Think like a Physicist
“Wow, you studied physics!” “Physics? I never expected you to have a background in that.”
These are some of the most common reactions I get when people learn that I have an academic background in physics. And even more so, since pivoting from risk consultancy to marketing. I have to admit that I’ve gotten used to people being fascinated with this, that I now expect it! But whilst I may not have pursued a career in physics, the quantitative analysis and strategic thinking skills I developed as a student, have proved to be quite valuable and often fundamental to making critical decisions in my various roles.
Learning Science at primary school was one of my favourite parts of the week. Like most children, I was naturally curious and I loved to learn so school never felt like a chore for me but science was something different. It was the chance to learn something new by actually experiencing it and thinking about why things happened the way they did, rather than just being told what happens. It offered me an insight into how everyday things worked, like the primary school classic - series and parallel circuits, and also the not-so-familiar space and planets. It was a subject that allowed me to explore ideas that I wouldn’t normally come across and offered my mind the freedom to think for myself.
Eventually I pursued a degree in Physics and Astrophysics (followed by a Master’s) where I was always encouraged to challenge concepts, ask questions and develop my own theories and solutions to complex problems.
But aren’t all degrees teaching you to do this?
Not exactly. Yes you’re ‘taught’ extensive theory like many other subjects - as well as numerous physics principles and a countless string of equations - but there’s a very slim possibility that you can simply memorise everything and succeed. You need to be able to look passed the information on paper and think more elaborately, considering the whys and not just the whats.
Physics problems rely on your ability to recall relevant principles, understand and question the intricacies of how they all work together, and then explain the reasoning that led to the final outcome (and not breaking any laws of physics in the process).
So, the next time you’re faced with a complex problem, I challenge you to think like a physicist: observe the bigger picture, think strategically and reframe the problem if required. And don’t forget to have patience too…
“I haven’t failed, I’ve found a 1000 ways that don’t work”