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wrote...
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12 years ago
I'm really interested in physics and eventually getting into research.. possibly focusing on quantum mechanics....

Is there anyone who has first-hand experience with this field/career? What are courses like? Is this one of the most difficult college majors to handle? What kinds of jobs are out there for people with physics degrees? Any info will help!

Thanks.
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wrote...
12 years ago
Yes, physics, and quantum physics, are certainly one of the most difficult fields to get involved with as far as course work goes.  Some other fields are very difficult because they require a lot of memorization (medicine, for example).  But physics is difficult because it involves a lot of problem solving.  You will find that those drawn to physics are generally smarter than the average student, and the professors expect more from them because of that.  Your course worth will involve a lot of mathematics, so if you are intimidated by math, then it's probably not the correct career path.  And most physicists will continue on to get a PhD.

Physics jobs can be rather hit or miss, depending on your field of expertise and the job market.  Physicists are often hired to be sort of in-company consultants for engineers (when the engineer doesn't understand what is going on, a roving physicist might come by and help them).  There are a number of physicist who go into Wall Street positions, as their aptitude for mathematics and simulations can be very useful for modeling financial markets and determining the value of financial derivatives.  A number of physicist, obviously, become professors.

As far as quantum physicists, that is a bit tough to know what you are referring to.  Quantum physics is less of a field and more of a tool in physics.  So almost every physicist uses quantum mechanics.  However, I would say that the field of physics that best fits 'quantum physicist' is the field of quantum information science.  These guys are either quasi-mathematicians who try to understand how information propagates through a quantum system, or they make devices that demonstrate the propagation of such information. Those who make the devices will typically either work in clean rooms fabricating devices, or work with lasers and/or atoms.  However, I would not say that there are that many jobs, right now, in this field.  In 20 years, however, there will likely either be a lot of jobs... or very few, depending on how this field pans out over the next few decades.
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