Rahel Added Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 10:33 PM Advice and recommendations for a high school student interested in aerospace. Hi, I'm currently a sophomore in high school with a dream to become an aerospace engineer. What tips/advice would you give me and what activities/classes in school would you recommend I look out for? Answers 1 Danielle Hilliard, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab Answered 4 hours and 56 minutes AGO Hello I was interested in my field when I was in high school- so this is a fantastic question! What has helped my 3 decade career as an Aerospace engineering professional started with those foundations. I built a really strong math aptitude even though ...
Maggie Added Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 1:23 AM What classes do you have to take to do what you do What classes do you have to take to be an aerospace engineer? What are some specific aerospace classes? Answers 1 Janelle Wellons, ispace Answered Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 5:55 AM Hello Maggie, I actually created a blog post on my website that answers this exact question! I had to take a diverse set of classes to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering. I took everything from Biology to Control Systems and even ...
Dawn asked Janelle Wellons, ispace Added Monday, December 8, 2025 at 4:54 PM How hard is it to design things? How hard is it to design things for space, and how do you learn to do it? Answers 1 Janelle Wellons, ispace Answered Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 5:31 AM The process of designing a spacecraft (or anything new really) can feel larger than life so it can feel impossible to know where or how to start. And with spacecraft, you must be able to ensure that it can survive the harsh and unforgiving environment of ...
K Added Monday, March 3, 2025 at 12:26 PM I'd really like to go into engineering but I'm bad at maths. Is there anything I can do? To take engineering in university, I need to take A level maths but that isn't even a choice for me. I'm doing foundation maths meaning that the highest grade I can get is a 5 (9 is the highest but that's for a higher paper and I need at least a 7 for A level maths) but I'm so bad at maths I'm barely passing but I really want to do engineering. I'm looking at aerospace and pharmaceutical engineering. Is it possible to do engineering? Answers 1 Moyra J. McDill, Carleton University Answered Monday, March 10, 2025 at 7:59 AM Engineers are problem solvers. This is a very good problem for you to solve on your way to becoming an engineer. First, how are you doing with other courses such as physics or chemistry? A-levels, or their equivalent, in these subjects and some others ...
Brooke Menne Added Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 11:51 AM Can I still be an aerospace engineer with a mechanical engineering degree? I got rejected from only aero university in MN after previously pursing an aerospace degree elsewhere. Am I able to pursue the same dreams I had as an aerospace engineer if I do a mechanical degree? Answers 1 Kim de Groh, NASA Glenn Research Center Answered Friday, January 10, 2025 at 11:22 AM Hi Brooke, I can not answer your specific question, but I can let you know that I have a BS & MS in materials science and I work at NASA Glenn Research Center flying spaceflight experiments and studying the durability of spacecraft materials in the space ...
Ash Added Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 1:14 PM Will having a C in Pre-Calc affect me if I want to continue majoring in engineering? I have taken 2 math classes in college. I have a B in Trig. and I think I am getting a C in Pre-Calc. I am wondering if getting a C will affect me if I want to continue majoring in engineering, especially aerospace engineering. I know I will do my best to get better grades in the next math classes, but I am not sure if I should continue or give up. Should I continue majoring in engineering or no? Answers 1 Kerri Phillips, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory Answered Monday, January 6, 2025 at 2:39 PM If you are passionate about engineering, then I wouldn't let a stumble in a class deter you from pursuing your dream of being an engineer. I know plenty of engineers who have received a C in a class and continued on to be highly successful in their ...
Halima Added Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 2:54 PM How do I get into project management from engineering? I am interested in studying aerospace engineering in uni but after that i want to go into project management, so i was wondering how you got into it? and any advice on how to go about it. thank you Answers 1 Jenni Glauser Answered Monday, September 16, 2024 at 2:16 PM There are many different ways to get into project management. Many companies that hire you will have a path and training within the company to help you on that path. Another option is to get an MBA, but I would get at least 2 years of experience before ...
Annabel Added Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 5:13 PM How would I know if engineering is the right subject for me? Answers 1 Tamara Floyd-Smith, West Virginia University Institute of Technology Answered Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 10:38 AM In my opinion, engineering is the right subject for someone when there is either aptitude or interest. It goes without saying that someone with both aptitude and interest would do well in the profession. Many of my cis-female, engineering friends were ...
Linda Karas Added Sunday, January 29, 2023 at 7:20 PM Will I still be able to find employment after graduating in my mid-50s? Hello, I'm 48, I've been a SAHM mom for 16 years, and I never completed college. I am currently enrolled in community college for an associates in mechanical engineering with plans to earn my BS at the university level. I will be in my mid 50s (my brain withstanding), and I am wondering if doing all of this will, given my age, keep me in the running for employment (space industry is my goal)? I haven't been able to find the support for my unique non-traditional student status, so I'm hoping ... Answers 1 Jamie Krakover, The Boeing Company Answered Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at 3:28 PM I think you can absolutely find career opportunities after you graduate. STEM fields in general have an incredible need for talent and companies hire thousands upon millions of new grad each year. I know it's hard when you don't fit the typical vision of ...
Angel Added Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 2:41 AM Can I study mechanic engineering and then continue in aerospace ? Basically I can't afford a private school and all the free public schools in my city don't offer aerospace. I planned on getting my associates in mechanical engineering since it was free, save up more money then study aerospace engineering. I just don't want to waste my time, so is this plan possible or will I end up in school for more years ? Answers 1 Anne Spence, Baylor University Answered Sunday, January 29, 2023 at 5:29 PM You can absolutely study Mechanical Engineering (ME) and then continue in Aerospace Engineering (AE). Take advantage of any AE electives in the ME program and try to find an internship w/ a company in the aerospace industry. MEs are frequently hired by ...
Rosanna asked Felicia Guerrero Green, Collins Aerospace Added Thursday, April 1, 2021 at 10:15 PM I'm interested in getting an engineering degree but I'm not sure where to start ??? how did you figure it out? I'm interested in getting an engineering degree but I'm not sure where to start ??? how did you figure it out? I've been an automotive technician/mechanic for years and am looking to go back to school for engineering. I have always loved science and fixing and building things. Not sure which direction to go in. Answers 1 Felicia Guerrero Green, Collins Aerospace Answered Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 5:26 PM Hi Rosanna! Thanks for the question! Figuring it out is what engineers are trained to do. We are problem solvers. Being that you are an automotive tech/mechanic, it sounds like you will have a lot of the foundation of tearing a problem down to is basic ...
Jazmyn asked Erin Cvrkel Added Sunday, April 10, 2022 at 5:41 PM How do I tell if I'm into engineering? I just came here to check out this web site because it looked cool. Answers 1 Erin Cvrkel Answered Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at 11:22 AM Hi Jazmyn, Thanks for your question. My initial reaction is “How could ANYONE NOT love engineering?” I know that I’m biased, so I sat down and considered the question for a while. When we talk about the things that we feel strongly about, those people ...
Rahul raj asked Moyra J. McDill, Carleton University Added Monday, September 13, 2021 at 2:40 PM I am really interested in engineering, Should I study engineering? I am okay with basic physics and mathematics in high school but I am very bad at competition level questions. Answers 1 Moyra J. McDill, Carleton University Answered Friday, December 17, 2021 at 11:35 AM Dear Rahul, In the study of engineering, you will be introduced to the subjects needed for your discipline and part of that training will include learning methods for problem solving. So while questions or exams might feel competitive or even be labeled ...
Holly Engle asked Kelly Reid, Collins Aerospace Added Monday, November 16, 2020 at 11:54 AM How important is the university attended future employers? For example, a school ranked 11th in the nation vs a school ranked 75th in the nation for their engineering programs. I'm a returning student and have applied to several schools. I am trying to determine which school will be the best option in terms of future employment. For example, UT Austin ranks 11th and Univ. of Central FL ranks 75th in the nation for their engineering programs. Will one school give me an edge of over the other when it comes to future employers? Or in the end, is ... Answers 1 Kelly Reid, Collins Aerospace Answered Thursday, August 19, 2021 at 2:17 PM Obtaining your degree is the most important thing! Both schools are great and when making your decisions, you should consider other factors. Do both programs have ABET accredited programs? Which offers you access to a better network, club involvement, ...
Julija asked Karina M., VIRGIN GALACTIC Added Sunday, December 20, 2020 at 9:22 AM Do aerospace engineers have trouble finding jobs? Im working on a presentation so an answer would be amazing.Thank you in advance. Answers 1 Karina M., VIRGIN GALACTIC Answered Monday, July 19, 2021 at 8:51 PM Hi Julija, thank you for reaching out with such a GREAT question! As the aerospace field continues to grow, more companies are starting to open positions for not only experienced engineers, but also with the initiatives to bring on interns and new ...
Syed Aamir asked Megan Harrington, Blue Origin Added Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at 11:37 AM Can I work in aircraft maintenance with a degree in mechanical engineering? Hey Megan, hope you're doin great, I was wondering if I complete my bachelors in mechanical engineering would I be able to become an Aircraft Engineer and work in the aircraft maintenance field Answers 1 Megan Harrington, Blue Origin Answered Sunday, November 15, 2020 at 4:37 PM Hi Syed, You certainly can. I know a few folks at Boeing that are mechanical engineers and they support onsite tech support, troubleshoot problems, and get to work with aircraft hardware. Check out the opportunities for some aircraft companies! Hope ...
Alex asked Megan Harrington, Blue Origin Added Monday, July 15, 2019 at 11:57 PM Will getting an aerospace engineering degree limit my job options? Hi! I was wondering if only taking a degree in aerospace would limit my job options than if I just took mechanical engineering. It seems like they have more options and flexibility in where to work? I want to enter a field where there are a lot of job opportunities and I really really want to work in aerospace however mechanical seems to have more options. Could you please give me some advice? Answers 1 Megan Harrington, Blue Origin Answered Sunday, November 15, 2020 at 4:34 PM Hi Alex, Overall, there are more opportunities for mechanical in the engineering industry since it's a broader field of engineering. You don't need to have an aerospace engineering degree to go into the aero industry - I'm a ME in aero :) I view ...
Sabri Reda asked Emily Flaherty-Woods, Collins Aerospace Added Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 6:10 PM Are there not enough jobs for aeronautic engineers? Hello, I'm 15 and I have an important question for my future career: Are there some chances to be unemployed after a diploma as aeronautic engineering cause I heard that it's a closed circuit. When I say closed circuit I mean that there are not many companies that needs aeronautic engineers, and also if it's gonna be difficult to find a post. Thank you Answers 1 Emily Flaherty-Woods, Collins Aerospace Answered Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at 4:01 PM Hi - Great question! I wouldn't worry too much about finding a job if you pursue a career in aerospace engineering - the industry is always looking for passionate engineers and leaders. Historically, the Aerospace & Defense (A&D) industry has provided ...
Amari Epkins asked Lauren Olsen, Collins Aerospace Added Sunday, July 5, 2020 at 1:18 PM Can I be an engineer/astronaut even though I'm not good at math? Answers 1 Lauren Olsen, Collins Aerospace Answered Thursday, August 13, 2020 at 2:19 PM I think engineers have access to so many fancy mathematical tools to use to do their job. To that end, you don't have to be naturally good at math on order to succeed at being an engineer. You have to understand math well enough to know if your answers ...
Isabella Gonzalez asked Debra Long, Collins Aerospace Added Thursday, July 9, 2020 at 4:22 PM Should I go for mechanical engineering then aero, or go aerospace all the way? I am trying to figure out whether it would be smarter to get a BS in Aerospace or Mechanical engineering, and then go on to a Masters in aerospace. Which would you suggest? I am entering my senior year of high school and am really passionate about one day working for either SpaceX/NASA or the like. I have not taken a jumpstart on engineering or tech classes since I have only recently became sure of my desired major, but have long been a lover of space. Now that it is time for me to ... Answers 1 Debra Long, Collins Aerospace Answered Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at 8:02 AM I would highly suggest going straight for you BS in Aerospace! That's what I did. I actually got my BS in Aerospace and then my Master's in Mechanical. The BS in Aerospace really exposed me to all of the aspects of aerospace engineering that are out ...