Study aerospace technology in univ (civil engineering)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the prospects of pursuing a degree in aerospace technology within civil engineering, particularly focusing on employment opportunities with companies like NASA and SpaceX, as well as alternative career paths in academia and the aerospace industry.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the low chances of working with space exploration companies and questions the value of the degree if not employed in that sector.
  • Another participant suggests that there are many companies involved in space work beyond NASA and SpaceX, indicating a broader range of opportunities in aerospace.
  • A participant clarifies that their degree focuses on technical physics and is inclined towards space, emphasizing a preference for working in space rather than on Earth-bound vehicles.
  • One contributor notes that while jobs focused solely on spacecraft may be more challenging to obtain, there are many roles that involve both aircraft and spacecraft, suggesting a more integrated approach to aerospace engineering.
  • A later reply prompts the original poster to consider specific areas of interest within spacecraft design, such as electronics or systems, indicating a need for clarity in their career aspirations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the likelihood of securing a job specifically in space exploration versus general aerospace roles, and the discussion reflects differing opinions on the scope of opportunities available in the field.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights uncertainties regarding the specific focus of the degree program and the definitions of aerospace versus space-related work, as well as the implications of pursuing a career in academia versus industry.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a degree in aerospace technology, those interested in career paths within the aerospace industry, and students exploring the implications of their educational choices in relation to space exploration.

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Hello everyone, I have a question regarding aerospace technology civil engineering.

What are the chances that you get to work with companies such as NASA and SpaceX? In case it is low, what do you do otherwise with the degree you have been working on?

I might want to pursue a degree in this particular field but I am worried about the odds of working with air planes, helicopters and basically everything not being associated with space exploration itself (constructing/designing space capsules for example).

If I don't get a job at NASA or any company like that, and I work in a university instead, what exactly am I going to work with? I don't like educating people so that is not an option for me.

TL:DR:

What are the odds of working with devices associated with space exploration (NOT airplanes and helicopters)? And what do you do if you're working in a university (research, educate?)? Should I pursue this career if I really want to work with space technology, or is the chances of me doing it simply too low?
 
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What exactly does your degree work with. I am assuming structural engineering with a concentration on aerospace.

You should be aware that many companies do space work other than just JPL and SpaceX.

Also why are you limiting yourself to only space and not general aerospace?
 
donpacino said:
What exactly does your degree work with. I am assuming structural engineering with a concentration on aerospace.

You should be aware that many companies do space work other than just JPL and SpaceX.

Also why are you limiting yourself to only space and not general aerospace?

Sorry, I am quite misinformed about this specific degree, aerospace is what I meant to say. It's about technical physics involving electro technics and the degree is more inclined towards the space itself, not sure how, they did not describe is absolute definition of it but I think that it is because of their coorporations with many space agencies.

Also I am talking about the start of the university, this is not a master program or anything like that, it's on a basic level. The reason why I am limiting myself to space is because I do not like working with vehicles suitable for this planet only, feels a bit too narrow. I prefer space itself.
 
sorry for the late response.
I work in the aerospace industry. While there are engineering locations that work primarily on space equipment, there are many more that work on equipment for both planes/helicopters and spacecraft . While it is possible to get a job working only on spacecraft , it may be slightly more difficult than getting a job in aerospace in general.

If you are passionate about working only on spacecraft I say you go for it.

What part of the spacecraft are you interested in designing, or are you not sure. Electronics, systems, structures, controls, communications, etc...
 
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