Computer Engineering to Aerospace: My Messy Situation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a participant's dilemma regarding their current study in computer engineering and their desire to pursue aerospace engineering. The conversation touches on the challenges of switching fields, the relevance of programming skills in aerospace, and personal experiences related to changing academic paths.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a lack of passion for computer engineering despite finding programming interesting, indicating a strong desire to pursue aerospace engineering instead.
  • Another participant reassures that the current classes may be beneficial for both fields and suggests that switching to aerospace could be a logical choice given the participant's passion.
  • A different contributor shares their personal experience of switching majors, emphasizing that motivation can help bridge the gap in required mathematics for aerospace studies.
  • Concerns are raised about the long list of courses required for aerospace engineering, with one participant stating that math does not intimidate them.
  • An aerospace engineer shares insights about the volatility of the aerospace industry and advises pursuing one's passion while cautioning against government positions due to management issues.
  • Another participant notes that while the aerospace industry employs computer engineers, their roles are typically focused on computing systems rather than the physical design of aircraft.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the individual has a stronger passion for aerospace than for computer engineering. However, there are differing opinions on the implications of switching fields and the challenges associated with the transition.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the complexity of aerospace mathematics and the extensive coursework involved, which may influence the decision to switch majors. The discussion reflects a range of personal experiences and perspectives on the relationship between computer engineering and aerospace engineering.

Aeronav
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I am in my semester in computer engineering iam doing Python now and never took programming before and i previously acquired a 1 year certification in computer networking, programming is interesting but so far, i have not found passion in it, i always wanted to do Aerospace, however; iam just starting Cal, so math will be taken in any case, i understand the complexity of aero math and dynamic classes and it will take longer than computer degree ;but, my passion to aerospace and moving parts is unique . anyway, for anyone who did or doing computer engineering or aerospace can you please give me your opinion to a messy situation like this one...lol, i believe computer and aerospace engineers are the ones to ask.

Thank you.
 
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Aeronav said:
I am in my semester in computer engineering iam doing Python now and never took programming before and i previously acquired a 1 year certification in computer networking, programming is interesting but so far, i have not found passion in it, i always wanted to do Aerospace, however; iam just starting Cal, so math will be taken in any case, i understand the complexity of aero math and dynamic classes and it will take longer than computer degree ;but, my passion to aerospace and moving parts is unique . anyway, for anyone who did or doing computer engineering or aerospace can you please give me your opinion to a messy situation like this one...lol, i believe computer and aerospace engineers are the ones to ask.

Thank you.
Hi Aeronav,
I'm first see your post, so first to say welcome to PF, you'll find people here that are specialist in this field that can give you any help you might need.
Read the guidelines and jump right in share what you know and ask about what you don't:)
 
That really doesn't sound like a messy situation. You seem to be early in the program still, so you haven't really wasted any time, and most likely most of your classes would be required for both fields of study anyway. Knowing how to program in python could be useful in aerospace, as well, so don't feel like that was a waste of time.
 
boneh, i didn't mean messy as wasted time, i mean the decision.
 
Well I don't see it being messy in any other way. You clearly have more passion for aerospace than you do for computer engineering, and you are early in the program. Switching sounds like a no-brainer to me.
 
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From a purely non-academic perspective, I changed degree subjects in my first year, and I do not regret it one bit.

I was studying architecture, and although I didn't hate it, I knew that I didn't really like it either. I switched to physics meaning a step up in the mathematics i'd need (like you), but if it's what you want, you should be able to find the motivation to bridge the gap.

Hopefully others can give you some specific engineering advice.

Best of luck.
 
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Thanks both, Math doesn't scare me because i'll get better over time, but the long list of courses of AE is my concern.
 
Aeronav said:
I am in my semester in computer engineering iam doing Python now and never took programming before and i previously acquired a 1 year certification in computer networking, programming is interesting but so far, i have not found passion in it, i always wanted to do Aerospace, however; iam just starting Cal, so math will be taken in any case, i understand the complexity of aero math and dynamic classes and it will take longer than computer degree ;but, my passion to aerospace and moving parts is unique . anyway, for anyone who did or doing computer engineering or aerospace can you please give me your opinion to a messy situation like this one...lol, i believe computer and aerospace engineers are the ones to ask.

Thank you.
I am an Aerospace Engineer for the gov and I love what I do but the field is volatile: up/down/up/down. I suppose all fields are that way but as this field is "sexy" I think its a little more volatile than most. I love the field and I get to go to work (I do research) and play and play and play (mostly with equations and ideas). I would only caution that you avoid working for the gov. It is poorly run, to say the least (all the insanity at the Veteran's Admin, NASA is no different). I do highly recommend going after your passion as that will get you where you want to be: happy!
 
the aerospace industry employs many computer engineers doing computer engineering. However they are not desinging the aircraft itself or working with the frame or control surfaces. Instead they design the computing systems inside the aircraft, such as active interceptors, flight control computers, actuator controllers, etc.
 

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