Transition from Physics PhD

New
dcd

New

dcd
Apr 14, 2019 25 Comments

Graduating now with a Physics PhD from Harvard doing mostly experimental work, recently squeezed in some device simulations and modeling. The only CS class in my entire life I have taken is called Data Science which I found myself pretty comfortable in. Spent the past 6 years on coding side projects: webapps, IoT devices and backend, blockchain apps and an internship at a tiny quant fund. So, 0.5 YoE I guess.

I am sick of academic lab research and want to move into a coding/fintech job. Started leetcoding on Easys after an online DS&A crash course. Did some ML online courses and tried applying them to my PhD research. I'm familia with Python, Node, SQL, Mongodb, numpy-pandas-mpl, docker, React.

1. Should I do DS or SWE? I prefer WLB over TC. TC should ideally be over 100k.
2. How/What are the chances of leveraging my PhD so I did not waste the prime years of my life on this paper? What level will I be entering at?

Looking in the Boston area, maybe NY.

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TOP 25 Comments
  • Let's just say your chances of leveraging your PhD so you did not waste the prime years of your life on your paper is the only thing lower than your chances of getting into FANG.
    Apr 14, 2019 3
    • Intel
      (⌐■_■)

      Go to company page Intel

      (⌐■_■)
      Friend had a PhD in Physics. Thesis on Quantum Computing or something like that. 1st job out, worked in the Intel Fab for a few years and said fuck this. Studied DS in the meantime. Jumped to a SW startup doing absolutely nothing related to his PhD (just data science stuff). Year or so later, learned enough SWE, Algos, and systems design and is a vanilla L4 SWE at Google now. So yeah, that's a lot of years to devote to a Physics PhD and an erstwhile stint in semiconductors to start out as an L4 SWE.
      Apr 14, 2019
    • Facebook / Other
      Janitorque

      Go to company page Facebook Other

      BIO
      Data scientist
      Janitorque
      Probe is being an a-hole. At FB DS (product, infra, core DS), we have a pretty large number of Physics PhDs, who do pretty well. They also tend to have much more intellectual horsepower than most CS folks. You'll have a pretty good shot if you read a couple of books on probability and stats. DM me for info or a referral.
      Apr 19, 2019
  • RichRelevance
    zodian

    RichRelevance

    zodian
    Data Scientist is the better fit. You would leverage your PhD, have better WLB (probably), an easier time interviewing, and probably start with higher TC (given your background). Anchor point should be 120k base in Seattle, higher in SF (maybe 150ish? Not sure tho). You shouldn't accept lower than 100k base anywhere.
    Apr 14, 2019 11
    • Amazon
      dhiekshxe

      Go to company page Amazon

      dhiekshxe
      For AS you need to give a science presentation, ML breadth and depth (in your field) and some coding skills, SDE1 level. I am doing interviews, most ppl either fail coding or ml depth.
      Apr 14, 2019
    • Amazon
      dhiekshxe

      Go to company page Amazon

      dhiekshxe
      I am not too much familiar with the DS interviews but I dont think portfolio counts at all. You do those to get the skills needed and maybe to get considered.
      Apr 14, 2019
  • Google
    meXe73

    Go to company page Google

    meXe73
    Math PhD from a top 10 institution, got into Google on second try.

    Data science isn't enough to get into a FANG. You need to learn data structures and algorithms. Languages don't matter at all for entry level interviews. Pick one of (python, Java, c++), find a coding interview book and supplement that with an algorithms text (for reference), a book in your language (or audit a course), and plenty of leetcode medium.

    It will be easier to get into an ML or applied ML role, partly because you'll understand advanced math concepts better than your average code monkey and partly because those orgs still place value on original PhD research. But that doesn't matter if you can't pass the interview loop.

    Build your Harvard physics network as much as you can while you're still there. That's the main thing your PhD work will have going for you, and its value may not become clear for a few years but there is value in it for networking, job referrals, etc a few years down the road. More of them than you think will end up in industry in three years. Make friends with CS people if you can, that will build your network further.
    Apr 14, 2019 0
  • Oracle
    m||m

    Go to company page Oracle

    m||m
    You will be a great candidate for DS. DS loves PhDs. Better wlb usually. Not sure about Boston salaries but should be similar to NYC, I’d aim for 150 TC, minimum (you could prob get above 200 easily).
    Apr 14, 2019 0
  • Amazon
    funkup

    Go to company page Amazon

    funkup
    Depending on YOE but you will likely enter as L5. Earning the same as someone without PhD. Paper doesn’t matter in FAANG.
    Apr 14, 2019 2