Came to check this to confirm my experience. I would hire an ex PhD physicist as a data scientist only if they actually talk data science in an interview. Even

Came to check this to confirm my experience. I would hire an ex PhD physicist as a data scientist only if they actually talk data science in an interview. Even better if they have good work experience in the same field. One thing that really irks me is this notion that PhDs in physics are so smart just hire them and they can figure it out. Maybe that’s the case, but is it something I’m willing to take a bet on? probably not at least until you’ve learnt the field and ideally if you have experience. That said my best friend in high school was one of the smartest people I know, went on to do a PhD in physics and then took two years to find a job. I know the struggle these guys go though because I spent a lot of time trying to help the guy out. Thankfully he landed on his feet, but the sad truth is a lot of these guys either just really love the field or think they’re going to be the next Feynman, until they realize how competitive the physics world is for only a few tenured spots. The good news is if you’ve still got what it takes after a PhD or postdoc and you have the time or determination you’ve definitely already proved you have the horsepower, the work is then just converting that into something the real world appreciates.