Physicist or Mechanical Engineer?

In summary, physicists typically have a doctoral degree and focus on academic work, while mechanical engineers can find employment with a bachelor's degree and focus on industry and business. Mechanical engineering is an applied discipline focused on designing, making, and testing with the goal of making money. There are more employment opportunities in mechanical engineering compared to physics. Engineering involves solving problems within the constraints of budgets and deadlines, and experienced engineers have the skills to make necessary compromises.
  • #1
David Timothy
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Can anyone please tell me the benefits being a physicist or being Mechanical Engineer?
 
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  • #2
You'll benefit from mechanical engineering if you like mechanical engineering, and vice versa.
 
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  • #3
Maybe better number of employment positions for the mechanical engineer?
 
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  • #4
David Timothy said:
Can anyone please tell me the benefits being a physicist or being Mechanical Engineer?
This is a really broad question, so I will give a broad answer. In general, a physicist per se has a doctoral degree and quite a bit of specialization. This field largely has an academic focus, although many physicists work in industry as well, but often doing very different things than their academic counterparts.
Mechanical engineering is a very broad field with many sub-specialties. Many mechanical engineers can find employment with a bachelor's degree alone, although different kinds of opportunities may be available with graduate degrees. The focus here is on industry/business. Engineering is an applied discipline, the idea is to design stuff, make stuff, or test stuff, with the overall goal of making money. In absolute terms, there are many, many more people in this field than in physics.
 
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  • #5
Ben Espen said:
This is a really broad question, so I will give a broad answer. In general, a physicist per se has a doctoral degree and quite a bit of specialization. This field largely has an academic focus, although many physicists work in industry as well, but often doing very different things than their academic counterparts.
Mechanical engineering is a very broad field with many sub-specialties. Many mechanical engineers can find employment with a bachelor's degree alone, although different kinds of opportunities may be available with graduate degrees. The focus here is on industry/business. Engineering is an applied discipline, the idea is to design stuff, make stuff, or test stuff, with the overall goal of making money. In absolute terms, there are many, many more people in this field than in physics.

axmls said:
You'll benefit from mechanical engineering if you like mechanical engineering, and vice versa.

symbolipoint said:
Maybe better number of employment positions for the mechanical engineer?

Thanks guys, really helps me
 
  • #6
While there are a lot of parallels in topic materials, engineering is mostly about "solving problems" while under the constraint of budgets and deadlines. Experienced engineers have learned the skills to know which corners can be cut and which design compromises can be made to achieve the (usually) conflicting priorities of budgets & deadlines. There's an old graphic used as a joke, a triangle with words at each vertex (paraphrasing here, but you'll get the essence): quality, time, budget...pick any two.
 
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Related to Physicist or Mechanical Engineer?

1. What is the difference between a physicist and a mechanical engineer?

A physicist is a scientist who studies the fundamental principles of nature and the behavior of matter and energy. They use mathematical models and experiments to understand and explain a wide range of phenomena, from subatomic particles to the entire universe. A mechanical engineer, on the other hand, applies the principles of physics and materials science to design, analyze, and manufacture mechanical systems such as engines, machines, and tools.

2. Can a physicist work as a mechanical engineer or vice versa?

While both physicists and mechanical engineers use similar principles of physics, their focuses and skills are different. A physicist may have a strong theoretical and mathematical background, but may not have the practical skills and experience to design and build mechanical systems. Similarly, a mechanical engineer may not have the same level of understanding of fundamental physics as a physicist. However, with additional training and experience, it is possible for a physicist to work as a mechanical engineer and vice versa.

3. What are the career prospects for a physicist versus a mechanical engineer?

The career prospects for both physicists and mechanical engineers are quite diverse. Physicists can work in research and development, teaching, or in industries such as healthcare, energy, and technology. Mechanical engineers can work in a variety of industries including automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. Both fields have strong job growth and offer competitive salaries.

4. Is it necessary to have a graduate degree to become a physicist or mechanical engineer?

While a graduate degree may be preferred or required for certain positions, it is not always necessary to have one to become a physicist or mechanical engineer. Many entry-level positions in both fields may only require a bachelor's degree. However, a graduate degree can provide additional knowledge and skills that can lead to more advanced or specialized career opportunities.

5. How does the work environment differ for a physicist and a mechanical engineer?

The work environment for a physicist and a mechanical engineer may vary depending on their specific job responsibilities. Physicists may spend more time in a laboratory or conducting theoretical research, while mechanical engineers may split their time between office work and hands-on design and testing in a workshop or manufacturing facility. Both fields may also involve collaborating with other scientists or engineers on projects.

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