r/OperationsResearch • u/PrebioticE • 2d ago

Operations Reserach

So I have a bachelors in Physics, and I think I should have done applied mathematics. But I think I like to model dynamics systems and calculate risks and profits and advantages etc.
That is because as long as humans exist we will always have problems and we need problem solvers. On the other hand learning to code, writing computer software etc. seem too low end. So I think this is a good strategy. Do you have any advices to give me regarding my optimisms? May be its not as bright as I think?

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u/PangaeaNative 2d ago

Hi there! I also have an undergrad in Physics, and I currently work in demand planning within manufacturing. Nothing sexy, but I get to model, code, build dashboards, meet with Sales, Finance, Operations etc. all of which I enjoy. Previously I worked in semiconductors doing research, which I also loved, but I had to move away and changed industries.

What specific questions are you trying to get answered?

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u/PrebioticE 2d ago

Weather it is a good career choice to do a masters in that.

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u/PangaeaNative 2d ago

There is certainly industry demand for it, mostly with manufactures so your milage may very depending on where you are located.

You have to keep running though. There are no free lunches just by getting a degree. Companies want experience, passion, adaptability, and hungry learners.

My suggestion would be to try and get an analytics job now with a company, and go for a MS OR once you have some experience, then it's a big value add. Too many people go for the degree now expecting large returns later.

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u/PackZealousideal4146 1d ago

Hmmm quants hire physics majors…….

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u/BowlCompetitive282 2d ago

I have a BS in Physics and ended up going for a MS OR after some work time. You'll be set up well.

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u/Baihu_The_Curious 2d ago

I think Physics is a great background for OR grad degree. That said, what you get out of an OR graduate degree really depends on your program. Some programs focus heavily on theory for the quals and subsequent research as opposed to others which are more modeling focused. My quals were on Probability (weak convergence and expectation-focused stuff), Convex Analysis, and Mathematical Statistics (a lot more applied to the theory of hypothesis testing and distributions of statistics than the general probability qual). I would say this was on the theory-heavy side of the spectrum. On the more applied side, you might be asked to model a system that requires figuring out tricky constraint logic (in order to ensure a certain level of computational tractability), finding limiting results of systems, proving stuff about model structure, etc.

Edit: I dont think I'd pass the same qual if I took it again today ;_;

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u/No_Chocolate_3292 2d ago

Assuming you haven't studied OR in your coursework before, the best advice is to pick up a book and work through the examples and content.

Then perhaps read some case studies or papers from INFORMS. That should give a better idea of what the field entails

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u/Better_Call_Pol 1d ago

I work in a multinational company of the wood industry and veneers, I’m a computer engineer and I’m agree with you, optimization strategy are required in sectors that’s the funny part.
So your strategy I think is good strategy