3 answers
Ella
Student
Grundy Center, Iowa
4
Questions
Asked
447 views
If I am looking at aerospace engineering should I take automotive college classes?
I am a Junior in high school looking to take as many college classes as I can for as little money as possible. I am wondering if this class would be worth my time or not.
3 answers
Joseph Rodriguez
Principle Mechanical Engineer
1
Answer
Santa Paula
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Most of the answers I’ve seen here are WAY overkill and don’t even really answer your question. To be direct, no. Taking automotive classes would not be worth your time. Some classes that would very much be worth your time and applicable towards your degree are Computer Aided Design (CAD) classes, preferably Catia or PTC Creo; machine shop classes, manufacturing process classes, and your basic physics, math and chemistry classes. In my experience in the Space sector, most companies prefer you to understand the machining/manufacturing aspect of the job because you can’t design effectively if you don’t know how things are made or what tools are available. Of course, being an “Aerospace engineer” is a very broad encompassing job field, you can get into rocket propulsion, materials science, aircraft structures, and so many other disciplines. So my advice to you would be not to overthink it by thinking you need to get into career specific classes at this point in time. You’re a very young person with plenty of time.
I received a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis in thermal fluids and I got into aerospace without attending an conventions or things of that sort just for reference. Connections and networking make more of a difference after you receive your degree so be nice to everyone and be sociable :)
I received a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis in thermal fluids and I got into aerospace without attending an conventions or things of that sort just for reference. Connections and networking make more of a difference after you receive your degree so be nice to everyone and be sociable :)
Thank you, this helps a lot. :)
Ella
You’re very welcome. And another piece of advice I’d give is to actually work on general education/higher level science and math classes at your local community college as opposed to career specific classes. This will go towards college AND high school credit. So if you decide to change to another STEM field, you won’t have wasted time on such specific classes. Good luck! I look forward to seeing you in the professional field!
Joseph Rodriguez
Lori Kellogg
3
Answers
Kirkland, Washington
Updated
Lori’s Answer
Not necessary.
I have a degree in Automotive Technology and work for a major aerospace company in the US. I didn’t need that degree at all to start my career move from automotive(10+years) to aviation.
Three ways to save on college:
1. Speak to a military recruiter and let them know you are interested in engineering/aviation. See what they are offering. I spent 13yrs in the USAF.
2. Work for a company that offers free college or college reimbursement. A search for Unionplus might give you an idea who’s paying for college.
3. Work for a local college, even if it’s just a facilities job. They usually have free tuition for employees.
Some companies want you to have lean manufacturing training. Take a look at sixsigmaonline and get your free training certificate.
Work for an aerospace company or at your local airport. Three months of aviation or manufacturing experience coupled with that lean manufacturing certificate will put you up top as a candidate for an entry level job.
Reach out to someone who runs the Aviation Technology Academy in Des Moines- their curriculum looks great.
Leaving automotive and working for aerospace was the best thing I did for my life.
I wish you the best.
I have a degree in Automotive Technology and work for a major aerospace company in the US. I didn’t need that degree at all to start my career move from automotive(10+years) to aviation.
Three ways to save on college:
1. Speak to a military recruiter and let them know you are interested in engineering/aviation. See what they are offering. I spent 13yrs in the USAF.
2. Work for a company that offers free college or college reimbursement. A search for Unionplus might give you an idea who’s paying for college.
3. Work for a local college, even if it’s just a facilities job. They usually have free tuition for employees.
Some companies want you to have lean manufacturing training. Take a look at sixsigmaonline and get your free training certificate.
Work for an aerospace company or at your local airport. Three months of aviation or manufacturing experience coupled with that lean manufacturing certificate will put you up top as a candidate for an entry level job.
Reach out to someone who runs the Aviation Technology Academy in Des Moines- their curriculum looks great.
Leaving automotive and working for aerospace was the best thing I did for my life.
I wish you the best.
Karen Weyant
Operations Engineering
4
Answers
Chuckey, Tennessee
Updated
Karen’s Answer
If you don't have any experience using tools or working with machines, it would give you that understanding. But there are significant differences in the demands on a plane vs an automobile, how to identify issues, what the maintenance would require, etc. If you feel you want to take a course, I believe time would better be spent with an introductory engineering course learning basic design, rigor & processes than an automotive course.
I would recommend instead:
Get some contacts in the field. This is a friendly bunch of folks; generous and willing to help anyone interested in aviation.
1. Attending a local EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) meeting (these are often free or of nominal charge) and make some contact there. Arrive early or stay late to chat. Pilots and builders are there in abundance, and you can often find folks working on building or enhancing their plane that would love to have some help and willing to teach you what the tools are and how to use them. The topics at the chapter meetings are usually pretty interesting as well.
2. Visit your local airport and see if any of the local businesses (flight schools, avionics shops, repair, etc). They may have an opening for a part time or entry level role so you can spend time working with people in the industry. That can lead to other opportunities. If you aren't looking for a position (or they don't have any), see if you can at least get to see their operation.
3. Attend a Fly-In. Many airports have a monthly (or quarterly) fly in for breakfast or lunch. You'll get to see a lot of interesting aircraft, and everyone is friendly and ready to talk about their airplane! If you are in Florida, go to Sun-and-Fun (April 5-10, 2022). In Wisconsin, it is the EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh (July 25-31, 2022). Both have vendors, airshows and seminars, and vendors in Aviation has a booth.
4. If you between 8 and 17, find an EAA Young Eagle's Flight event in your area (https://www.eaa.org/eaa/youth/free-ye-flights). You will get an airplane ride, your own logbook and also a Sporty's Learn to Fly Course.
The more time you spend learning about aviation and talking to others about flying & aircraft, the more you will learn.
Enjoy this industry; it is full of wonderful and knowledgeable folks!
FYI: My husband and I built our Van's RV 9-A airplane in 2015, and started a second one (an RV 14-A) last fall. We live on an airpark surrounded by other pilots and builders. He is also the president of Tango Flight, Inc (https://www.tangoflight.org/), a non-profit that builds airplanes in high schools around the US.
I would recommend instead:
Get some contacts in the field. This is a friendly bunch of folks; generous and willing to help anyone interested in aviation.
1. Attending a local EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) meeting (these are often free or of nominal charge) and make some contact there. Arrive early or stay late to chat. Pilots and builders are there in abundance, and you can often find folks working on building or enhancing their plane that would love to have some help and willing to teach you what the tools are and how to use them. The topics at the chapter meetings are usually pretty interesting as well.
2. Visit your local airport and see if any of the local businesses (flight schools, avionics shops, repair, etc). They may have an opening for a part time or entry level role so you can spend time working with people in the industry. That can lead to other opportunities. If you aren't looking for a position (or they don't have any), see if you can at least get to see their operation.
3. Attend a Fly-In. Many airports have a monthly (or quarterly) fly in for breakfast or lunch. You'll get to see a lot of interesting aircraft, and everyone is friendly and ready to talk about their airplane! If you are in Florida, go to Sun-and-Fun (April 5-10, 2022). In Wisconsin, it is the EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh (July 25-31, 2022). Both have vendors, airshows and seminars, and vendors in Aviation has a booth.
4. If you between 8 and 17, find an EAA Young Eagle's Flight event in your area (https://www.eaa.org/eaa/youth/free-ye-flights). You will get an airplane ride, your own logbook and also a Sporty's Learn to Fly Course.
The more time you spend learning about aviation and talking to others about flying & aircraft, the more you will learn.
Enjoy this industry; it is full of wonderful and knowledgeable folks!
FYI: My husband and I built our Van's RV 9-A airplane in 2015, and started a second one (an RV 14-A) last fall. We live on an airpark surrounded by other pilots and builders. He is also the president of Tango Flight, Inc (https://www.tangoflight.org/), a non-profit that builds airplanes in high schools around the US.
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