Getting a job in aerospace engineering means that you will be at the forefront of modern technology, responsible for the design, innovation and production of man’s greatest achievement, air travel. This exciting and adventurous area of work is widely varied and you must possess a unique set of skills in order to have a successful career in the aerospace industry. Deciding as early as possible that you would like to work in this particular industry is vital as this will help you decide which educational steps you need to take in order to meet the requirements.
Some of the best engineers in the World come from the aerospace industry or have moved there from other areas of engineering like Anura Perera Raycom’s chairman who worked in construction and ship building before starting his aerospace engineering firm. Starting your own firm isn’t likely to come until later down the line so here are some tips on how to get a job in aerospace engineering.
Skills That You Will Need
Aerospace is an incredibly challenging and high pressure environment, in order to have what it takes to work in this industry there are certain attributes that you must possess. You will need to have an analytical way of looking at things, a responsible attitude, patience, vision and quick thinking. You can expect to work long hours in this job and you will have to strict when it comes to deadlines. The ability to take on different roles within a team situation is very important in this field of engineering, many of the projects that you will undertake will require a strong team that you must play a key part of.
Education
As with most forms of engineering you will need to possess a very good ability in maths and science in order to take on this type of career. The minimum requirement for the large majority of aerospace engineering jobs is a Bachelor’s Degree although many prefer a Masters with a specialization. Expect to study for between 4 and 7 years after you have finished high school before looking to a job in aerospace engineering.
Specializations
As you progress through your studies you will begin to make decisions around what specialist field within aerospace that you wish to go into. You can elect to be something of a jack of all trades but the more skilled you become in a certain specialization, the more likely you are of getting a job within that field. Some specialist areas you could chose are as follows:
▪ Thermal power by research
▪ Satellite engineering
▪ Software techniques
▪ Air transport management
▪ Aviation safety
▪ Wireless, photonics and space engineering.
Rewards
Aside from having the opportunity to work with some of the most modern technology in the
World you will be paid very well in this branch of engineering. Once you get into the
aerospace industry there is plenty of career prospects for you if you are looking to climb
your way up and it can be very easy to take on other positions within aerospace should
you wish to change your specialization or work for another company.
