Aerospace Engineering and Jobs

lakhannv · 04-01-2008, 08:07 PM

Hello,

I get the impression that AE undergrads can go into a job after graduating, build experience and work their way up in rank/salary with time. Of course, theres the option of pursuing a MS or PhD to become more specialized and earn a higher level first job, but at the cost of losing years of work(job) experience.

Can anyone comment on this? That is, the validity of either of these statements. Is AE really a degree where working out of undergrad and never earning a MS/PhD acceptable? Especially in terms of your salary.

Best,
NL

kwtortoise · 04-01-2008, 08:27 PM

From what I've heard, unless you want to go into management or start your own engineering firm, only a Bachelor's may be an advantage. Once you get into the higher degrees, it's even more theory--which takes you towards the field of academia. Having real engineering work experience may be looked at more highly.

On the other hand, getting an MBA after your engineering degree will put you into the management track. You can get too specialized with earning a Master's and PhD, making it more difficult to get hired. An aerospace engineering degree is already more specialized than a mechanical engineering degree, for example. It may be more worth your while to figure out what type of work you want to do, get a job, gain some experience, and re-consider grad school if you think it could help your career (and, many employers will pay for it).

lakhannv · 04-01-2008, 08:38 PM

Thanks, i was thinking along the same lines-- getting a job after undergrad to gain experience and avoid specialization.

On that note, what is the future of AE jobs looking like? I will graduate in 2011(just to give you an idea of "future")

joeuhc · 04-02-2008, 08:35 AM

"On that note, what is the future of AE jobs looking like?"

Not great in my opinion. 8000 lost jobs relating to space shuttle shutdown:

Shuttle shutdown may kill 8,000 jobs - - MSNBC.com

aibarr · 04-02-2008, 09:55 AM

Much more opening up in the private sector, though. But yeah, a lot of the companies (big, reputable companies, too... not just the little ones!) that I interviewed with were in complete and utter denial about the fact that the shuttle program was going to end, and that funding was going to be cut. When I asked them how they were going to reorganize after the shutdown, they were like, "The president said we're going to the moon."

o_O

So... um... be careful out there.

Shackleford · 04-02-2008, 10:16 AM

Da nile is not just a river in Egypt.

kwtortoise · 04-02-2008, 07:12 PM

I'd agree it looks like the industry is taking a downturn, in both the aero and space sectors.

lakhannv · 04-03-2008, 05:34 AM

"'d agree it looks like the industry is taking a downturn, in both the aero and space sectors."

want to elaboate on the downturn? think the industry will rebound from this?

kwtortoise · 04-03-2008, 06:58 PM

Yes, I think it will rebound. Just based on history, the aerospace industry is very cyclical by nature. It varies with the economy, the amount of government spending (NASA), and the number of start-up companies, etc. It goes up and down a little bit every few years or so. But, I wouldn't worry. Even with the industry down, if you are applying now or soon, you may just have to put more time and effort into the search. There are always jobs available. Also, if you are willing to expand your search criteria to a company that isn't a complete match, or something in a related industry, even more opportunities arise.

If you search for 'cyclical aerospace industry' online, you can find out more information about what I'm talking about.

merper68 · 04-03-2008, 07:35 PM

You can always join Virgin Galactic.

aibarr · 04-03-2008, 10:04 PM

Or Virgle.

merper68 · 04-03-2008, 11:08 PM

If only.

EngineersRkool · 04-05-2008, 02:21 AM

Aeronautical and Aerospace Engies are same right? Or is it that A-space specializes on spacecraft while A-nautical specializes on air craft?

kwtortoise · 04-06-2008, 12:30 AM

Aeronautical has to do with aircraft, and Aerospace (or astro) has to do with spacecraft. Some schools distinguish between the two with different degree names, and some schools (like mine) call the degree an Aerospace Engineering degree, and have an area of concentration. It's a difference of maybe 6 or so classes here (last two years of the four year degree vary from aero to space track).

ercmilla · 04-08-2008, 12:57 AM

why not just become an officer in the air force? its kinf od competitive, but they treat you well and match your job to your degree (usually). But yu can get it written in a contract from what i understand.