Countless engineers have worked hard to literally give flight to the technologies that drive the modern world.
But what does the job really entail?
What is the average day for an aerospace engineer?
We spoke with a veteran of the industry to learn what their work is really like.
If you’d like to share your career,email us at[email protected].
How did you go about getting your job?
What kind of education and experience did you need?
Instead of being discouraged, it sparked my interest to learn about those astronauts.
I ended up going toIowa State Universityand majoring in Aerospace Engineering!
My first year was difficult.
Engineering classes were a lot harder than high school and what I expected.
It was fascinating to start working on airplanes.
Did you need any licenses or certifications?
I do not have any licenses as an engineer.
I am a certifiedProgram Management Professional(PMP).
What sorts of things do you do beyond what the average person might expect?
What do you actually spend the majority of your time doing?
I actually spend the majority of my time thinking of ways to do things better.
What misconceptions do people often have about your job?
That I sit behind a computer all day and don’t talk to people.
That engineers are introverts and just want to be left alone.
What are your average work hours?
I have a ton of flexibility (I have two young daughters at home).
I do check email every night after the girls are in bed.
Some weeks are 40 hours and others may be a little more.
That is where the flexibility is nice.
What personal tips and shortcuts have made your job easier?
Be available when it’s possible for you to.
What do you do differently from your coworkers or peers in the same profession?
What do they do instead?
Other aerospace engineers might work on engines or space systems.
But all of us are working to solve problems.
What’s the worst part of the job and how do you deal with it?
Do you have any advice for people who need to enlist your services?
Be clear about the problem you need solved.
What’s an average starting salary in your line of work?
Average starting salaries are around $60k per year.
How do you move up in your field?
I have gained these skills with leadership positions with SWE and then used them in my professional job.
I am currently serving as SWE President.
What advice would you give to those aspiring to join your profession?
Engineers solve problems, period.
They think of new ideas and bring them to fruition.
For those aspiring to be engineers, build a community of support.
I am successful because of this web link.
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.
Image byOliver Tindall(Shutterstock).
