please don't comment if you know / think you know exactly where I'll be working or living next year (I know there's no malicious intent when people have been doing this, but it isn't a fun guessing game - I'm a real person) I was vague about it for privacy reasons, and it's not something I want to share online until I've worked out what boundaries I'm comfortable with thanks to everyone else for respecting this - it's very much appreciated ♥️
Hi Alice, I resonate so much with your sharing! I am starting to transition into industry position and it's been 6 years of Postdoc after my Ph.D. graduation. Everything you said about working alone and the hierarchy has been accurate for my situation too! Now I have more connections with Ph.D. alumni in the science industry, I feel inspired by how happy they are, and how they could still work in a scientific environment outside of an academic job. Many companies actually prefer a Master's degree + working experience than a PhD degree, so I think it is an investment question if a Ph.D. is "worth" the time and energy!
Thank you so much for sharing your reasons, I turned down a funded modern history PhD offer two years ago for very similar reasons (future limitations of academic employment, research not exactly the topic I wanted, unnecessary for non-academic employment and concerns about social isolation) despite always thinking that was what I wanted and, whilst I questioned whether I had made the right decision in the subsequent months, I'm sure I made the right choice for my mental and physical well-being... When I was trying to decide there weren't that many posts of people in a similar position so hopefully your video will encourage other people to make the decision based on what is best for them! On a personal note it's also super encouraging to hear someone with similar reasons, it gives me that extra reassurance I did the right thing! ❤️
ahh genuinely thank you for taking the time to let me know this - it's really reassuring to find someone who came to the same conclusion about this and is sure they might the right choice 😁 I'm really glad things worked out for you xx
I'm genuinely happy for you. So many of the uni issues you talk about are things I think about for my studies. I'll only be starting my first year of undergraduate Physics this year (hopefully) but I often think far ahead😂. Even though I really like it, having a career in academia for mathematical physics may not be for me. I'm interested in hearing more about your job. Sounds like something I could see myself liking (I completely understand if you don't want to share too much though) . Personally, quantum computing and computational modelling are two of the fields I'd like to try entering in industry (even if it's just an internship). Best of luck ✌️✌️
thank you so much joel! 😁 it's honestly great that you're thinking about all your options already - I think that's a much healthier way to go through uni 😊 and good luck for your degree!!! hope you have the best time 😁 (also thanks for respecting that I'm not talking about the job yet - genuinely appreciated - but yeah I probably will do at some point, I just don't want to until I've got everything sorted etc 😊 it's not in quantum computing, although that is a very cool area, and one I did look into!)
I've nearly finished my BSc in physics on the UK and was dead set on doing a masters or PhD for academia. I had some serious health issues so I had to take a suspension of studies last year (so I also started in 2016) and had to reassess completely and came to a similar conclusion. I'm still considering a masters but I am taking a year or two living with family to get myself into a state of good health and get a job around here (and hopefully avoid some of the covid related issues as much as possible). Kind of a rambling comment but it's really great to see a video talking about this!
hey, I'm really sorry to hear you've had such a rough time - I hope you're doing a bit better now ♥️ I know I briefly said in the video but I honestly wish I'd had a break before going on to do my master's - I think I would've enjoyed it much more, plus honestly 90% of the graduates in my college had taken one / two / more years out (either travelling, or saving up, or they'd started down the graduate job route and later changed their mind) so if you do decide to do a master's there'll be plenty of people who've also had some sort of break 😊
Congratulations!!! I think you've come up with the best choice for yourself. I did my undergrad in History and Sociology then went immediately into a PhD program in US History at Carnegie Melon. But the stress level was so terrible that I made myself seriously sick by the 4th year. I was three chapters into my dissertation when I took the advise of the medical specialists and quit. I have had no regrets. Now, I've returned to my first love and am preparing to do a Masters in Sociology while teaching high school. I will never do a PhD but it's not necessary in Sociology. I miss talking to other graduate students but that's all I miss from the PhD. I am excited to see what your life holds and have great faith you will be happy.
hey tracy, thank you so much for sharing your story with me - it is honestly *so* reassuring to hear from someone who has considered similar things, although I am very sorry to hear you had such a rough time ♥️ I'm so glad to hear you've found a path you enjoy now - the master's sounds like it's a much better fit? 😁 and thank you so so much, I really appreciate it xx
I literally just discover your channel through the "How I Stopped Procrastinating" video. As for me, the only way you can do research in my country is to do a PhD and work in Universities, but you are right, the best thing for you is to find something that's makes you happy, or that makes you the most confortable. Also, thanks about the Oxford comment. In the future (about 1 year from now), if I ever apply to an Applied Math/Mathematical physics degree there, I will investigate about the "non friendliness" of the environment. Thank you.
lots of people think that's the case in the UK too - but there are places like hospitals (for medical physics), particle detectors (I don't know if you're in the EU, but if you are you have access to jobs at CERN), the met office and many airports and private companies (meteorology), GCHQ (applied maths / cryptography research), nuclear systems, the European Space Agency, etc etc - would guess you'd be able to find something like that at home too 😊 also thank you very much!
😭🥺❤️ I needed to hear this. I’m so glad I found your channel. I love the idea of research but I really had no idea that there is research outside of academia. I only known you for a few minutes but I’m already so grateful to have found you!! All the best 🌸
You need to do whatever you want to do! You're a role model for a lot of people and none of us want to see you suffer through something you wouldn't want to do. Please keep us updated on your adventures regardless! 😊
thanks so much tyler!! 😁 I'm definitely planning on keeping this channel (and hopefully actually posting with something vaguely resembling consistency now I'll have more free time 😅)
Best of luck with the job. Being watching this channel since GCSE now I am at uni of Edinburgh doing physics. I feel like you have guiding me down this path.
Wow, you're videos are incredibly wholesome and I enjoy watching them a lot! Especially because you do not refrain from talking about hardships (which makes me feel less alone). Seeing the videos you made about Oxford makes my dream (which I most likely will never get to fulfill) a little bit closer. Hearing you talk about your dream job makes me happy and regain hope for a better future! Thank you for improving my life!
Hey Alice! Firstly, congratulations on finishing your Masters exams, I know from your Instagram you didn't take the easy road and it definitely paid off! And, possibly of greater importance, congrats on finding the path that works best for *you*, which is what matters after all. As an entering freshman I can confirm that, from the outside, one does get the impression that there's little else you can do besides sticking to academia if you want to pursue a research career, so it's very cool to see someone taking a different road. I wish you all the best on what's to come, I think you'll do very well, and also hope you'll keep sharing with us bits of what you do on here! Greetings :)
Time flies by so fast!.. You are already done with your Master's, and I've been following you since you were an undergrad student. I'm starting my 4th year of undergrad in Canada and also thinking about doing Master's, but not a PhD. Your video was very helpful! Thank you for posting it! I wish you all the best on your new career path.
Congratulations on your job! :) I'm doing a Master's now in Computer Science and I'll be doing a PhD but it's nice hearing what other people are doing.
thank you so so much imaan!! 💖💖 hope all your exams went well - best of luck for results & whatever you have planned next (I'm sure whatever it is you'll smash it - you're so hard-working and enthusiastic! 😍) x
I completely agree with you Alice. I too have dropped the plan to do a phd. Phd is not the end all. I realised i cannot study for 5 years more and that too in a discipline that i don’t particularly enjoy🌸
genuinely thank you for letting me know this - honestly it's really comforting to find people who've made a similar decision (as most of my classmates from the BSc and the MSc have just gone straight into PhDs!) ♥️ hope you're well xx
alicedoesphysics I am good dear thank you. How have you been? I am in my MSc degree and decided that this maybe an option for some people, definitely not for me. For one I don’t enjoy research (which in science background can be draining and monotonous) plus Phd kinda keeps you stuck for 5 years. I knew I would suffer that way knowing I am forcing myself to do it just cause it feels like the norm. Plus I know a lot of people who have pursued Phd and they still have no secure jobs and they regret it. A lot of people dropped out of Phd. Sorry these are just some of my reasons. 😅Yes it is much comforting to know that there are other people too who agree with you. Happy to hear from you Alice. Just safe 🤍
Exeter is absolutely gorgeous btw! I've just started physics undergrad and I'm loving it here! Unfortunately because of covid we obviously aren't able to mingle and freely chat with lecturers and fellow students in the department so I can't really comment on the vibes. But it certainly feels like a nice, friendly environment (the city as well as the uni)
Wow, thanks for the video, Alice. Not too many people does this and go straight for PhD reasons you mentioned in the video. So it's a new perspective for me. I'm just a college freshman, so new perspectives is a good way to learn. 😊😊
You did the right decision. I am in 3rd y and I just want this to end. To be honest, it gave me a lot of opportunities but it is not worth at all. Really looking foward to finish.
I think of a PhD as just a project, that's all, you've got to be interested in doing it, asking the question and trying your best to find out the answer. Yes there is a lot of supervisor BS and isolation but if your desire to know the answer is strong enough then you will go through it all, you will find other PhD students to have nights out and you will be exhausted/frustrated frequently, but it's only worth it because you are curious about something. If you start a PhD thinking anything else, like it will enhance my earning potential/career, or I can call myself a 'doctor' or its just what you do after a masters, then the road ahead will be very hard for that person. I thinbk its brilliant that you 'know what you dont want' and so 'you know what you do want', I think thats really important Alice. You know, if you are doing a significant project at work it is possible to work in collaboration with a university to earn a higher degree such as a doctorate, industry/academic projects can be real fun. (I agree about GCHQ, people work in silos and you cant speak to anyone else about your work, a bit paranoid, suits a certain type of person!) I wish you all the best, it sounds like you have found what you love :)
I mean in an ideal world then yeah it would be "just a project", but unfortunately we don't live in an ideal world and a PhD (at least in the UK) can often turn into a degree alongside loads of extra obligatory work and overtime, with very little work-life balance and very little pay. I don't agree with the sentiment that if you love a subject enough / if you're curious enough you should want to / accept that you will have to put up with all of that. I think the current PhD system can be exploitative of young scientists and terrible for their mental health, and the kind of romanticised view that if you truly care enough about your subject you should be fine running yourself into the ground over it is (in my opinion) really damaging. The only reason I initially thought about doing a PhD because I really enjoy research projects; I ultimately decided not to because I don't want to buy into a system (re. academia as a whole) that is so broken. Luckily in the UK you can do research outside of universities, without needing a PhD, so it's not a case of academia vs. having to give up on wanting to do research. ^ Sorry for the wall of text, just have a lot of opinions on this 😂 Thanks David, really appreciate it 😁 x
Congrats on finishing your degree! This video was really interesting, I don't study physics myself but it was fun hearing reasons for doing a PhD and not doing one haha. Also love your jumper 😊
thank you so much!! 😁 I'm glad it was interesting anyway (I always forget some people here don't study physics, I know that some stuff I chat about must be really boring 😂) also thank you! jumper was from a charity shop and is def favourite one 😁 x
Very informative video, thank you :) Would you ever consider doing a video on your internships perhaps? I would find it super interesting as a fellow physics student (undergrad)! Were you able to apply much of your physics knowledge straight away in your summer internship(s)?
thanks katie, I'm really glad it could be helpful 😁 I definitely can make a video about the internships I've done! I didn't do any until summer after second year, by which point I knew enough to be able to really make the most of it - I think maybe if I'd only done one year of the degree it wouldn't have been as useful / accessible an experience x
I'm so glad to hear that you're well and that you had your dream job attained, very well done Alex. After having an internship with the university that somehow made me realize that this isn't where I want to spend three-four years of my life (of course that could change) it's just that idea where you could be spending the same amount of time on something else, enjoying your time more and making the best out of your life, I have to say I was one of those people who wanted to do a PhD to have Dr in front of their name one day (as absurd as it sounds) but then it's not worth it if it was done for such reason. I'm still uncertain of what I want to do after graduation next year but I'm certain of doing masters, I suppose the nearer the time the clearer the image will be, I'll be waiting for this breakthrough! Also, I hope that your exams have gone well!
thank you so so much nour 💕💕 sounds like the internship was useful, even if it didn't show you what you were expecting! exactly, that's basically the conclusion I came to in the end - that I could be happier in a different career, and there was no point struggling in academia because it was the "right thing to do" or because it had prestige (?) - but I'm v v glad I did the master's anyway, as it was great to get a much more in-depth physics education than just the BSc 😁 I hope things work out for you (I'm sure they will!!) but don't worry if it takes a while to figure things out (I know I had about a month of breakdowns over this, until everything finally came together in my head!) ♥️ hope you're well xxx
These are also the same exact reasons I will not continue to the PhD! It's nice to see other people talk about this. I feel that we don't realize the range of possibilities that comes from a BSc or masters. I am personally switching to scientific communications and all that knowledge is never lost and will turn out useful to explain physics in a accessible way !
hey jacinthe, thank you for letting me know you thought this through and came to the same conclusion - most of my friends from my undergrad and from the MSc are headed straight for PhDs, so it's genuinely really reassuring to find other people who are thinking the same 😁 scientific communications is SO cool (and so important!!) - that's such a good use of the degree 😍 wish you all the best for it x
I am a linguistic student, so very different, but this chat really helped me to stay open. I will start my masters in fall and am already stressed about life after uni.
I’ve literally had exactly this same thought recently during my summer research internship before I go into my theoretical physics masters year this year. Thank you for this video, its nice to know I’m not insane for getting to this point but feeling a PhD isn’t for me
Thanks for such an honest sharing :) As an undergrad studying Physics, this video gives me the assurance that it's okay to enjoy what I am studying now and yet not confining myself to this one path of Academia. 👍
There is always time to go back and do a PhD. You can try first in industry if it is the sort of thing you like. Before I started my PhD in Applied Mathematics I worked as a researcher at a tech firm and you can do fantastic work without a PhD. However, there is a lower ceiling in terms of career progression. I had coworkers with more than ten years of experience who "only" had a Masters degree that worked in a team managed by a recently graduated PhD. It will be very hard to go for better research positions with only a Masters degree (particularly in STEM). I know and I am sure I will be leaving academia after my PhD lol (though for my application I said I wanted to be an academic).
I feel like that second wrong reason for wanting to do a PhD (prove something to others and get called a "Doctor") sounds like me,so no, I won't be doing a PhD after my MA this year. The fact that I am able to do this when some 10 years ago, I thought I was never ever going to get my GCE O' Levels, is more than enough. Besides, the earning gap between Master's degree holders and PhD is not so different, and I am in this simply for the money. I want my family to live comfortably.
I've just finished second year on my joint masters course, I think I want to do a PhD because I'd like to go into research, but I'm open to other possibilities
I'm definitely not saying don't do a PhD! it just wasn't right for me when there are other better-suited routes into research 😊 good luck with the remaining two years!
If you like seaside towns with a nice surrounding countryside, there is a town in Cumbria that's lovely. Have a look at "Barrow-in-Furness". Such a vibrant culture too. With your qualifications, you could make project manager in the yard in no time!
Well done, Alice. You’ve clearly thought it all through very carefully and analysed what makes you happy and what you enjoy. Out of interest: I appreciate your 3 year Batchelors degree was very different to your one year’s Masters (and so it’s a bit like comparing apples with pears)...but which did you enjoy more, Lancaster or Oxford?
Alice, thanks so much for the insightful video into how you decided the PhD route was not for you. What sort of "soul searching" things did you do, to nail down exactly what you enjoy doing/ being surrounded by. Please kindly share the job-searching resource you used to help you confirm your strengths and guided you to tailor your application processes accordingly (like a career mentoring video?) :D
I completed my Alevels last year with all A*.I have been offered an admission in UC berkeley.. I have decided to do double majors in physics and maths then masters in theoretical physics and phd. But after listening to opinions of different students like you, I have got to know that jobs for theoretical physics are really scarce so I have decided to instead choose aerospace engineering... Can you tell me that is it possible that after doing aerospace engineering, I can get a masters degree in theoretical physics and then Phd?. .. btw, I am really interested in maths and physics!
Wow congrats on landing a job offer in the midst of a pandemic, like seriously! I keep hearing how difficult it is for Master's (Computer Science) graduates from my university to get even an interview right now because literally all the companies stopped hiring.. (I am based in Germany). Since I will be graduating next year with my Master's in CS I really hope the job market will have recovered by then..
ahh no I applied & interviewed for jobs back in december so pre-pandemic (sorry for not being clearer!) but yes it is an absolutely brutal job market out there at the moment ☹️ I often think about how lucky I am to have a job lined up (and not cancelled) - will keep my fingers crossed that things sort themselves out soon (germany seems to be doing better than the UK anyway, not that that's hard... 😅 so fingers crossed) xx
I remember watching this video of yours 2 or 3 years ago where you were talking about how much you love Physics and said that you'd wanna do a PhD later on haha. You sounded so sure! Best wishes for the future now and good luck!
haha yeah if people asked me I used to say probably a PhD, because I knew I wanted to go into something research-related - I just didn't realise how many routes there were into research outside of academia 😊 thank you - good luck to you too!!
Congrats on finding what you wanna do ahead in life - it is a crucial step. Good Luck! What year were you in during the first internship? Were all of your internships at the university or outside?
Hi, I am also completing my bsc physics this year. And speaking of interests, I feel like I have a genuine interest in medical physics. So, I want to do masters in that. But I am not sure if that is same all over the world. I am from India and I want to get a job abroad as a medical physicist. I don't know if I can do that after doing masters here. Please reply if you can help in any way.
My university (University of Sydney) has a Master in Medical Physics programme. Maybe you can look into it. I've been impressed with the physics department so far as an undergrad
Hi Alice! Congratulations on your job offer! I'm going to be entering my final year of physics undergrad next year so I've also been thinking about various careers post uni. I really appreciate this video and found it really helpful! I decided that academia wasn't for me quite early on in my undergrad for similar reasons you mentioned. Quick question, when did you start applying for jobs? I don't want to look too soon and not find much nor look too late and not have a job lined up. All the best for next year! 😊
I definitely started looking too late (was probably early december by the time I ruled out a PhD completely and started seriously looking?) and most grad schemes were already closed - I was *really* lucky that the two jobs I really wanted still had a couple of days left when I found them... 😅 but honestly would not recommend, definitely check much earlier on x
Hello! Thanks for this video and congratulations on completing your master's! I'm currently finishing year 12 and about to write my personal statement. Lancaster is definitely going to be one of my choices, and I'm going to apply for the physics, astrophysics and cosmology degree. What tips would you give me and what should I include in my personal statement? Also, since you studied physics there, are there many internship opportunities within the astrophysical field such as summer internships, etc? Also which college did you choose and why? Thank you :)
Hi, I don’t do physics but I think I can help with the personal statement question since I applied to oxford last year. There is no one structure for a personal statement, but it’s recommended to do 80% academic and 20% not academic. (For oxford this is more 90/10). Definitely talk about any relevant/academic work experience, which for me included a summer school and a week work-shadowing a PhD student at the university of Manchester. Also include evidence of independent work, outside of school, things like wider reading and visiting museums etc. Always expand on what you say and your thoughts (eg. Don’t say “I like this book”. Say “this book made me consider ....”). As far as extracurriculars go, only put relevant stuff that teach you skills : eg. Don’t say “I like to socialise”. Do say “at the weekend I work .... which has taught me time management”.
I can def make a video about all the kinds of jobs I considered 😊 err honestly just a lot of googling and looking on various job sites (and filtering by physics / science / research etc) as well as stuff I remembered from various uni job fairs x
I can answer that! If your Studying in the UK then you can go further like going to do a PhD if your master of science degree is in a physical science subject and that your performance was good for example you had a distinction or maybe merit with a first class degree at your bachelor's degree in a physical science subject.
oh wow congratulations Alice. I commented on an earlier vid a few weeks(was your recommended books). We got them, and really cheap too :) Daughter looking forward to Lancaster in september, and thanks for showing all those videos of the place, its awesome :)
thank you so much! 😁 ah amazing, I hope your daughter has the best time!! I honestly adore the lancaster physics department, and completely honestly can't fault it - an incredibly supportive and friendly place to go through uni 😁
thanks! 😁 I've never done or had the option to do a year in industry so don't know enough to compare - but my new job is in research, and both my research internships (one 8(?) week particle physics, one 6(?) week condensed matter physics) were v v useful for evidencing stuff for my CV and at interview even though they aren't in exactly the same area as the job, so I wouldn't say I needed any more experience (from a whole year in industry or another internship etc)
I decided that I wanted to be a physicist at age three. I left my PhD program in high energy theory when I got my masters because I wasn't happy and didn't think it was good for me. Three years later, I'm convinced it was the best decision of my life. I'm glad to hear you are doing what you think is going to make you happy. Best of luck with your new adventures!
Lots of PhD people here in our city go mental, so yes. However, bear in mind CERN offer 50 places for doctoral students....countryside, non-hierarchy, niche subjects...but travel, and find your area. (The 9-5 life quickly gets tired)
There is no such thing a legitimate reason to do anything. Do what thou wilt and suffer consequences. There are only pragmatic reasons if you want to demarcate it. I did Phd cause i didn't have a job and i didn't want a job and i am glad i got to waste three years doing nothing and getting a phd at the end
please don't comment if you know / think you know exactly where I'll be working or living next year (I know there's no malicious intent when people have been doing this, but it isn't a fun guessing game - I'm a real person)
I was vague about it for privacy reasons, and it's not something I want to share online until I've worked out what boundaries I'm comfortable with
thanks to everyone else for respecting this - it's very much appreciated ♥️
Hi Alice, I resonate so much with your sharing! I am starting to transition into industry position and it's been 6 years of Postdoc after my Ph.D. graduation. Everything you said about working alone and the hierarchy has been accurate for my situation too! Now I have more connections with Ph.D. alumni in the science industry, I feel inspired by how happy they are, and how they could still work in a scientific environment outside of an academic job.
Many companies actually prefer a Master's degree + working experience than a PhD degree, so I think it is an investment question if a Ph.D. is "worth" the time and energy!
Tibees did the same thing more than a year ago and she has no regrets, so don't worry about it!
omg I forgot about that - thank you for reminding me ♥️♥️
PhDontNeedThatStress. Best wishes!
haha thank you!! x
Hai alice, could you please give your physics notes in pdf format in your next video please
Thank you so much for sharing your reasons, I turned down a funded modern history PhD offer two years ago for very similar reasons (future limitations of academic employment, research not exactly the topic I wanted, unnecessary for non-academic employment and concerns about social isolation) despite always thinking that was what I wanted and, whilst I questioned whether I had made the right decision in the subsequent months, I'm sure I made the right choice for my mental and physical well-being... When I was trying to decide there weren't that many posts of people in a similar position so hopefully your video will encourage other people to make the decision based on what is best for them! On a personal note it's also super encouraging to hear someone with similar reasons, it gives me that extra reassurance I did the right thing! ❤️
ahh genuinely thank you for taking the time to let me know this - it's really reassuring to find someone who came to the same conclusion about this and is sure they might the right choice 😁 I'm really glad things worked out for you xx
Would be great to see a video on your internships!
ooh yeah I can definitely do that! 😊
Hai alice, could you please give your physics notes in pdf format in your next video please
I'm genuinely happy for you. So many of the uni issues you talk about are things I think about for my studies. I'll only be starting my first year of undergraduate Physics this year (hopefully) but I often think far ahead😂. Even though I really like it, having a career in academia for mathematical physics may not be for me.
I'm interested in hearing more about your job. Sounds like something I could see myself liking (I completely understand if you don't want to share too much though) . Personally, quantum computing and computational modelling are two of the fields I'd like to try entering in industry (even if it's just an internship).
Best of luck ✌️✌️
thank you so much joel! 😁 it's honestly great that you're thinking about all your options already - I think that's a much healthier way to go through uni 😊 and good luck for your degree!!! hope you have the best time 😁
(also thanks for respecting that I'm not talking about the job yet - genuinely appreciated - but yeah I probably will do at some point, I just don't want to until I've got everything sorted etc 😊 it's not in quantum computing, although that is a very cool area, and one I did look into!)
I've nearly finished my BSc in physics on the UK and was dead set on doing a masters or PhD for academia. I had some serious health issues so I had to take a suspension of studies last year (so I also started in 2016) and had to reassess completely and came to a similar conclusion. I'm still considering a masters but I am taking a year or two living with family to get myself into a state of good health and get a job around here (and hopefully avoid some of the covid related issues as much as possible).
Kind of a rambling comment but it's really great to see a video talking about this!
Hi, it looks like we've had quite same history.😅
hey, I'm really sorry to hear you've had such a rough time - I hope you're doing a bit better now ♥️ I know I briefly said in the video but I honestly wish I'd had a break before going on to do my master's - I think I would've enjoyed it much more, plus honestly 90% of the graduates in my college had taken one / two / more years out (either travelling, or saving up, or they'd started down the graduate job route and later changed their mind) so if you do decide to do a master's there'll be plenty of people who've also had some sort of break 😊
Congratulations!!! I think you've come up with the best choice for yourself. I did my undergrad in History and Sociology then went immediately into a PhD program in US History at Carnegie Melon. But the stress level was so terrible that I made myself seriously sick by the 4th year. I was three chapters into my dissertation when I took the advise of the medical specialists and quit. I have had no regrets. Now, I've returned to my first love and am preparing to do a Masters in Sociology while teaching high school. I will never do a PhD but it's not necessary in Sociology. I miss talking to other graduate students but that's all I miss from the PhD. I am excited to see what your life holds and have great faith you will be happy.
hey tracy, thank you so much for sharing your story with me - it is honestly *so* reassuring to hear from someone who has considered similar things, although I am very sorry to hear you had such a rough time ♥️ I'm so glad to hear you've found a path you enjoy now - the master's sounds like it's a much better fit? 😁 and thank you so so much, I really appreciate it xx
I literally just discover your channel through the "How I Stopped Procrastinating" video. As for me, the only way you can do research in my country is to do a PhD and work in Universities, but you are right, the best thing for you is to find something that's makes you happy, or that makes you the most confortable. Also, thanks about the Oxford comment. In the future (about 1 year from now), if I ever apply to an Applied Math/Mathematical physics degree there, I will investigate about the "non friendliness" of the environment. Thank you.
lots of people think that's the case in the UK too - but there are places like hospitals (for medical physics), particle detectors (I don't know if you're in the EU, but if you are you have access to jobs at CERN), the met office and many airports and private companies (meteorology), GCHQ (applied maths / cryptography research), nuclear systems, the European Space Agency, etc etc - would guess you'd be able to find something like that at home too 😊 also thank you very much!
😭🥺❤️ I needed to hear this. I’m so glad I found your channel. I love the idea of research but I really had no idea that there is research outside of academia. I only known you for a few minutes but I’m already so grateful to have found you!! All the best 🌸
You need to do whatever you want to do! You're a role model for a lot of people and none of us want to see you suffer through something you wouldn't want to do. Please keep us updated on your adventures regardless! 😊
thanks so much tyler!! 😁 I'm definitely planning on keeping this channel (and hopefully actually posting with something vaguely resembling consistency now I'll have more free time 😅)
Best of luck with the job. Being watching this channel since GCSE now I am at uni of Edinburgh doing physics. I feel like you have guiding me down this path.
thank you so much! 😁 ah amazing, edinburgh is such a lovely city - hope you're having the best time!!
Wow, you're videos are incredibly wholesome and I enjoy watching them a lot! Especially because you do not refrain from talking about hardships (which makes me feel less alone). Seeing the videos you made about Oxford makes my dream (which I most likely will never get to fulfill) a little bit closer. Hearing you talk about your dream job makes me happy and regain hope for a better future! Thank you for improving my life!
Hey Alice! Firstly, congratulations on finishing your Masters exams, I know from your Instagram you didn't take the easy road and it definitely paid off! And, possibly of greater importance, congrats on finding the path that works best for *you*, which is what matters after all. As an entering freshman I can confirm that, from the outside, one does get the impression that there's little else you can do besides sticking to academia if you want to pursue a research career, so it's very cool to see someone taking a different road. I wish you all the best on what's to come, I think you'll do very well, and also hope you'll keep sharing with us bits of what you do on here! Greetings :)
♥️ thank you so much fabrizio, really appreciate it! good luck with your degree (freshman is first year, right? hope it goes really well! 😁)
@@alicedoesphysics That's right! Thank you!!! :D
Time flies by so fast!.. You are already done with your Master's, and I've been following you since you were an undergrad student.
I'm starting my 4th year of undergrad in Canada and also thinking about doing Master's, but not a PhD.
Your video was very helpful! Thank you for posting it! I wish you all the best on your new career path.
Congratulations on your job! :)
I'm doing a Master's now in Computer Science and I'll be doing a PhD but it's nice hearing what other people are doing.
This was such an interesting video! I'm only just finishing year 12, but it is so cool to hear about all this :)
thanks richard! and good luck with your A levels + uni applications!! 🍀😁
Really hope your future career suits you even better and that you find fulfillment in what you do! And I Hope your job comes through!!
thank you so so much imaan!! 💖💖 hope all your exams went well - best of luck for results & whatever you have planned next (I'm sure whatever it is you'll smash it - you're so hard-working and enthusiastic! 😍) x
I completely agree with you Alice. I too have dropped the plan to do a phd. Phd is not the end all. I realised i cannot study for 5 years more and that too in a discipline that i don’t particularly enjoy🌸
genuinely thank you for letting me know this - honestly it's really comforting to find people who've made a similar decision (as most of my classmates from the BSc and the MSc have just gone straight into PhDs!) ♥️ hope you're well xx
alicedoesphysics I am good dear thank you. How have you been? I am in my MSc degree and decided that this maybe an option for some people, definitely not for me. For one I don’t enjoy research (which in science background can be draining and monotonous) plus Phd kinda keeps you stuck for 5 years. I knew I would suffer that way knowing I am forcing myself to do it just cause it feels like the norm.
Plus I know a lot of people who have pursued Phd and they still have no secure jobs and they regret it. A lot of people dropped out of Phd.
Sorry these are just some of my reasons. 😅Yes it is much comforting to know that there are other people too who agree with you. Happy to hear from you Alice. Just safe 🤍
Exeter is absolutely gorgeous btw! I've just started physics undergrad and I'm loving it here!
Unfortunately because of covid we obviously aren't able to mingle and freely chat with lecturers and fellow students in the department so I can't really comment on the vibes. But it certainly feels like a nice, friendly environment (the city as well as the uni)
Wow, thanks for the video, Alice. Not too many people does this and go straight for PhD reasons you mentioned in the video. So it's a new perspective for me.
I'm just a college freshman, so new perspectives is a good way to learn.
😊😊
thanks so much! I'm really glad it could be helpful 😁 hope college is going well so far! x
You did the right decision. I am in 3rd y and I just want this to end. To be honest, it gave me a lot of opportunities but it is not worth at all. Really looking foward to finish.
I think of a PhD as just a project, that's all, you've got to be interested in doing it, asking the question and trying your best to find out the answer. Yes there is a lot of supervisor BS and isolation but if your desire to know the answer is strong enough then you will go through it all, you will find other PhD students to have nights out and you will be exhausted/frustrated frequently, but it's only worth it because you are curious about something. If you start a PhD thinking anything else, like it will enhance my earning potential/career, or I can call myself a 'doctor' or its just what you do after a masters, then the road ahead will be very hard for that person. I thinbk its brilliant that you 'know what you dont want' and so 'you know what you do want', I think thats really important Alice. You know, if you are doing a significant project at work it is possible to work in collaboration with a university to earn a higher degree such as a doctorate, industry/academic projects can be real fun. (I agree about GCHQ, people work in silos and you cant speak to anyone else about your work, a bit paranoid, suits a certain type of person!) I wish you all the best, it sounds like you have found what you love :)
I mean in an ideal world then yeah it would be "just a project", but unfortunately we don't live in an ideal world and a PhD (at least in the UK) can often turn into a degree alongside loads of extra obligatory work and overtime, with very little work-life balance and very little pay. I don't agree with the sentiment that if you love a subject enough / if you're curious enough you should want to / accept that you will have to put up with all of that. I think the current PhD system can be exploitative of young scientists and terrible for their mental health, and the kind of romanticised view that if you truly care enough about your subject you should be fine running yourself into the ground over it is (in my opinion) really damaging. The only reason I initially thought about doing a PhD because I really enjoy research projects; I ultimately decided not to because I don't want to buy into a system (re. academia as a whole) that is so broken. Luckily in the UK you can do research outside of universities, without needing a PhD, so it's not a case of academia vs. having to give up on wanting to do research.
^ Sorry for the wall of text, just have a lot of opinions on this 😂 Thanks David, really appreciate it 😁 x
Congrats on finishing your degree! This video was really interesting, I don't study physics myself but it was fun hearing reasons for doing a PhD and not doing one haha. Also love your jumper 😊
thank you so much!! 😁 I'm glad it was interesting anyway (I always forget some people here don't study physics, I know that some stuff I chat about must be really boring 😂) also thank you! jumper was from a charity shop and is def favourite one 😁 x
I just finished my viva voce today . I have a master's in Pharmaceutical Analysis
Very informative video, thank you :) Would you ever consider doing a video on your internships perhaps? I would find it super interesting as a fellow physics student (undergrad)! Were you able to apply much of your physics knowledge straight away in your summer internship(s)?
thanks katie, I'm really glad it could be helpful 😁 I definitely can make a video about the internships I've done! I didn't do any until summer after second year, by which point I knew enough to be able to really make the most of it - I think maybe if I'd only done one year of the degree it wouldn't have been as useful / accessible an experience x
I'm so glad to hear that you're well and that you had your dream job attained, very well done Alex. After having an internship with the university that somehow made me realize that this isn't where I want to spend three-four years of my life (of course that could change) it's just that idea where you could be spending the same amount of time on something else, enjoying your time more and making the best out of your life, I have to say I was one of those people who wanted to do a PhD to have Dr in front of their name one day (as absurd as it sounds) but then it's not worth it if it was done for such reason. I'm still uncertain of what I want to do after graduation next year but I'm certain of doing masters, I suppose the nearer the time the clearer the image will be, I'll be waiting for this breakthrough! Also, I hope that your exams have gone well!
thank you so so much nour 💕💕 sounds like the internship was useful, even if it didn't show you what you were expecting! exactly, that's basically the conclusion I came to in the end - that I could be happier in a different career, and there was no point struggling in academia because it was the "right thing to do" or because it had prestige (?) - but I'm v v glad I did the master's anyway, as it was great to get a much more in-depth physics education than just the BSc 😁 I hope things work out for you (I'm sure they will!!) but don't worry if it takes a while to figure things out (I know I had about a month of breakdowns over this, until everything finally came together in my head!) ♥️ hope you're well xxx
These are also the same exact reasons I will not continue to the PhD! It's nice to see other people talk about this. I feel that we don't realize the range of possibilities that comes from a BSc or masters. I am personally switching to scientific communications and all that knowledge is never lost and will turn out useful to explain physics in a accessible way !
hey jacinthe, thank you for letting me know you thought this through and came to the same conclusion - most of my friends from my undergrad and from the MSc are headed straight for PhDs, so it's genuinely really reassuring to find other people who are thinking the same 😁 scientific communications is SO cool (and so important!!) - that's such a good use of the degree 😍 wish you all the best for it x
I am a linguistic student, so very different, but this chat really helped me to stay open. I will start my masters in fall and am already stressed about life after uni.
Congratulations, I‘m so happy that you found your path!! 😊
Best of luck, hope you will continue to keep us updated xx
thanks so much!! ♥️ hopefully I'll have more time for youtube now 😁
I’ve literally had exactly this same thought recently during my summer research internship before I go into my theoretical physics masters year this year. Thank you for this video, its nice to know I’m not insane for getting to this point but feeling a PhD isn’t for me
Thanks for such an honest sharing :) As an undergrad studying Physics, this video gives me the assurance that it's okay to enjoy what I am studying now and yet not confining myself to this one path of Academia. 👍
no worries, I'm honestly really glad it could be helpful 😁 good luck with the rest of your degree! x
@@alicedoesphysics thank you :)
There is always time to go back and do a PhD. You can try first in industry if it is the sort of thing you like. Before I started my PhD in Applied Mathematics I worked as a researcher at a tech firm and you can do fantastic work without a PhD. However, there is a lower ceiling in terms of career progression. I had coworkers with more than ten years of experience who "only" had a Masters degree that worked in a team managed by a recently graduated PhD. It will be very hard to go for better research positions with only a Masters degree (particularly in STEM). I know and I am sure I will be leaving academia after my PhD lol (though for my application I said I wanted to be an academic).
I feel like that second wrong reason for wanting to do a PhD (prove something to others and get called a "Doctor") sounds like me,so no, I won't be doing a PhD after my MA this year. The fact that I am able to do this when some 10 years ago, I thought I was never ever going to get my GCE O' Levels, is more than enough. Besides, the earning gap between Master's degree holders and PhD is not so different, and I am in this simply for the money. I want my family to live comfortably.
I've just finished second year on my joint masters course, I think I want to do a PhD because I'd like to go into research, but I'm open to other possibilities
I'm definitely not saying don't do a PhD! it just wasn't right for me when there are other better-suited routes into research 😊 good luck with the remaining two years!
If you like seaside towns with a nice surrounding countryside, there is a town in Cumbria that's lovely. Have a look at "Barrow-in-Furness". Such a vibrant culture too. With your qualifications, you could make project manager in the yard in no time!
heard you actually need a PhD before you can go for that - almost worth doing one to hang out with tommy
this was so insightful, tysm for sharing! also, congrats! so stoked for you!
thank you!! ♥️
my prof asked me to apply for phd in medical chemistry...but i don't want to...i'm not sure and i feel guilty about it
Well done, Alice.
You’ve clearly thought it all through very carefully and analysed what makes you happy and what you enjoy.
Out of interest: I appreciate your 3 year Batchelors degree was very different to your one year’s Masters (and so it’s a bit like comparing apples with pears)...but which did you enjoy more, Lancaster or Oxford?
This was really insightful. Thanks for sharing your experience. I'll be starting my Physics Undergrad this year!
So excited for you! Congrats!
thank youu islay 💖💖💖💖
Congratulations! I'm so excited for you!
thank you so much! ♥️
Alice, thanks so much for the insightful video into how you decided the PhD route was not for you. What sort of "soul searching" things did you do, to nail down exactly what you enjoy doing/ being surrounded by. Please kindly share the job-searching resource you used to help you confirm your strengths and guided you to tailor your application processes accordingly (like a career mentoring video?) :D
Such a fascinating video! Thanks for sharing, Alice!
thanks samuel! 😊😊
I completed my Alevels last year with all A*.I have been offered an admission in UC berkeley..
I have decided to do double majors in physics and maths then masters in theoretical physics and phd.
But after listening to opinions of different students like you, I have got to know that jobs for theoretical physics are really scarce so I have decided to instead choose aerospace engineering...
Can you tell me that is it possible that after doing aerospace engineering, I can get a masters degree in theoretical physics and then Phd?. .. btw, I am really interested in maths and physics!
Wow congrats on landing a job offer in the midst of a pandemic, like seriously! I keep hearing how difficult it is for Master's (Computer Science) graduates from my university to get even an interview right now because literally all the companies stopped hiring.. (I am based in Germany). Since I will be graduating next year with my Master's in CS I really hope the job market will have recovered by then..
ahh no I applied & interviewed for jobs back in december so pre-pandemic (sorry for not being clearer!) but yes it is an absolutely brutal job market out there at the moment ☹️ I often think about how lucky I am to have a job lined up (and not cancelled) - will keep my fingers crossed that things sort themselves out soon (germany seems to be doing better than the UK anyway, not that that's hard... 😅 so fingers crossed) xx
Well done Alex! This is great news. I’m unsure whether to pursue a Master’s myself but this video was some insight. Thanks!
thanks - v glad it could be helpful! 😁
I remember watching this video of yours 2 or 3 years ago where you were talking about how much you love Physics and said that you'd wanna do a PhD later on haha. You sounded so sure! Best wishes for the future now and good luck!
haha yeah if people asked me I used to say probably a PhD, because I knew I wanted to go into something research-related - I just didn't realise how many routes there were into research outside of academia 😊 thank you - good luck to you too!!
i really need to know where you got that sweater from, I LOVE IT
Congrats on finding what you wanna do ahead in life - it is a crucial step. Good Luck!
What year were you in during the first internship? Were all of your internships at the university or outside?
thanks druhval! 😁 I actually have a video about the internships I did going up in about half an hour, but anyway I was in second year 😊
@@alicedoesphysics Alright great - I will watch that video! 😎
Hi, I am also completing my bsc physics this year. And speaking of interests, I feel like I have a genuine interest in medical physics. So, I want to do masters in that. But I am not sure if that is same all over the world. I am from India and I want to get a job abroad as a medical physicist. I don't know if I can do that after doing masters here. Please reply if you can help in any way.
My university (University of Sydney) has a Master in Medical Physics programme. Maybe you can look into it. I've been impressed with the physics department so far as an undergrad
@@SuperGamer4444 But I haven't done any internships and also graduation here is 3 yrs. So, I don't know if other universities would accept that.
very well planned and apt decision you made there!
Hi Alice! Congratulations on your job offer! I'm going to be entering my final year of physics undergrad next year so I've also been thinking about various careers post uni. I really appreciate this video and found it really helpful! I decided that academia wasn't for me quite early on in my undergrad for similar reasons you mentioned. Quick question, when did you start applying for jobs? I don't want to look too soon and not find much nor look too late and not have a job lined up. All the best for next year! 😊
I definitely started looking too late (was probably early december by the time I ruled out a PhD completely and started seriously looking?) and most grad schemes were already closed - I was *really* lucky that the two jobs I really wanted still had a couple of days left when I found them... 😅 but honestly would not recommend, definitely check much earlier on x
also thank you!! and good luck for your final year! 😁 x
@@alicedoesphysics thank you! 😊
Hello! Thanks for this video and congratulations on completing your master's!
I'm currently finishing year 12 and about to write my personal statement. Lancaster is definitely going to be one of my choices, and I'm going to apply for the physics, astrophysics and cosmology degree. What tips would you give me and what should I include in my personal statement? Also, since you studied physics there, are there many internship opportunities within the astrophysical field such as summer internships, etc?
Also which college did you choose and why?
Thank you :)
Hi, I don’t do physics but I think I can help with the personal statement question since I applied to oxford last year. There is no one structure for a personal statement, but it’s recommended to do 80% academic and 20% not academic. (For oxford this is more 90/10). Definitely talk about any relevant/academic work experience, which for me included a summer school and a week work-shadowing a PhD student at the university of Manchester. Also include evidence of independent work, outside of school, things like wider reading and visiting museums etc. Always expand on what you say and your thoughts (eg. Don’t say “I like this book”. Say “this book made me consider ....”). As far as extracurriculars go, only put relevant stuff that teach you skills : eg. Don’t say “I like to socialise”. Do say “at the weekend I work .... which has taught me time management”.
Great video, thanks for sharing!!
Does anyone know if similar research-outside-of-academia options are available in the social sciences and humanities, please?
Was meant to have an internship this summer :(
☹️☹️ I'm really sorry, that really sucks - I hope you get the opportunity to do one next year xx
@@alicedoesphysics thanks alice x
I'm very curious to know what you are doing these days Alice
Some career advice videos would be great, where did you look for research based roles?
I can def make a video about all the kinds of jobs I considered 😊 err honestly just a lot of googling and looking on various job sites (and filtering by physics / science / research etc) as well as stuff I remembered from various uni job fairs x
PhDs are only crucial if the jobs really require them. To me Getting a Masters is already considered as enough for academic status.
Hi Alice, is it possible to go further into the field of Astrophysics with just a masters degree?
Love your videos. 🧡
I can answer that! If your Studying in the UK then you can go further like going to do a PhD if your master of science degree is in a physical science subject and that your performance was good for example you had a distinction or maybe merit with a first class degree at your bachelor's degree in a physical science subject.
oh wow congratulations Alice. I commented on an earlier vid a few weeks(was your recommended books). We got them, and really cheap too :) Daughter looking forward to Lancaster in september, and thanks for showing all those videos of the place, its awesome :)
thank you so much! 😁 ah amazing, I hope your daughter has the best time!! I honestly adore the lancaster physics department, and completely honestly can't fault it - an incredibly supportive and friendly place to go through uni 😁
Congratulations! Would you say all the summer internships you did were equally as valuable as doing a year in industry?
thanks! 😁 I've never done or had the option to do a year in industry so don't know enough to compare - but my new job is in research, and both my research internships (one 8(?) week particle physics, one 6(?) week condensed matter physics) were v v useful for evidencing stuff for my CV and at interview even though they aren't in exactly the same area as the job, so I wouldn't say I needed any more experience (from a whole year in industry or another internship etc)
@@alicedoesphysics thank you! That's really helpful
zero hour contracts in the uk are a bitch and they are rife in further and higher ed
how is your job now? are you still doing it/enjoying it?
It would be interesting if you made a video about other jobs tand career paths hat you can do instead of doing a PhD :)
How about living overseas for a while? Am sure you could land something interesting in Silicon Valley or similar?
You have done well followed you from year dot. Follow your heart
You talk without full stops
What job options does msc physics students have in UK ?
I decided that I wanted to be a physicist at age three. I left my PhD program in high energy theory when I got my masters because I wasn't happy and didn't think it was good for me. Three years later, I'm convinced it was the best decision of my life. I'm glad to hear you are doing what you think is going to make you happy. Best of luck with your new adventures!
Hai alice, could you please give your physics notes in pdf format in your next video please
Lots of PhD people here in our city go mental, so yes. However, bear in mind CERN offer 50 places for doctoral students....countryside, non-hierarchy, niche subjects...but travel, and find your area. (The 9-5 life quickly gets tired)
i think it's so brave that u choose not to do a PhD. whish you all the luck ^^
thank you!! 😁
I'd put good money on your research job being in Cumbria/Lake District, Sellafield perhaps? 😉
nope (I do love the lake district though)
Nice sweater 👌😍
thank you!! 😁
cool hair!
haha thanks, it just hasn't been cut for three months...! 😂
U had to apply and choose a phd topic within a month into the masters program?
So what's gonna happen to the channel?
nothing different?
I was planning to do PhD and that's why I joined your channel.......😅but now I think I have to unsubscribe it...well hope you do good in future...
Somehow you look like Grant Sanderson (3blue1brown), as if you guys were relatives.
There is no such thing a legitimate reason to do anything. Do what thou wilt and suffer consequences. There are only pragmatic reasons if you want to demarcate it. I did Phd cause i didn't have a job and i didn't want a job and i am glad i got to waste three years doing nothing and getting a phd at the end
Most jobs don’t need a PhD.
I say that very early on in the video... 😉
alicedoesphysics I know.
PhD
-Piled
-Higher
-Deeper