Additional Information
You can prepare yourself for an engineering degree while you're still in
high school. Anything related to physics, electronics or computers is helpful.
Your next step is university. Attend one that offers a degree in aerospace
engineering or aeronautics engineering. Some schools offer aerospace as a
subspecialty within mechanical, industrial or systems engineering programs.
Aerospace engineering involves the study of fluid mechanics (air flow),
structures, vehicle performance and propulsion systems. Your role will be
to integrate structure, fluid mechanics, propulsion and controls.
If this doesn't appeal to you, but you still want to work in the aerospace
industry, consider electrical engineering. Many people who work in aerospace
have an electrical engineering background because of all the electronic components
in satellites and airplanes.
Another option is to go into mechanical engineering. This will lead you
to work on mechanical components, like the landing gear of airplanes or shuttles.
The best way to select your program is to decide what area of aerospace
most interests you. Are you a research and development person or would you
be more suited to design and manufacturing? Apply to the programs that most
closely match your dreams.
Most aerospace engineers have a four-year bachelor's degree in engineering.
Pursuing a master's degree or PhD can lead to additional opportunities, such
as being in charge of research teams.
"I think, in general, most [aerospace engineers] have bachelor degrees,
but more and more engineers are working towards their master's or have a master's
degree," says Wendy Toelle. She's a recruiter for UTC Aerospace Systems through
Kenexa.
"I would say most aerospace engineers would just have a bachelor's degree
in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering or electrical engineering,
and then they go on to work in the aerospace field," adds Shane Jacobs.
Jacobs earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. He then completed
a master's degree and a PhD in aerospace engineering. He now leads a team
of engineers at a private aerospace company.
"I was lucky enough and fortunate enough to be able to do my PhD...." says
Jacobs. "I wanted to delve kind of deeper into the research side of things
and ... get deeper exposure into aerospace -- the nuts and bolts of it."