Is this the right career for me?

[asims33]

Like many before me, I stumbled across this forum searching for answers so here I am.

I tried searching the forums before posting so please forgive me if this type of question has been answered before.

I am 24 and a licensed Pilot. My entire life i have been geared towards going to the Airlines (or cargo) but something in Aviation. In the past few years my tune has somewhat changed and i now find myself wondering if that 20+ day a month out of town life will suit me when i have a family. Long story short the past few years have been spent working at one of my Father's businesses trying to decide what route i want to take: A) Take over the family business (non aviation) B) Continue on a path to the Airlines with no guarantee i will be happy with that.

I have always been a physics nerd and like so many engineers I spent my life taking things apart or trying to fix broken things, even at very young ages. My fiance (who is in vet school) suggested i tie my 2 passions together (physics and aviation) and go for aerospace engineering. While i have thought about this career multiple times i never sat down and gave it time until now, the past few months this has become a real option and i have become more and more interested as time goes on.

The big question is: Will i like the career after school?

I understand that this is a very very broad field and that Aerospace engineers can work on anything from cars to rockets but my question is more about the day to day work, the advancement opportunities and most of all... Real working professional opinions of their work, does it feed your passion, does it ever get old or mundane, do you regret it in any way?

Again i am sorry if this question gets asked a lot. I am not worried about the schooling or the math involved. I am very strong in math and learn quite well.

Any opinions are appreciated, thanks for your time!

Aaron Sims

 

[Aero51]

You'll do well. I knew a guy who was in a similar situation. Worked in the military on aircraft, was honorably discharged due to a medical problem, went to school for aeronautical engineering. His hands on experience was indispensable on our Design Build and Fly team and for any practical questions in general. He ended up doing quite well for himself after graduation.

On important note I would like to add: If possible get your degree in Mechanical Engineering with an Aero concentration or "Mechanical & Aeronautical" Engineering. Don't go pure Aero because you will not get a job...I am living proof. Ignore everyone who tells you otherwise.

Your biggest concern will probably be balancing family life and finances. Aerospace engineering is one of the most demanding majors you can take.

 

[asims33]

You'll do well. I knew a guy who was in a similar situation. Worked in the military on aircraft, was honorably discharged due to a medical problem, went to school for aeronautical engineering. His hands on experience was indispensable on our Design Build and Fly team and for any practical questions in general. He ended up doing quite well for himself after graduation.

On important note I would like to add: If possible get your degree in Mechanical Engineering with an Aero concentration or "Mechanical & Aeronautical" Engineering. Don't go pure Aero because you will not get a job...I am living proof. Ignore everyone who tells you otherwise.

Your biggest concern will probably be balancing family life and finances. Aerospace engineering is one of the most demanding majors you can take.

I appreciate the reply, are you currently working in the field or still looking for work?

Would perusing a PhD in this field be worth it?


Thanks again for the reply it was very helpful.

On a side note, where did you attend school?

Aaron

 

[Aero51]

Im in grad school now. After graduation I had a major life setback that changed everything.

You do not need grad work in Engineering to obtain employment, unless you want to do research work.


I went to undergrad at a great little school in NY: Clarkson University.