how many post docs necessary for a job ?
how many post docs necessary for a job ?
I read scary stories about people being unable to get jobs after their post-docs. Does anyone have any idea that how long does it take one to get into a permanent job after Ph.D. in Physics ? Is it ever possible that you may end up jobless even after a couple of or more post-docs ? Folks, do pass some advise.
-
WhoaNonstop
- Posts: 853
- Joined: Mon Sep 21, 2009 1:31 am
Re: how many post docs necessary for a job ?
It is possible you could end up jobless doing any type of degree. Let me tell you what I think, and this is in general for everything (and should be common sense). If you do a wonderful job in your graduate studies and put much effort towards your post-doc jobs, you shouldn't have to worry about getting a job. Motivated, persistent people get jobs.Rodya wrote:I read scary stories about people being unable to get jobs after their post-docs. Does anyone have any idea that how long does it take one to get into a permanent job after Ph.D. in Physics ? Is it ever possible that you may end up jobless even after a couple of or more post-docs ? Folks, do pass some advise.
-Riley
-
admissionprof
- Posts: 369
- Joined: Sat Feb 02, 2008 7:50 pm
Re: how many post docs necessary for a job ?
It depends on your field. Someone in condensed matter or AMO experiment will be able to get a job outside of academia much more easily than a string theorist. In theory, I've known of people to take five postdocs (10-12 years) before getting a faculty job (two is more normal though). In experiment, it takes less time, but is more economy-dependent. A million dollar start-up package for a new faculty member is not as easy to put together these days.WhoaNonstop wrote:It is possible you could end up jobless doing any type of degree. Let me tell you what I think, and this is in general for everything (and should be common sense). If you do a wonderful job in your graduate studies and put much effort towards your post-doc jobs, you shouldn't have to worry about getting a job. Motivated, persistent people get jobs.Rodya wrote:I read scary stories about people being unable to get jobs after their post-docs. Does anyone have any idea that how long does it take one to get into a permanent job after Ph.D. in Physics ? Is it ever possible that you may end up jobless even after a couple of or more post-docs ? Folks, do pass some advise.
-Riley
Re: how many post docs necessary for a job ?
Yea. I have found a guy in MIT working in experimental Condensed Matter Physics in his 6th year as post-doc and is still finding difficult to get a job. He is a foreigner though. It kinda scares me .
Re: how many post docs necessary for a job ?
This is probably the biggest concern I have about taking the Astronomy path. From the information I've found, most post docs make less than I do now as an Associate Degree technician! (not very much!) That would make those student loan bills tough to handle.
Certainly a more applied track would be more likely to result in a better income. But it is a trade off between doing what you want to do and what you want for a lifestyle in the long run.
Personally, I've been broke long enough, so engineering is looking more attractive every day. Good thing since it appears that may be my only option.
Certainly a more applied track would be more likely to result in a better income. But it is a trade off between doing what you want to do and what you want for a lifestyle in the long run.
Personally, I've been broke long enough, so engineering is looking more attractive every day. Good thing since it appears that may be my only option.