4 answers
Ace
Student
Gallup, New Mexico
1
Question
Asked
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Where do I start in finding a job in engineering?
I want a future in aerospace engineering, or engineering in general but I do not know where to start. What classes and extra-curricular activities do I need to participate in to ensure that?#education
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4 answers
Eric Packer
Structural engineer
91
Answers
Boise, Idaho
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Hi Ace,
A career in engineering will most certainly start with a solid undergraduate degree in the chosen field of engineering. Careers in many engineering fields, such as aerospace, will be greatly enhanced by obtaining a masters degree - usually an additional two years of university studies. Some engineering colleges offer an integrated masters program where you can complete your masters and bachelors degrees simultaneously, often saving you up to a year of studies.
As you know, college is very expensive. If you are considering starting out at a junior college, or if you are planning to work while in college, so that you can make it through without a lot of debt, then I recommend that you take some courses in drafting early in your studies. This will give you greater opportunities to work for an engineering firm (as a drafter) before you have secured sufficient education to work as an engineer. This will also provide you with greater exposure to your chosen field of engineering so that you are more successful as an engineer upon graduation. If you are planning to work while in college I recommend not taking too many courses. Engineering courses are very demanding and challenging, especially the introductory courses, and require you to be invested as possible in effectively learning the engineering principles.
As far as classes, that will be clearly defined by the engineering program of the university that you decide to attend. Unlike other degrees, engineering programs have a large requirement of required coursework needed to graduate with an engineering degree. So, there are few extra electives that you will be able to take. In general, though, you will likely complete two classes of calculus and two classes of advanced engineering mathematics, physics, chemistry, statics, dynamics, fluid dynamics and thermodynamics. These are introductory courses that most programs require for engineers in the mechanical and civil engineering fields. After that, the coursework becomes more specific to your chosen field of engineering.
I wish you the best in your education and preparation in becoming an engineer.
-Eric
A career in engineering will most certainly start with a solid undergraduate degree in the chosen field of engineering. Careers in many engineering fields, such as aerospace, will be greatly enhanced by obtaining a masters degree - usually an additional two years of university studies. Some engineering colleges offer an integrated masters program where you can complete your masters and bachelors degrees simultaneously, often saving you up to a year of studies.
As you know, college is very expensive. If you are considering starting out at a junior college, or if you are planning to work while in college, so that you can make it through without a lot of debt, then I recommend that you take some courses in drafting early in your studies. This will give you greater opportunities to work for an engineering firm (as a drafter) before you have secured sufficient education to work as an engineer. This will also provide you with greater exposure to your chosen field of engineering so that you are more successful as an engineer upon graduation. If you are planning to work while in college I recommend not taking too many courses. Engineering courses are very demanding and challenging, especially the introductory courses, and require you to be invested as possible in effectively learning the engineering principles.
As far as classes, that will be clearly defined by the engineering program of the university that you decide to attend. Unlike other degrees, engineering programs have a large requirement of required coursework needed to graduate with an engineering degree. So, there are few extra electives that you will be able to take. In general, though, you will likely complete two classes of calculus and two classes of advanced engineering mathematics, physics, chemistry, statics, dynamics, fluid dynamics and thermodynamics. These are introductory courses that most programs require for engineers in the mechanical and civil engineering fields. After that, the coursework becomes more specific to your chosen field of engineering.
I wish you the best in your education and preparation in becoming an engineer.
-Eric
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Ace on a basic level, aerospace and mechanical engineers have very similar duties. They both design products or materials, and they oversee the production of prototypes that they assess as they refine their design plans. Aerospace engineers are more likely to work for the military or government than mechanical engineers, and they may be involved with designing weapons or satellites. Mechanical engineers can be involved with designing and building things as varied as robots and generators to elevator and automobile systems.
Aerospace engineering is a STEM field focused on the design, development, testing, and operation of aircraft and spacecraft. The field encompasses the creation of everything from miniaturized drones to heavy-lift interplanetary rockets. All aerospace engineers need to have excellent knowledge of physics since all flying machines are governed by the rules of motion, energy, and force. Aerospace engineers need to have strong skills in math, and required courses will almost always include multi-variable calculus and differential equations. In order to become an aeronautical engineer, prospective candidates must complete a bachelor's degree program, usually in aerospace or aeronautical engineering, that has been approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Programs can take 4-5 years to complete. Students typically begin their education by enrolling in core courses in mathematics, chemistry and physics. Additionally, most programs require students to complete introductory labs in which they test engineering principles applied to flight and propulsion.
Aerospace engineering jobs are predicted to grow by 2% from 2018 to 2028, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This growth is slower than the national average. However, the redesign of old aircraft and need for new satellites and unmanned aerial systems is expected to contribute to the growth of the profession. The BLS reported that in 2020 the average annual salary for an aerospace engineer was $118,000. The BLS also reported that aerospace engineers working in scientific research and development services made the highest average salary for 2018 at $128,980.
I hope this was helpful Ace
It is good for any engineer to gain practical hands-on experience through internship opportunities or other experiences, like engineering camps. Some aerospace engineers may be required to obtain security clearance to work on different projects for national defense. Although it is not usually required and is less common for aerospace engineers, some engineers may pursue a Professional Engineering (PE) license that requires passing 2 exams and having work experience and a degree.
Stanford is one of the most prestigious and selective universities in the country, and its Aeronautics & Astronautics program consistently ranks among the best in the country. The undergraduate program is project-based, and all students learn to conceive, design, implement, and operate systems related to aerospace engineering. Stanford's location in the heart of Silicon Valley gives it an edge for engineering research related to automation, embedded programming, and system design.
Aerospace engineering is a STEM field focused on the design, development, testing, and operation of aircraft and spacecraft. The field encompasses the creation of everything from miniaturized drones to heavy-lift interplanetary rockets. All aerospace engineers need to have excellent knowledge of physics since all flying machines are governed by the rules of motion, energy, and force. Aerospace engineers need to have strong skills in math, and required courses will almost always include multi-variable calculus and differential equations. In order to become an aeronautical engineer, prospective candidates must complete a bachelor's degree program, usually in aerospace or aeronautical engineering, that has been approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Programs can take 4-5 years to complete. Students typically begin their education by enrolling in core courses in mathematics, chemistry and physics. Additionally, most programs require students to complete introductory labs in which they test engineering principles applied to flight and propulsion.
Aerospace engineering jobs are predicted to grow by 2% from 2018 to 2028, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This growth is slower than the national average. However, the redesign of old aircraft and need for new satellites and unmanned aerial systems is expected to contribute to the growth of the profession. The BLS reported that in 2020 the average annual salary for an aerospace engineer was $118,000. The BLS also reported that aerospace engineers working in scientific research and development services made the highest average salary for 2018 at $128,980.
I hope this was helpful Ace
Doc recommends the following next steps:
TLAUREN TLAUREN
CA
120
Answers
San Gabriel, California
Updated
TLAUREN’s Answer
This strategy takes care of two issues without a moment's delay. To begin with, you're seeing yourself from the famous 30,000 foot see, which encourages you to center around what makes you stick out. Second, you're giving potential managers an approach to get familiar with you, even before the meeting starts.
An incredible portfolio normally incorporates:
A bio page, which sums up your qualities, schooling, and acknowledgments
Your resume
Data about your coursework, temporary positions, humanitarian effort, language capability, side interests, and different things that set you apart from the group
Tributes or suggestions from individuals you've worked intimately with, for example, previous managers, educators, or customers
Proof of your specialized abilities. This may be instances of undertakings you've dealt with, connections to your Github profile, or even flowcharts or tables that show how your different characteristics meet up to make you the ideal occupation up-and-comer. Try not to be reluctant to be inventive!
Proof of your non-specialized abilities. While portraying your temporary positions, for instance, don't simply incorporate connections or photographs, yet clarify how your work profited the business. This applies to individual achievements as well—rather than simply expressing you ran a long distance race, talk about the self-restraint expected to prepare for the occasion!
An incredible portfolio normally incorporates:
A bio page, which sums up your qualities, schooling, and acknowledgments
Your resume
Data about your coursework, temporary positions, humanitarian effort, language capability, side interests, and different things that set you apart from the group
Tributes or suggestions from individuals you've worked intimately with, for example, previous managers, educators, or customers
Proof of your specialized abilities. This may be instances of undertakings you've dealt with, connections to your Github profile, or even flowcharts or tables that show how your different characteristics meet up to make you the ideal occupation up-and-comer. Try not to be reluctant to be inventive!
Proof of your non-specialized abilities. While portraying your temporary positions, for instance, don't simply incorporate connections or photographs, yet clarify how your work profited the business. This applies to individual achievements as well—rather than simply expressing you ran a long distance race, talk about the self-restraint expected to prepare for the occasion!
Jonathan Whitcomb
Credit Analyst
63
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Jonathan’s Answer
Go to a good school for engineering and use your alumni to network.