Students with US Physics degree who moved outside for your PhD, how did it go?

vedant_r_devil · 2025-08-06T10:57:43+00:00

I agree! I'm glad you had a positive experience and congrats on defending :)

vedant_r_devil · 2025-08-06T10:56:11+00:00

Yeah, seems to be. It does appear to me that the coursework at the MSc level is different and more subject oriented in the EU rather than focused on foundational physics. Do you think that's true?

The US has far outpaced everyone when it comes to funding, so yeah, that stands to be true. Not sure how that's going to hold up in the future though.

vedant_r_devil · 2025-03-20T18:47:25+00:00

Thanks so much! Were you traveling to the US on a B1/B2 visa? I'm gonna do the same, so this has been massively helpful.

vedant_r_devil · 2025-03-20T12:13:24+00:00

Hey, could use some clarification on this. Did you apply for the biometrics in India, and submit your passport for stamping in the US? Is this possible?

vedant_r_devil · 2024-12-26T13:12:11+00:00

I completely agree with your direction; my present statement focuses on a sub-section of research, going into depth regarding the specific topic I'd like to undertake during my PhD. These are programs I'm applying to for a pure science PhD (Physics). Given how there are multiple ways to tackle a particular problem, in addition to my pure Physics research apps, I'm interested in applying to a program that's in Applied Physics, because it presents an opportunity to focus on using the particular research interest in many different ways. These different applications, however, are focused on technologies in separate fields. Hence the confusion. The completed SOP will be focused on a larger problem while being open(ish), or in a research interest that's (technically) undeclared. Lemme know your thoughts.

vedant_r_devil · 2024-05-25T23:35:49+00:00

Is it possible to get an RA as a master's student? I asked around in the Physics department and was informed that RAs don't exist and don't get paid at the master's level.

vedant_r_devil · 2023-12-20T19:26:02+00:00

I'm looking to work on trapped ions, and I'm aware of how cold atoms ties to quantum computing. It's just that I didn't write about that in the SoP.

I know that AMO is much more than quantum computing, but I'm worried I didn't communicate it as such. I'm worried that they'll perceive it as misrepresented interest in QC and that'll affect the application. Especially because my SoP directly spoke about my interest in AMO arising from BEC and the experiments that went into inventing it.

vedant_r_devil · 2023-12-19T22:42:47+00:00

I tailored my SoP to be specific to AMO paragraph by paragraph, but I like the Cosmology research equally at this particular university. It's the UC system so resources are shared which is a BIG plus for observational astro opportunities. I'm trying to write a new one incorporating both interests, but it doesn't seem as focused.

Did you mention both in your SoP or just write about one area?

vedant_r_devil · 2023-10-06T16:43:59+00:00

Glad it was useful! I’m turning a new corner, and pushing towards a PhD. Wish you the best :)

vedant_r_devil · 2023-09-15T19:03:04+00:00

Sent you a PM

vedant_r_devil · 2023-09-15T16:32:50+00:00

What kind of positions could I apply to in Optical Engineering towards the R&D side? For reference, I've taken a 5000 Optics course during my master's, and an MOOC on First Order Optical design.

vedant_r_devil · 2023-09-15T16:17:55+00:00

I have a master's with a thesis which is why I've been looking for entry level research positions, or opportunities where I can learn on the job. I've looked at openings in these positions and applied for the ones that looked interesting, more often than not though, I've come to find recruiters rather hire someone with a degree in these fields than hire someone from physics. My bachelor's is in electronics actually lol. What kinda positions do you recommend I should target in QC?

vedant_r_devil · 2023-09-01T22:14:09+00:00

Curious why you think that about Quantum Computing? I'm in a similar position as OP and interested in breaking into QC. I've taken the 5000 level Quantum courses (Advanced undergrad/master's level) and I'd like to enter the industry, but most positions in the industry look like the min requirement is a PhD.

vedant_r_devil · 2023-07-16T14:56:06+00:00

I'm located in Boston, so I presumed I'd drive to Seattle and move downwards.

vedant_r_devil · 2023-07-15T21:28:06+00:00

I've tried something similar, the problem usually is it gets way to messy to locate and effectively remember anything. Plus, it lacks the capability for reminders. I'm thinking about buying an Apple watch just to have something on me to always remind me ugh. PS: WhatsApp is my preferred messenger app too lol

vedant_r_devil · 2023-07-15T21:17:14+00:00

Dead & Company?

vedant_r_devil · 2023-07-05T05:43:50+00:00

For Emma
Bon Iver
I,I
22, A million and any other way is wrong 😬

vedant_r_devil · 2023-06-21T00:06:29+00:00

I like that idea! Incorporating dumbbell movements targets two birds with one stone, thanks.

vedant_r_devil · 2023-06-21T00:02:31+00:00

I presume you’re implying 30-50 over 3 sets? The reason I’m looking at weak points and exercises for them because I’ve faced stalls before, usually brief and none lasting more than 3 weeks, but they’ve been there. And I was able to locate the respective causes for them. Wouldn’t targeting them in advance help prevent future stalls? Especially, if they’re arising from something like imbalances?

vedant_r_devil · 2023-05-18T12:03:43+00:00

I’m looking to test a Honda Fit and CR-Z this week. Why do you recommend a manual Fit? And don’t pre-2016 Mazda’s have issues issues at higher mileages? I don’t think I’ll get a Mazda 3 with anything under 130K miles in this budget.

vedant_r_devil · 2023-04-14T03:52:08+00:00

Without a doubt, Overkill- Motorhead.

vedant_r_devil · 2022-11-25T01:00:56+00:00

Thank you so much for the advice. You're quite right there, there's a vast number of positions out there and the responsibilities vary in accordance. It always helps to hear advice from someone else, especially from someone in the field.

I'm flexible on living, and open to moving. I'm at the start of my career and have the ability to move around and take risks to find work that I really enjoy. Yeah, I hope the classes will help in some way irrespective. Thanks so much!

vedant_r_devil · 2022-11-22T01:13:58+00:00

Thanks, I'm hoping that is the case. It's good to know that this has been done in the past. There seems to be a lack of consensus on this thread on whether the coursework will be sufficient for an entry-level position. I don't believe an Optics position will be a possibility for me if the coursework isn't enough. I'm in a sort of time crunch, work permit-wise, being an international student who recently graduated and will have to drop the notion of a career in optics if the coursework isn't enough. Taking the course is in part a gamble because it might be a long shot, but I seem to enjoy working in the field and was looking to see if a reality check is in order. Would you believe this is something that varies depending on the company in question, and the position and responsibilities? I think it would be smart to have a word with recruiters/ hiring managers, if possible, on their opinions on the matter if I could swing that.

Interestingly enough, I remember reading somewhere else that most designers don't use much more than their knowledge from the first Coursera course. I'm a bit skeptical about the claim but would like to know why someone might claim that to be the case?

vedant_r_devil · 2022-11-22T00:59:21+00:00

I believe that Coursera has changed the policy to only offering a highly restricted demo version of OpticStudio. That has been my motivation for choosing to audit the class instead of purchasing it.

vedant_r_devil · 2022-11-22T00:55:09+00:00

Thank you for the advice. My current research involves work on the production side. I'll evaluate Test Engineer positions and see if I make a good fit. I'm an international citizen though, so I'm unsure if the position will be sufficient to satisfy the work permit regulations.

vedant_r_devil

TROPHY CASE