Engineering Aerospace Engineering and propulsion

[Ad-Astra]

Hello
In a few weeks I'll have to chose which degree and University to attend (I am an undergraduate). I was thinking about aerospace engineering, though I haven't really made up my mind yet. At first I wanted to take astrophysics, but once I understood that eventually I would have ended up teaching I changed my mind. I chose Aerospace Eng because it's still related to space, but with an higher chance of finding a job. At this point I asked myself what I wanted to do in this field, and I thought about propulsion, since my greatest dream would be making the distance between men and stars a little bit shorter (I know it's foolish and nearly impossible). I'd like especially to design propulsion systems, and I'd also like to make research in the field. What I wanted to know is:
Is taking an undergraduate degree in Aerospace Eng the right choice? Or should I take Mechanical engineering?
(I was thinking about a bachelor degree in Aerospace Eng. at the University of Delft, Holland)
Please note that in Holland you must have a bachelor degree in order to undertake a master)
Thank you in advance for your replies

 

[Apophenia]

Hey
I can give you some information specific to my experience which may or may not be indicative of the majority of people who go for aerospace engineering. I graduated December 2011 with my bachelors in AE and a "focus" on propulsion. The "focus" constituted my choice of graduate-level electric and chemical propulsion electives during my senior year.

First, on the positive side: I think AE was an interesting subject, and for me personally, it turned out to be more interesting than mechanical engineering which I originally intended to go into. If you really love it, do it.

Negative: I can NOT find a job now that I graduated. I was an average student graduating with a 3.2 overall and 3.66 my senior year. I do not have any experience however. Do not let this alone scare you from committing though and talk to other people. I'm also from the states so I'm not sure the status of job availability in EU.

If you do intend on going into aerospace I would say give it everything you got and come out on the top of your class. Also, it's probably a good idea to get your master degree and make sure you do INTERNSHIPS.

Mechanical definitely has more job opportunities. Another thing is that it is not uncommon for people to get a bachelors in mechanical and continue from that with a masters in aerospace...or the reverse perhaps.

I hope that helps
Good luck