I started reading a new book a few days ago: "So Good They Can't Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love" by Cal Newport. Having read many self-improvement books before, I can confidently say that Newport's book has already changed my perspective on my professional career and career development in general. Reflecting on my journey thus far, I would like to share some advice with readers of my physics education blog.
Many of you have likely chosen physics (or a related subject) as your major because of a strong high school background or a fascination with big questions about our universe. For me, the latter was true in particular. I was drawn to astrophysics due to my love for documentaries about black holes, science fiction movies, and the job prospects physics offered. Motivated by my passion for astrophysics, I began my undergraduate studies in physics.
A few years into my studies, I realized astrophysics was not the right fit for me. Other subfields, with their practical relevance and technological applications, seemed more exciting. After a brief stint in atomic physics for my Bachelor's thesis, I discovered condensed matter physics, which combined exciting and complex physics with theoretical and experimental aspects and a wide range of applications. Despite my initial interest in superconductivity, my Master's and PhD research focused on magnetism and electronic transport in condensed matter. This shift, driven by the best available opportunities at the time, was a great decision in hindsight, even though, once again, I did not follow my (apparent) passion.
I completed my PhD and secured a postdoctoral research fellowship from the German Science Foundation to work in the United States on magnetic materials for two and a half years. After another year and a half as a research scientist at my Alma Mater in Germany, I joined Nexperia's R&D department in Hamburg as a senior process integration engineer for silicon carbide metallization. This shift, while seemingly different, was a logical step. My experience with physical vapor deposition of thin metallic layers in the US prepared me well for this role. Now, I can apply and extend my knowledge of thin-film technology in the power semiconductor industry.
Looking back, my career decisions were not always driven by my greatest passion. Instead, they were guided by rational decisions, my strengths, prior experiences, external circumstances, and the goal of providing value to society and my employer. This approach allowed me to broaden my horizons and face new challenges.
Initially, I believed "follow your passion" was great advice. However, my career decisions were often based on other factors apart from my original passion. My passion evolved with the projects I worked on and the impact I had. As Cal Newport suggests in his book, my passion grew based on my experiences and contributions. Over the past few years, I have developed a mission for my career around exploring and applying cutting-edge technology to make our world better, greener, and more advanced, focusing on novel materials and electronic devices. I am ready to adjust this mission as my interests and goals evolve.
In conclusion, while passion is important, it is equally crucial to make career decisions based on your skills, strengths, and the opportunities available. Be open to evolving your interests and adapting your mission. This balanced approach can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career. Pursue projects that challenge you and allow you to grow, and your passion will follow.
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