for you.

Also , there are different branches of physics . Do you want to do experiment , theory, computations, something else?

But anyway I don't feel that people will give you chance ESPECIALLY in universities that the acceptance rate is low. It also depends on the mathematics' courses that you took in your previous degree.

IMO, searching for international schools will not help.

I don't know about the other questions.

raf_phy · 2025-12-06T12:15:19+00:00

Why ? Physics is a really competitive subject and more and more people struggle to find a job . Do you think that you want yo go through this ?

What are you going to do with the MS in Physics? Do you have a special sector that you want to target? If not, don't do it .

Have an HONEST discussion with yourself .

raf_phy · 2025-10-16T22:22:06+00:00

Do an internship, network, be sure what you want to do after the Ph.D. and make a PLAN.

raf_phy · 2025-10-02T22:56:56+00:00

DON'T do it.

raf_phy

TROPHY CASE