How useful is a Physics degree?

#1

Post by 9k9 » Sat, Apr 28, 2012, 7:48 PM UTC

I will graduate with a physics degree in a few years, since starting I've become more and more interested in programming.

My question is will I be able to compete with Computer Science graduates, assuming I know the relevant programming languages and have some experience?

Re: How useful is a Physics degree?

#2

Post by alex_g » Sat, Apr 28, 2012, 7:55 PM UTC

There are will not be a shortage of Computer Science jobs for quite some time, but Computer Science is a lot more than just programming, as far as I understand.

Re: How useful is a Physics degree?

#3

Post by spullara » Sat, Apr 28, 2012, 8:03 PM UTC

Study a few books on algorithms before your first interviews so you don't get tripped up on a question about hash tables or red-black trees. I think Physics gives a programmer a unique perspective especially for debugging and optimization - something that is rarely taught.

Re: How useful is a Physics degree?

#4

Post by ique » Sat, Apr 28, 2012, 8:41 PM UTC

I am a Physics (specifically Engineering Physics) major who works with programming, and yes, you will definitely be able to compete.

Having studied math extensively, like function theory and a lot of linear algebra and combinatorics, you will be able to pick up on CS algorithms very fast. You might already have studied some without knowing it.

Physics is a broad subject that permeates the students brain with scientific thinking and teaches you how to understand stuff.

Of the 10-15 companies or so I've spoken to, they would all hire an Engineering Physics student for a CS position, given that they have an interest in programming and can show relevant basic skills in the field.

Re: How useful is a Physics degree?

#5

Post by michaelpinto » Sat, Apr 28, 2012, 8:44 PM UTC

If you really want to do something then why waste a "few years" doing something else? Honestly it doesn't matter if you're studying physics, programming or trying to invent the next slap chop -- what counts is that you have a passion for what you do and invest the time in that passion. Although be careful that your passion for programming is indeed that and not something else.

Re: How useful is a Physics degree?

#6

Post by rollypolly » Sat, Apr 28, 2012, 8:45 PM UTC

If you like games, and don't mind generally poor working conditions, you should look at the game industry.

Re: How useful is a Physics degree?

#7

Post by joshbaptiste » Sat, Apr 28, 2012, 8:46 PM UTC

If you become a good programmer then you are good either way, but definitely any company that deals with software that relies heavily on physics (3D Gaming, animation, movie special effects etc..) you will have a competitive advantage with a physics degree.

Re: How useful is a Physics degree?

#8

Post by vaksel » Sat, Apr 28, 2012, 8:47 PM UTC

are you talking about competing on the job market or in YC application?

If the former, you'll need to show a bunch of examples of your work. So do a lot of projects that you can show(+the source code).

If you are talking about YC...once again skill beats paper. I know Octopart both founders were physicists...which learned to code on their own

Re: How useful is a Physics degree?

#9

Post by advisedwang » Sat, Apr 28, 2012, 8:50 PM UTC

This may sound obvious, but it depends on how good you are. I graduated in Physics last summer, and am doing very well in a programming job. However many of my old colleagues, especially those who only learned to program during their degree, would not be a good fit for the job.

Ask yourself if you see programming, say, a web browser or a IMDb-like website an impossible feat. If so you will probably not enjoy it. If you see it as something that is eventually manageable (with a team and learning some new skills) then you will probably do very well.

I think physics provides all the analytical skills, it's just you don't want to have too much catching up to do before you are competative with other graduates.

Re: How useful is a Physics degree?

#10

Post by redsymbol » Sat, Apr 28, 2012, 8:53 PM UTC

Having a physics degree has really given me an unfair advantage as a software engineer.

You'll have to do some extra work (hint: if you haven't already, start coding in your spare time now, and endeavor to learn version control and unit testing). But the short answer is: yes, you will be able to compete.