4 answers
Giorgos
Student
Thessaloniki, Greece
3
Questions
Asked
761 views
CAN'T DECIDE...
Hello.
I need your advice.
I'm 21 years old, since a kid I loved cars a lot and I still do as well. I finished car technician technical high school with very good grade as well and I have 2 years of experience. I am currently studying now in a university about aircraft engineering (4 years) and at first I thought meh it's a good job I suppose and so gave it a try and also going through a training course (2 years) about qualification for an aircraft technician... and all I wonder is if it is worth it to become an aircraft mechanic or I am just losing my time and money?
I'm not the guy that studies or just reads for hours... but I'm very good hands-on. The only reason why I wanted to try aircraft technician is because of the salary, the only thing that pushed me to pursue this career. Over half a year has passed since I started training and now I overthink and get very anxious about my future and sometimes even depressed. If will it is worth the time and money or it's better to stay working on cars as I was before starting...
Thank you for your time.
#engineering #career #college #engineer #job
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4 answers
Natasha Bastien
Consulting
64
Answers
Rockville, Maryland
Updated
Natasha’s Answer
The future of the automotive industry is breaming with technological advancements and breakthroughs: for instance, connected cars that are internet enabled and linked to computing/data cloud, autonomous vehicles, hybrid and electric cars. Therefore, a future in auto engineering can still be exciting and dynamic. Over the next 10 or 20 years, you will likely keep learning (on the job or certificate programs) if you opt for a career in auto engineering.
Discover what the trends in that industry are and determine whether it makes sense to specialize in some segments, specific areas of auto (examples: hydrogen cars, batteries, auto OS/dashboard, body/color consulting, customizations, flying cars, etc).
Take the experience learning about aircraft as part of your overall engineering, learning journey. It doesn't have to be a disappointing outcome. Talk to your career office at the university and professors to determine if/how to pivot. Go on Coursera.org and find out if there are open resources about careers related to auto. Also, go on LinkedIn.com next week, type in 'auto engineering' and take a look at what kind of companies (startups or large MNC; hardware or software; research or application) are hiring - a potential hint into the near future at least.
And reach out to your current school for student counseling services; find out about how helplines in your state could offer support. Talk with your parents or family as they may already know a counselor or therapist in your region.
I came across the following (based in Greece):
"A helpline with experts providing psychological support to people struggling to deal with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on their daily lives started operating [recently]. The helpline, reachable on the number 10306, is a joint initiative of Greece’s Health Ministry and the psychiatric clinic of the University of Athens’ Medical School, in collaboration with the ARGO federation of mental health and psychosocial support groups." https://www.ekathimerini.com/251356/article/ekathimerini/news/psychological-support-helpline-up-and-running
Remain optimistic and talk with your parents/family for suggestions and someone to talk to.
Stay Healthy,
Natasha
Discover what the trends in that industry are and determine whether it makes sense to specialize in some segments, specific areas of auto (examples: hydrogen cars, batteries, auto OS/dashboard, body/color consulting, customizations, flying cars, etc).
Take the experience learning about aircraft as part of your overall engineering, learning journey. It doesn't have to be a disappointing outcome. Talk to your career office at the university and professors to determine if/how to pivot. Go on Coursera.org and find out if there are open resources about careers related to auto. Also, go on LinkedIn.com next week, type in 'auto engineering' and take a look at what kind of companies (startups or large MNC; hardware or software; research or application) are hiring - a potential hint into the near future at least.
And reach out to your current school for student counseling services; find out about how helplines in your state could offer support. Talk with your parents or family as they may already know a counselor or therapist in your region.
I came across the following (based in Greece):
"A helpline with experts providing psychological support to people struggling to deal with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on their daily lives started operating [recently]. The helpline, reachable on the number 10306, is a joint initiative of Greece’s Health Ministry and the psychiatric clinic of the University of Athens’ Medical School, in collaboration with the ARGO federation of mental health and psychosocial support groups." https://www.ekathimerini.com/251356/article/ekathimerini/news/psychological-support-helpline-up-and-running
Remain optimistic and talk with your parents/family for suggestions and someone to talk to.
Stay Healthy,
Natasha
Francisco Javier Castaneda Breceda
Associate Professor
4
Answers
Ciudad Juarez, Mexico
Updated
Francisco Javier’s Answer
Hi Giorgios:
I think you are in the right track, my way of thinking is that few students have the opportunity that you already have by learning about Aircraft Engineering. If you are really focused on finish the University on this branch of Mechanical Engineering, you will have, as you have pointed out a better financial status. If you are motivated and focused on obtaining good grades, you will increase the opportunities scenario to be hired in a Greek or in any other country´s Aircraft Company. The worst scenario, which is indeed not worse at all, is that, by learning how to design, maintain, and build aircrafts, you will be able to repair any mechanical device or machine, a car per say.
So, keep on with high enthusiasm, good attitude and positive thinking. Remember not just learning about Aircraft Engineering, try to read motivational books as well, and do not get distracted by paying attention to negative comments or negative thoughts. God be with you, maybe in a short future you will design, assemble and repair the airplanes of the upcoming generation. Best regards.
I think you are in the right track, my way of thinking is that few students have the opportunity that you already have by learning about Aircraft Engineering. If you are really focused on finish the University on this branch of Mechanical Engineering, you will have, as you have pointed out a better financial status. If you are motivated and focused on obtaining good grades, you will increase the opportunities scenario to be hired in a Greek or in any other country´s Aircraft Company. The worst scenario, which is indeed not worse at all, is that, by learning how to design, maintain, and build aircrafts, you will be able to repair any mechanical device or machine, a car per say.
So, keep on with high enthusiasm, good attitude and positive thinking. Remember not just learning about Aircraft Engineering, try to read motivational books as well, and do not get distracted by paying attention to negative comments or negative thoughts. God be with you, maybe in a short future you will design, assemble and repair the airplanes of the upcoming generation. Best regards.
Micaela Johnson
College Counselor and Educator
6
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Micaela’s Answer
You need to ask yourself, can I work on cars for fun or in my free time or as a contractor? Often times, when we enjoy what we do, this is a wonderful motivator for us, but it may not make bank like we'd like to. My advice is keep up the airplane mechanic, as this will allow you to have the salary you want and will make you more viable to being able to work on several modes of transportation. Play to your strengths. If you know you are good with your hands, then 1) protect them 2) utilize them in your daily work. You can always work on what your love after work or on weekends, and you never know what the future holds.
Thank you very much! :)
Giorgos
Robert J. Schickling
Consultant
3
Answers
Reno, Nevada
Updated
Robert J.’s Answer
Hello,
I'm glad you are pursuing a great career as an aircraft mechanic. It's a solid profession. But it can also lead you to other fields too. I suggest learning some CAD, such as Solidworks. You can get student editions. Do keep at it, and follow your dreams!
I'm glad you are pursuing a great career as an aircraft mechanic. It's a solid profession. But it can also lead you to other fields too. I suggest learning some CAD, such as Solidworks. You can get student editions. Do keep at it, and follow your dreams!