help

Interested in an Career in Astronomy

-- Adeliza | September 6, 2020
Radio Telescope VLA

Question:

Hello! I’m Adeliza & I’m 16.
I’m on my final year of high school so it’s time for me to apply to some universities and colleges.
I wish to be an astronomer but my parents are concerned that I won’t find a job, especially in my country (The Philippines). And I know this job is very competitive but I wish to know if there may really not be a place for me? To add to my distress, the science isn’t really popular in my country. There are only 2 universities in my country that I know of who offer Astronomy as a course, and only 1 of the 2 of them offer a Master’s degree. No university in my country offers a PhD which was what I was hoping to get one day.
I would like to know the general unemployment rate of astronomers currently, how exactly I can become one, as well as how long it would take me to get there.
I’m just looking for some guidance on to where I can head in my life.
Thank you!

-- Adeliza

Answer:

We have answered quite a few questions about a career in astronomy over the years.  I suggest that you use the search function in this blog by searching for “career in astronomy” to get a broad range of responses to questions about careers in science.

-- Jeff Mangum