Aeronautical Engineering: Physics Degree to Aero Career?

[Series]

I've just finished the first year of my physics degree at Imperial College London and I'm having doubts about carrying on with physics. From what I have read on here, it seems pretty difficult to go from physics to engineering and I am seriously considering aeronautical engineering as a career choice.

Being an aeronautical engineer has always appealed to me but I chose physics instead because that's what I enjoyed the most and I was always told that you are very employable if you go into physics. But, I don't want to go into finance nor do I want to teach, and these are where most of the graduates go, no?Would it be possible to break into Aero from physics by doing a masters in Aero? Like in Fluids or something?

Roughly speaking, how much of a big advantage does someone with an aero degree have over me if I do a masters in aero?

 

[R.Mesri]

It is definitely possible to break into aero from a physics background by doing a masters in aero. Depending on the field of aeronautical engineering you are interested in, there are many specialized courses that you can take to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the field. For example, if you want to work in aerodynamics, you can take a course in aero-fluids or aerodynamic design. Generally speaking, those with an aeronautical engineering degree will have a bit of an advantage over those coming from a physics background, as the former will have already acquired some of the technical knowledge and skills required for the job. However, this is not to say that someone with a physics background cannot catch up and acquire the same level of expertise - it may just take a bit longer.