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Ask HN: Should I study an MsC in Quantum Technology?

1 pointsby flaveover 4 years ago
I know it&#x27;s ultimately a complex personal choice but I was wondering if anyone had any advice or knowledge on this topic.<p>Background: I&#x27;m 29, had one successful start up behind me. Financially safe enough to do a masters but not to &#x27;retire&#x27;. Degree in physics and philosophy from decent university. Studied some quantum there. This is all in the UK and the masters would cost around 10-15k sterling. My earning potential is anywhere from 40k to 90k depending on what I can land.<p>Current situation: I&#x27;ve just had my most recent business &#x27;fail&#x27; and I&#x27;m very conscious that I don&#x27;t have any kind of trade or specialisation. I&#x27;m not nearly as employable as the developers that worked on my team. I have a long career in front of me and I&#x27;m just quite conscious of that. I enjoyed my degree but did find it hard.<p>Why Quantum Tech? Two reasons: one, I have a degree in physics so can get on the course and two, I understand that it&#x27;s a technology which is going to come to prominence in the coming two decades. I figure it would be good to be on that train. Also, it is dead interesting.<p>I suppose my key questions are<p>1. Is Quantum Computing really &#x27;going somewhere&#x27;?<p>2. Do they need to hire people who have masters in quantum technology? Will I need a PhD?<p>3. Do you have any other suggestions for what a decently successful non developer could do after a start up?<p>4. What is quantum computing being applied to? If anything.<p>Thanks

1 comment

sampoover 4 years ago
As a total outsider, I think 2021 is too early for people without a higher academic credential (PhD + postdoc) to bet on the quantum tech. I don&#x27;t think there is that much jobs outside of academia, and inside it&#x27;s highly competitive.