Career plans, better areas to be working in for spaceflight/aeronautics?

[ehilge]

Hey all, so I'm a second year mechanical engineering undergrad and I've been starting to really look into what my career options are. I've always imagined myself working in the spaceflight/aeronautics industry and have made this somewhat of a goal of mine throughout university, however, I'm not necessarily bound and determined by it. Also, I'm certainly more interested in the research and design side of things as opposed to management if that changes anything. Anyway, because of my interests, I have always thought that I'd like to work for a government organization like NASA or one of the military branches, or a large company like Boeing or Lockheed Martin. But I am curious as to what the drawbacks are to working for organizations like these. Because of their large size, is it easy to get bogged down in paperwork and other menial tasks? I realize that I'll probably have to pay my dues, so to speak, before getting on something really interesting wherever I go, but with some organizations is it possible to just never get out of that stage? If so, or even if not, what are some other options I could be considering that still work in the spaceflight/aeronautics field, but maybe not with such a high profile organization? What are differences between the government jobs and the other large organizations? And where have you worked, what have you thought of it? Anything in particular I should look out for?
Thanks!

 

[kote]

Hey all, so I'm a second year mechanical engineering undergrad and I've been starting to really look into what my career options are. I've always imagined myself working in the spaceflight/aeronautics industry and have made this somewhat of a goal of mine throughout university, however, I'm not necessarily bound and determined by it. Also, I'm certainly more interested in the research and design side of things as opposed to management if that changes anything. Anyway, because of my interests, I have always thought that I'd like to work for a government organization like NASA or one of the military branches, or a large company like Boeing or Lockheed Martin. But I am curious as to what the drawbacks are to working for organizations like these. Because of their large size, is it easy to get bogged down in paperwork and other menial tasks? I realize that I'll probably have to pay my dues, so to speak, before getting on something really interesting wherever I go, but with some organizations is it possible to just never get out of that stage? If so, or even if not, what are some other options I could be considering that still work in the spaceflight/aeronautics field, but maybe not with such a high profile organization? What are differences between the government jobs and the other large organizations? And where have you worked, what have you thought of it? Anything in particular I should look out for?
Thanks!

Look for technical rotational programs. Most companies have them. See http://www.ge.com/careers/students/eedp/index.html for an example. Large companies also look for interns early. Apply to internships now for next year. Seriously. GE has an "Early Identification" program for getting interns as early as freshman year. We then hire 80% or more of our leadership program members from the intern pool, and we basically require internship experience for all new hires. Get to career services and put together a resume. Contact alumni at companies you'd like to work for after practicing your approach with career services.

You will probably also want to look at graduate school. I recommend applying to grad schools and jobs simultaneously. Definitely go for internships either way. Also, when you are eventually looking at actual jobs and not just internships, contact people at the company and see where they recommend you try to start. There may be some program you don't know about and recruiters often recruit for their own department and won't refer you anywhere. There is no reason you shouldn't be doing something that you find interesting at a larger company unless engineering itself just bores you.

 

[charng]

I can say that the spaceflight/aeronautics industry offers a variety of career options for individuals with a mechanical engineering background. It is great to hear that you have a clear goal in mind and are considering various options within the industry.

Working for government organizations like NASA or military branches can provide many benefits such as job security, access to cutting-edge technology and resources, and opportunities for research and development. However, as you mentioned, there may be some drawbacks such as bureaucratic processes and potentially slower decision-making. It is important to do your research and understand the culture and work environment of the specific organization you are interested in.

Large companies like Boeing or Lockheed Martin also offer exciting opportunities in the spaceflight/aeronautics field. These companies often have a faster-paced work environment and may offer more opportunities for hands-on design and development work. However, they may also have a more competitive work culture and a focus on meeting strict deadlines and budgets.

There are also smaller companies and startups in the spaceflight/aeronautics industry that may offer more flexibility and opportunities for creativity and innovation. These companies may have a smaller team and a more dynamic work environment, but may also have a higher risk of failure.

Ultimately, it is important to consider your personal interests and goals when deciding on a career path. It may be helpful to network with professionals in the industry and gain insights into their experiences and the work culture of different organizations. Additionally, internships or co-op opportunities can provide valuable hands-on experience and help you determine which type of organization may be the best fit for you.

In terms of differences between government jobs and other large organizations, it ultimately depends on the specific organization and the job role. Government jobs may involve more bureaucracy and strict regulations, while large companies may have a more fast-paced and competitive environment.

Personally, I have worked for a government research organization and a smaller startup in the spaceflight/aeronautics field. Both experiences have been valuable in different ways. My government job provided access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, as well as opportunities for collaboration with other researchers. My experience at the startup allowed me to be involved in various aspects of the design and development process and gave me a sense of ownership over my work.

In conclusion, there are many options available within the spaceflight/aeronautics industry, and it is important to carefully consider your interests and goals when choosing a career path. Be open to exploring different opportunities and organizations to find the