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Aaron
Student
La Ceiba, Atlántida Department, Honduras
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What are some downsides and advantages of choosing aerospace engineering as a career?
I am undecided on what career I want to choose and really want advice on aerospace engineering since its something I am inclined to and stands out to me.
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Aaron DeRan
Technical & Business Consulting
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Prosper, Texas
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Aaron’s Answer
Hi Aaron!
What an awesome name you have, by the way. Aerospace Engineering is a fascinating career, as much as I know about it. I am by no means an expert in the field, but can give you some general Pros and Cons which I found on Indeed.com:
Pros:
1. Competitive salary and benefits
The average salary for an aeronautical engineer is $104,775 per year. Average salaries for this position can vary based on your geographic location, setting of employment, level of education and years of experience. For example, an aeronautical engineer working for a government-funded laboratory may earn a different average salary than one working for a private laboratory.
In addition to earning a competitive wage, aerospace engineers also earn benefits depending on their role and employment status. Full-time engineers typically earn benefits like insurance coverage, paid time off and retirement planning services. Some may also earn tuition reimbursement benefits.
2. Pioneering new technology
Aeronautical engineers design and test innovative technology used in aerospace research. Government agencies and private companies recruit aeronautical engineers to improve existing aircraft or create entirely new prototypes. For those passionate about using their creativity and scientific expertise to design technical solutions to industry problems, an aeronautical engineering career can be rewarding and engaging.
3. Working with aircraft
Aeronautical engineers improve consumer and military air transportation, meaning their work has real-world applications that improve the lives of those who rely on their technology for safe travel. While aerospace researchers often focus on more theoretical concepts, aerospace engineers apply their skills to solve problems. They design specialized aircraft to meet specific purposes, whether it's for military, commercial or research and exploration.
4. Job security
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 8% increase in employment outlook for aerospace engineers between 2020 and 2030. Aeronautical engineers are necessary because flight safety is likely to remain a global concern far into the future. Additionally, technological developments may increase the need for engineers who have the specialized skill sets needed to work on technically complex aircraft. These technological improvements may also reduce the costs of constructing equipment like satellites. When instruments cost less to manufacture, there may be more demand for them, which can increase the need for aeronautical engineers.
5. Fast-growing industry
Aeronautics is a fast-growing industry in the commercial travel and military sectors. Military contractors recruit aeronautical engineers to help them build specialized aircraft for military transport. In addition to creating specialized aircraft, the military also makes use of aerospace research instruments like satellites and long-distance communication technologies. In the commercial sector, cargo and commuter planes play an important role in global transportation. Aeronautical engineers can apply their specialized skills to improve air travel for standard passengers and optimize cargo transportation. New advancements in the field can lead to the expansion of aeronautical engineering and a higher demand for specialized employees.
6. Conceptual and practical work
Aeronautical engineering involves a combination of mathematical calculations, theoretical research and hands-on labor. During the theoretical conceptualization stage, engineers research material, mechanical and physical components to develop schematics for new technologies. They construct prototypes and then test their functionality. At the testing stage, they determine whether the design works effectively for its intended purpose. This combination of theoretical and practical work can be an engaging opportunity for those who enjoy both creating theoretical designs and using their knowledge for practical applications.
7. Flexibility
Aeronautical engineering encompasses several areas of specialty, such as aircraft and space guidance control, space environment modeling, satellite technology, cryogenics and fluids management. Aeronautical engineers can also work for research centers or as corporate consultants. Those with experience as aeronautical engineers often have skills related to other fields of engineering like materials, electrical, computer or mechanical engineering. They may also have data engineering and analysis skills that they can apply in diverse industries. These skills allow aerospace engineers the flexibility to change careers easily.
Aerospace engineers often have opportunities to advance their careers within the field. For example, many start their careers as entry-level engineering associates. They may become mid-level managers by advancing into a team leader position and then become department supervisors. Some advance their careers by becoming laboratory managers or consultants for government agencies or private companies.
Here are four cons of being an aeronautical engineer, with some considerations for how to overcome these disadvantages:
1. Stress
Aeronautical engineering can be a stressful career. It involves the careful review of technical documents and safety standards. Engineers may draft their own reports, which can take time and careful attention to complete accurately. They often need to meet challenging deadlines, and their work has significant safety implications for those who rely on their creations for safe transportation. Practicing good stress-management skills can help aeronautical engineers overcome challenges, prevent burnout and improve overall wellness. For example, they can use stress-reduction strategies like taking breaks throughout the workday, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and enjoying time with friends and family.
2. Work-life balance
Depending on the project or the place of employment, some aeronautical engineers may work more than 40 hours a week. Those in senior positions, like project management, may work longer hours than those in mid-level positions. Since many aeronautical engineers need to achieve strict deadlines to meet project goals, they may occasionally work overtime. It's important for professionals in this field to prioritize their work-life balance. When engineers balance their professional lives with their personal lives, it can reduce stress, limit burnout and improve their health and well-being.
To achieve a healthy work-life balance, consider your personal needs and how you can best manage your time to meet them. For example, using a productivity application can help you better manage your time at work so you can more easily meet your deadlines. Prioritizing your health and wellness outside of work hours can help you arrive at work feeling prepared. For example, taking part in an exercise class, getting enough rest and eating well can help you feel better, which may improve your ability to complete your work.
Related: Top Careers in Aerospace Engineering
3. Educational investment
Becoming an aeronautical engineer takes many years of dedicated studying and training. To become an engineer, most professionals begin by earning a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering or a related field, like mechanical engineering. While not always required, many engineers choose to pursue a master's degree in aeronautical engineering. A master's degree takes two years on average to complete. It equips students with more specialized knowledge in the field of aeronautical engineering, which may qualify them for more mid-level positions than a bachelor's degree alone. Some pursue doctorate degrees, which gives them the skills needed to design independent research projects.
Beginning or advancing a career in aeronautical engineering requires time and financial resources because of the educational expectations. Planning your career path to ensure you have the resources to invest in your education can help you feel prepared to meet these requirements. Recognizing your passion for aeronautical engineering can help you stay motivated through school. Since engineering programs are often challenging, staying focused on your goals can help you overcome difficulties.
4. Extensive computer work
Often, aeronautical engineers spend a significant amount of their workday using a computer. They use computers to conduct research, draft schematics, collect and analyze data and write technical reports. Some professionals may find it difficult to sit or stay focused when working on a computer for long periods of time, so it's important for aeronautical engineers to take breaks throughout the day. Going for a short walk, doing some light stretching and taking lunch breaks away from their desk can help engineers stay active throughout the day. Breaks can also improve focus upon returning to work.
What an awesome name you have, by the way. Aerospace Engineering is a fascinating career, as much as I know about it. I am by no means an expert in the field, but can give you some general Pros and Cons which I found on Indeed.com:
Pros:
1. Competitive salary and benefits
The average salary for an aeronautical engineer is $104,775 per year. Average salaries for this position can vary based on your geographic location, setting of employment, level of education and years of experience. For example, an aeronautical engineer working for a government-funded laboratory may earn a different average salary than one working for a private laboratory.
In addition to earning a competitive wage, aerospace engineers also earn benefits depending on their role and employment status. Full-time engineers typically earn benefits like insurance coverage, paid time off and retirement planning services. Some may also earn tuition reimbursement benefits.
2. Pioneering new technology
Aeronautical engineers design and test innovative technology used in aerospace research. Government agencies and private companies recruit aeronautical engineers to improve existing aircraft or create entirely new prototypes. For those passionate about using their creativity and scientific expertise to design technical solutions to industry problems, an aeronautical engineering career can be rewarding and engaging.
3. Working with aircraft
Aeronautical engineers improve consumer and military air transportation, meaning their work has real-world applications that improve the lives of those who rely on their technology for safe travel. While aerospace researchers often focus on more theoretical concepts, aerospace engineers apply their skills to solve problems. They design specialized aircraft to meet specific purposes, whether it's for military, commercial or research and exploration.
4. Job security
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 8% increase in employment outlook for aerospace engineers between 2020 and 2030. Aeronautical engineers are necessary because flight safety is likely to remain a global concern far into the future. Additionally, technological developments may increase the need for engineers who have the specialized skill sets needed to work on technically complex aircraft. These technological improvements may also reduce the costs of constructing equipment like satellites. When instruments cost less to manufacture, there may be more demand for them, which can increase the need for aeronautical engineers.
5. Fast-growing industry
Aeronautics is a fast-growing industry in the commercial travel and military sectors. Military contractors recruit aeronautical engineers to help them build specialized aircraft for military transport. In addition to creating specialized aircraft, the military also makes use of aerospace research instruments like satellites and long-distance communication technologies. In the commercial sector, cargo and commuter planes play an important role in global transportation. Aeronautical engineers can apply their specialized skills to improve air travel for standard passengers and optimize cargo transportation. New advancements in the field can lead to the expansion of aeronautical engineering and a higher demand for specialized employees.
6. Conceptual and practical work
Aeronautical engineering involves a combination of mathematical calculations, theoretical research and hands-on labor. During the theoretical conceptualization stage, engineers research material, mechanical and physical components to develop schematics for new technologies. They construct prototypes and then test their functionality. At the testing stage, they determine whether the design works effectively for its intended purpose. This combination of theoretical and practical work can be an engaging opportunity for those who enjoy both creating theoretical designs and using their knowledge for practical applications.
7. Flexibility
Aeronautical engineering encompasses several areas of specialty, such as aircraft and space guidance control, space environment modeling, satellite technology, cryogenics and fluids management. Aeronautical engineers can also work for research centers or as corporate consultants. Those with experience as aeronautical engineers often have skills related to other fields of engineering like materials, electrical, computer or mechanical engineering. They may also have data engineering and analysis skills that they can apply in diverse industries. These skills allow aerospace engineers the flexibility to change careers easily.
Aerospace engineers often have opportunities to advance their careers within the field. For example, many start their careers as entry-level engineering associates. They may become mid-level managers by advancing into a team leader position and then become department supervisors. Some advance their careers by becoming laboratory managers or consultants for government agencies or private companies.
Here are four cons of being an aeronautical engineer, with some considerations for how to overcome these disadvantages:
1. Stress
Aeronautical engineering can be a stressful career. It involves the careful review of technical documents and safety standards. Engineers may draft their own reports, which can take time and careful attention to complete accurately. They often need to meet challenging deadlines, and their work has significant safety implications for those who rely on their creations for safe transportation. Practicing good stress-management skills can help aeronautical engineers overcome challenges, prevent burnout and improve overall wellness. For example, they can use stress-reduction strategies like taking breaks throughout the workday, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and enjoying time with friends and family.
2. Work-life balance
Depending on the project or the place of employment, some aeronautical engineers may work more than 40 hours a week. Those in senior positions, like project management, may work longer hours than those in mid-level positions. Since many aeronautical engineers need to achieve strict deadlines to meet project goals, they may occasionally work overtime. It's important for professionals in this field to prioritize their work-life balance. When engineers balance their professional lives with their personal lives, it can reduce stress, limit burnout and improve their health and well-being.
To achieve a healthy work-life balance, consider your personal needs and how you can best manage your time to meet them. For example, using a productivity application can help you better manage your time at work so you can more easily meet your deadlines. Prioritizing your health and wellness outside of work hours can help you arrive at work feeling prepared. For example, taking part in an exercise class, getting enough rest and eating well can help you feel better, which may improve your ability to complete your work.
Related: Top Careers in Aerospace Engineering
3. Educational investment
Becoming an aeronautical engineer takes many years of dedicated studying and training. To become an engineer, most professionals begin by earning a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering or a related field, like mechanical engineering. While not always required, many engineers choose to pursue a master's degree in aeronautical engineering. A master's degree takes two years on average to complete. It equips students with more specialized knowledge in the field of aeronautical engineering, which may qualify them for more mid-level positions than a bachelor's degree alone. Some pursue doctorate degrees, which gives them the skills needed to design independent research projects.
Beginning or advancing a career in aeronautical engineering requires time and financial resources because of the educational expectations. Planning your career path to ensure you have the resources to invest in your education can help you feel prepared to meet these requirements. Recognizing your passion for aeronautical engineering can help you stay motivated through school. Since engineering programs are often challenging, staying focused on your goals can help you overcome difficulties.
4. Extensive computer work
Often, aeronautical engineers spend a significant amount of their workday using a computer. They use computers to conduct research, draft schematics, collect and analyze data and write technical reports. Some professionals may find it difficult to sit or stay focused when working on a computer for long periods of time, so it's important for aeronautical engineers to take breaks throughout the day. Going for a short walk, doing some light stretching and taking lunch breaks away from their desk can help engineers stay active throughout the day. Breaks can also improve focus upon returning to work.