3 answers
Arlen
Student
Pemberton, New Jersey
1
Question
Asked
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I would like to know what the process is like, how is the work environment is in both fields, and if you had to go through the process again what would you have done differently? What career advice would you give me when entering the work force
I enjoy learning about space and physics. I am in the national guard as a uh-60 repair man an often around aircraft. #physics, #engineering, #college, #science, #career, #aerospace,#astrophysics
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3 answers
Andrew Roberts
Research and Design Engineer
3
Answers
Wichita, Kansas
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Hi Arlen, awesome on the National Guard work--it'll pay dividends down the road for you in terms of professional development and possibly education.
I imagine you enjoy working with your hands since you're a mechanic and that's a great attribute for an engineer. I would say that an engineer has a greater opportunity to work with their hands than an astrophysicist. I'm a mechanical analyst and test engineer for commercial aircraft. While we have awesome technicians to turn the wrenches, I find myself doing a lot of the one-off assembly on prototypes that I test.
Astrophysics isn't the only way to get involved with space. Some universities have "astronautical engineering", which focuses on space missions rather than aircraft. In other universities, the space vehicle engineering track is mixed in with the aerospace department. Additionally, you'll find electrical engineering and mechanical engineering highly embedded in the design and analysis of spacecraft, so you may want to consider those as opportunities based on interest. And if you're interested in how everything comes together, you may want to consider Systems Engineering with a focus on spacecraft. Lastly, almost every technical field (aerospace or physics included) is increasingly reliant on competent computer code, so that would be Computer Science.
I'm going to give some off the cuff advice here: IF you haven't already, consider a pre-engineering or pre-physics Associates degree and get the pre-requisites out of the way. This should also give you a better feel of the different technical disciplines and help you pick out a more specific direction. If you ever decide to change science to engineering or engineering to science, most of the initial two year curriculum will still be useful. That said, be careful about credit transfers. It's typically 'easy' to transfer from a community college to a state university in the same state, but 100% of credits may not always transfer. The best thing to do is talk to a admissions counselor at both community colleges and universities to understand your options. Ask about their success rate on credit transfer acceptance. Last thing I'll say is that there are also Engineering Technology degrees which are really awesome for hands-on folks. They can make substantial income as being the go between engineering and technicians, but they technically are not considered engineers in most states.
Personally, I'm a big fan of community colleges. The students I've taught as a teaching assistant in graduate school typically were more mature and better rounded. I think since there's less focus on professional research, the community college instructors do a good job of teaching, and it's typically more economical. That said, 4-year university is always society's preferred option.
Thank you for answering the call to service.
I imagine you enjoy working with your hands since you're a mechanic and that's a great attribute for an engineer. I would say that an engineer has a greater opportunity to work with their hands than an astrophysicist. I'm a mechanical analyst and test engineer for commercial aircraft. While we have awesome technicians to turn the wrenches, I find myself doing a lot of the one-off assembly on prototypes that I test.
Astrophysics isn't the only way to get involved with space. Some universities have "astronautical engineering", which focuses on space missions rather than aircraft. In other universities, the space vehicle engineering track is mixed in with the aerospace department. Additionally, you'll find electrical engineering and mechanical engineering highly embedded in the design and analysis of spacecraft, so you may want to consider those as opportunities based on interest. And if you're interested in how everything comes together, you may want to consider Systems Engineering with a focus on spacecraft. Lastly, almost every technical field (aerospace or physics included) is increasingly reliant on competent computer code, so that would be Computer Science.
I'm going to give some off the cuff advice here: IF you haven't already, consider a pre-engineering or pre-physics Associates degree and get the pre-requisites out of the way. This should also give you a better feel of the different technical disciplines and help you pick out a more specific direction. If you ever decide to change science to engineering or engineering to science, most of the initial two year curriculum will still be useful. That said, be careful about credit transfers. It's typically 'easy' to transfer from a community college to a state university in the same state, but 100% of credits may not always transfer. The best thing to do is talk to a admissions counselor at both community colleges and universities to understand your options. Ask about their success rate on credit transfer acceptance. Last thing I'll say is that there are also Engineering Technology degrees which are really awesome for hands-on folks. They can make substantial income as being the go between engineering and technicians, but they technically are not considered engineers in most states.
Personally, I'm a big fan of community colleges. The students I've taught as a teaching assistant in graduate school typically were more mature and better rounded. I think since there's less focus on professional research, the community college instructors do a good job of teaching, and it's typically more economical. That said, 4-year university is always society's preferred option.
Thank you for answering the call to service.
George Decker
Engineer/Project Manager
5
Answers
Morristown, New Jersey
Updated
George’s Answer
I would say that a skilled mechanic can find a role in aerospace and in physics.
Aerospace companies employ many mechanics, especially those who have aircraft maintenance certifications. They construct test models and production items such as satellites, airplanes, helicopters, and rockets.
Aerospace companies also explore physics and engineering: aerodynamics; fluid dynamics; structural design; material fatigue; control systems; electromagnetic signal propagation and radar reflection, and more. A skilled mechanic can learn to be a laboratory technician and work one's way up to overseeing specific testing projects. Additionally, a mechanic can be invaluable in assembling and contributing to the design of manufacturing processes.
Finally, any large institution that studies physics needs individuals who can fabricate, assemble, and maintain test fixtures and assemblies.
My father was in the Army and then the National Guard and took advantage of tuition assistance to study electrical engineering. He had a long career at General Electric and Black and Decker.
I would say you should focus on engineering, fabrication, computer science, and laboratory testing courses that may interest you at a local community college and progress from there as you wish.
Aerospace companies employ many mechanics, especially those who have aircraft maintenance certifications. They construct test models and production items such as satellites, airplanes, helicopters, and rockets.
Aerospace companies also explore physics and engineering: aerodynamics; fluid dynamics; structural design; material fatigue; control systems; electromagnetic signal propagation and radar reflection, and more. A skilled mechanic can learn to be a laboratory technician and work one's way up to overseeing specific testing projects. Additionally, a mechanic can be invaluable in assembling and contributing to the design of manufacturing processes.
Finally, any large institution that studies physics needs individuals who can fabricate, assemble, and maintain test fixtures and assemblies.
My father was in the Army and then the National Guard and took advantage of tuition assistance to study electrical engineering. He had a long career at General Electric and Black and Decker.
I would say you should focus on engineering, fabrication, computer science, and laboratory testing courses that may interest you at a local community college and progress from there as you wish.
Gene Simpson
Insurance Executive
12
Answers
Walnut Creek, California
Updated
Gene’s Answer
Hi Arlen,
I'm not 100% sure what two fields you're inquiring about, and given you're in the National Guard (thank you by the way), I'm not sure where you are from an educational perspective... in college, starting college, or already graduated.
When I entered college I (like you) enjoyed space and started on a path for astrophysics. As a couple of the required physics courses were exceptionally challenging for me conceptually, I ended up sticking with math and manage my curiosity about space through articles that interest me. So, the first step (if not already completed) is to find a school with a strong program that interests you and start moving through the program. Getting a job in the fields you've noted will require a degree, and hopefully you have a strong aptitude for math as that will underlie anything you do in that direction.
Not sure this is helpful, but best of luck in finding your path!
Gene
I'm not 100% sure what two fields you're inquiring about, and given you're in the National Guard (thank you by the way), I'm not sure where you are from an educational perspective... in college, starting college, or already graduated.
When I entered college I (like you) enjoyed space and started on a path for astrophysics. As a couple of the required physics courses were exceptionally challenging for me conceptually, I ended up sticking with math and manage my curiosity about space through articles that interest me. So, the first step (if not already completed) is to find a school with a strong program that interests you and start moving through the program. Getting a job in the fields you've noted will require a degree, and hopefully you have a strong aptitude for math as that will underlie anything you do in that direction.
Not sure this is helpful, but best of luck in finding your path!
Gene