Imagine being able to develop airplanes and then test them. As an aerospace engineer, you can hold the incredible power of developing airplanes for major entities like the military. When you are an aerospace engineer, you also have the fun task of flying your own designs out into the world. It is a smart idea to choose this profession, as the profession is expected to grow in the next few decades. More aeronautical companies are going to want to refine their flight technologies. As an aerospace engineer, you can play an important role in assisting in the refinement of airplanes. Maybe you have wondered, “How do I become an aerospace engineer?” When you want to become an aerospace engineer, it is essential to gain as many connections as possible in order to break into the field.
What’s it like to be an aerospace engineer?
When you become an aerospace engineer, you will be charged with the task of creating designs for airplanes. You may have to be the one who actually draws up sketches of airplanes. You may also need to solve complex math equations in order to determine whether a plane will be safe for flying in the air. An aerospace engineer can face incredible pressure if he or she needs to design a fleet of airplanes by a certain date. It is also essential for an aerospace engineer to research all of the safety standards that govern the creation of airplanes. An aerospace engineer will need to make sure that he or she creates an airplane that adheres to safety regulations. One should enjoy working in an independent manner if he or she chooses to become an aerospace engineer.
Education Requirements
An aerospace engineer will need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in the field of engineering if he or she plans to succeed in this field. Companies will expect an individual to also have a specialization in the field of aeronautical engineering. One should be sure to attend a college that offers a specific program for aerospace engineers. If a college does not offer a specific program for aerospace engineers, then one may want to see whether there are courses that are offered in this field of study. In addition, one should try to take courses in the fields of mathematics and science. Taking courses in these fields will help a person develop the analytical abilities that will help him or her succeed as an aerospace engineer. One may even want to take a course in drawing in order to learn how to create precise sketches of airplanes.
Salary & How to Get a Job
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of an aerospace engineer is about $100,000 a year. One can earn a very competitive salary when he or she becomes an aerospace engineer. If one wants to obtain a job as an aerospace engineer, then he or she should move to a state where they are typically hired. California is currently the leading state for hiring aerospace engineers. Over 19,000 engineers are currently employed in the state of California. Texas is also a popular state for the hiring of aerospace engineers. Networking with other established engineers may also provide leads for this industry.
References:
1. http://www.ehow.com/how_2071013_become-aerospace-engineer.html
2. http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes172011.htm