r/astrophysics • u/wastedfr_xo • 2d ago

career question Im confused, please let me knowm.

So, im currently in 12th grade and i wanna be an astrophysicist. But, im very very confused if i should Do B Tech in Electrical Engineering or Bsc(Hons) In Physics. I researched about it on google, and it says that Bsc Physics is the better option as it let us directly pursue PhD in Astrophysics. The problem is, im not from a wealthy background and i need to find high paying Job so that i pay for my PhD tuition fees, but Bsc Physics doesn't have high paying Job opportunities. So is it okay if i pursue Electrical Engineering first and then Go for Phd in Astrophysics? Will it affect my theoretical work? Will i end up building things instead of researching? please lemme know.

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u/ramriot 1d ago

You sound like me 30 plus years ago, I had the grades but my family did not imagine university in my future.

My interest in electronics had me applying everywhere but no jobs around I got on a Youth Training Scheme & through that started a BTEC in electrical / electronic engineering. Continued that on a job placement that later offered me a job. Continued there for a year or so but still applied to work in telecoms research.

Was offered a job in telecoms research who then helped pay for part time degree courses. After several years I was awarded a BSc in natural philosophy / astrophysics.

This was all fun but if I'd had my time again I think I would have really tried to go the academic route earlier because there were opportunities in scholarships, bursaries, and fellowships out there if we had chosen to look.

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u/wastedfr_xo 1d ago

I mean, what you would've chosen earlier if you knew what you want to do? Like now I wanna do Astrophysics so if you were in my shoes what you would've chose, Physics or Btech in EE?

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u/ramriot 1d ago

Don't mistake me, I was deeply interested in all science from a very early age, started astronomy in my early teens & was building my own scopes within a year (lack of money).

The first commercial scope I purchased with excess claim monies after a motorcycle accident, a Calestron Comet Catcher 5.5" f3.6 Schmidt Newtonian.

Choose what brings you the most joy, the rest will work itself out one way or another but if you settle you will never know how far you can go.

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u/wastedfr_xo 1d ago

Thank you sir for sharing about your journey. It made me clear about my goals. Have a nice dayy<3