Prior military thinking of physics/engineering degree

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the transition from military service to pursuing a degree in aerospace engineering, with a focus on the relevance of prior experience in avionics and the potential career paths available. Participants explore the day-to-day responsibilities of aerospace engineers, the value of military experience in academic pursuits, and considerations regarding educational institutions and job market demand.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster expresses a desire to understand what aerospace engineers do on a daily basis and how their military experience as an avionics technician might relate to this field.
  • Some participants suggest that aerospace engineers are involved in designing, testing, and maintaining objects affected by wind resistance, such as aircraft and vehicles, and may frequently use CAD software.
  • One participant notes that prior technician experience could be beneficial in grasping the concepts of aerospace engineering, while also cautioning that some military training may need to be adjusted for academic contexts.
  • The original poster inquires about reputable aerospace engineering programs and the financial aspects, including the use of the GI Bill and grants available to veterans.
  • Concerns about job market demand for aerospace degrees are raised, with the original poster emphasizing the importance of balancing passion with practical considerations for employment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that military experience can be advantageous for pursuing an aerospace engineering degree, but there is no consensus on specific job responsibilities or the best educational pathways. The discussion remains open regarding the job market demand and the impact of military training on academic success.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with aerospace engineering roles and educational institutions, which may affect the completeness of the information shared. There are also differing opinions on the relevance of military training to academic learning.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals transitioning from military service to civilian careers in engineering, particularly those interested in aerospace, as well as veterans seeking educational opportunities and insights into the job market.

AKing2713
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So, about 3 years ago I was on these forums getting an idea of what I wanted to do after I got out of the military. My how time flys because my military service is almost up as I have a little more than a year left.

My job in the Air Force is an avionics tech on fighter jets. I love my job minus the red tape(that needs to be there) due to the lives at risk. I like getting my hands dirty but I also like to learn how the stuff actually works and the physics/science behind the component that I am working on. I guess my views on what I want to do has changed a bit compared to when I first joined the air force but I still have a love for physics and space. So instead of going for a straight up physics degree or astronomy degree I was leaning more towards an aerospace engineering degree but have a few questions. What does an aerospace engineer actually do on a day to day basis? I know this is a broad question but I am wondering how closely realted my current job in the military would be to something I might find with an aerospace degree. Also what colleges have good aerospace engineering programs? I hoping to find something that isn't to terribly expensive but I do have my GI bill to fall back on as well as A LOT of grants being prior military. Also how much of a demand does the market actually have for someone with an aerospace degree(I also currently have an associates in applied science of avionics due to my job)? I realize I should not pick a degree purely based on what the market has to offer but I am a realist at heart. I would rather being doing a job I sort of love and have food on the table than one that I truly love and be broke.

Thank you for all who are reading!
 
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Does anyone have any insight to any of my questions?
 
As far aerospace Engineerjng goes, they probably design, test and maintain all things that have wind resistance. Like the aerodynamics of a car or a plan. Probably a lot I work on CAD. I'm prior military too doing electrical Engineering and the gi bill is great! Good luck in yor future plans and thank you for your service.
 
I was a US Navy Electronics Tech ('69-'73), working on ship board radar repeaters (the display), who used the GI bill to get a degree in Physics.

Your technician experience would be a very big asset in getting a AE degree. You will have a lot of experience which should help grasp the concepts being presented.

Be careful though as some of the things the AF taught you may need to be tweaked. Do not be too much in love with anything you think you know.
 

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