>The thing is, most people that get advanced degrees in physics don't stick around in the field and don't follow the traditional path.
The point isn't that if you get a degree in physics, that you're doomed. Pretty much everyone I know who got a degree in physics is doing well. The point is, they are pretty much at a disadvantage (at least initially) in getting those jobs. Whichever non-physics job you find physicists going into, it'll be easier to get those jobs with a different degree.
The only exception I can think of is quantitative finance in the 2000's, where they seemed to prefer physicists and mathematicians above all us (including finance degree holders).
I agree that physics is a great preparation to problem solving. I've heard this in industry as well. Yet I've consistently found that even those who make such statements are more likely to hire those with engineering degrees.
Versatility is one of the main things offered by a physics degree. It might not be the most preferred degree in a given area you're likely to move into, but it's probably at least acceptable.
The point isn't that if you get a degree in physics, that you're doomed. Pretty much everyone I know who got a degree in physics is doing well. The point is, they are pretty much at a disadvantage (at least initially) in getting those jobs. Whichever non-physics job you find physicists going into, it'll be easier to get those jobs with a different degree.
The only exception I can think of is quantitative finance in the 2000's, where they seemed to prefer physicists and mathematicians above all us (including finance degree holders).
I agree that physics is a great preparation to problem solving. I've heard this in industry as well. Yet I've consistently found that even those who make such statements are more likely to hire those with engineering degrees.