I am writing this blog for those who have a passion for spacecraft or aircraft. Aerospace engineering involves designing aircraft, spacecraft, and propulsion systems. Aerospace engineers can develop aircraft engines, can create blueprints & evaluate the aerodynamic efficiency of an aircraft to meet the necessary engineering & environmental standards, and customer demands.
Getting Right Education prior to Join a University
Aerospace technology needs for specialized scientific and mathematical expertise. You should have Chemistry, Physics, Geometry, Calculus, and Trigonometry in your high school & College to meet the admission requirements for this Bachelor’s degree program. You should acquire good marks & a high GPA to get into a top-class aerospace engineering University. Having knowledge of computer programming in high school can be also an advantage. A career in this field, you also need to have critical thinking ability & analytical skills because you will need practical & logical approaches to solve many complex issues of engineering. You also need good writing skills to document your work and designs.
Where is the work of an Aerospace Engineer?
Aerospace Engineer works with complex computer equipment and sophisticated computer applications in an office setting. You can also be employed in a manufacturing factory for construction and implementing a specific design, testing & troubleshooting aircraft engines, spacecraft. You will need to recognize issues with faulty or damaged products and find solutions to fix such devices.
Aerospace engineers can be trained in astronautical or aeronautical engineering. Astronautical engineers apply technology and science within and outside the earth’s atmosphere, while Aeronautical engineers research aerodynamic engineering, frameworks, mechanism, engines, and construction of aircraft.
Education requirements for International Students
This Bachelor’s program is usually 4 years at some universities. However, it could also take 5 years to complete both a bachelor’s and a master’s degrees at the same time. Most of these universities have accreditation by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology.
FOUR Years Bachelors – Requirements to have 12th-grade equivalent education with Science, Maths, and Physics. (HSC, A level, GED).
If you are truly committed to becoming an aerospace engineer, you should obtain a Master’s or Ph.D. in this field. You may need to apply for a Graduation record exam (GRE) before applying to a scholarship to grad school. Earning a graduate degree includes a study and an original thesis to be completed.
TWO years Masters– Requirements to have 4 years Bachelor in Aerospace / Aeronautical / Mechanical equivalent education.
THREE to FOUR years Ph.D. – Requirements to have masters in Aerospace / Aeronautical / mechanical equivalent education.
Gaining Experience in the Field
Some universities and colleges offer students internships. These programs couple you with prominent professionals of the aerospace engineering industry to enable you to acquire practical experience and knowledge while you complete your studies. You may also have valuable experience as an aerospace engineer if you can become an apprentice in a prominent field of work like NASA, AIAA, SPACEX, BOEING, WOODWARD, LOCKHEED MARTIN, BALL AEROSPACE & TECHNOLOGY CORP., etc. You might find it easier to become an aerospace engineering technician. Think of being a technician to acquire valuable experience and to establish connections in the sector. You can also gain experience working from a manufacturing company providing technical expertise, troubleshooting, development, and implementation.
What Is the Average Salary for Aerospace Engineers?
Aerospace engineers earn $102,720 per annual income on average. The lowest 10% makes approximately $65,450, while the highest 10% receives about $149,120. Keep in mind that many Aerospace Engineers work for manufacturers of aerospace components, with smaller numbers working for private research institutions and engineering firms. Aerospace Engineers’ demand for jobs is also expected to rise by 7 percent over the next 10 years.
There is a lot more to know about aerospace engineering. I highly suggest every student research more reading articles & watching youtube videos from experts about career aspects if you want to pursue this career.
AUTHOR
Capt. Anwar Parvez