Looking for my Future Career in Aerospace, I am facing a Dilemma.

[Brystar41]

Howdy everybody my name is Bryant, i just recently joined this group because i am having a huge dilemma in my life. Plus this is my first post for the forum please forgive me about this.

You see i am almost done with my Bachelor's Degree as BAS Supervision and Management at Miami Dade College but i want to go into the Aerospace (Air and Space) Industry. And i am not sure where should i go exactly for this.

Should i become a Aerospace Historian or an Aerospace Engineering, Flight Director, etc, thats the thing its so vast and i am not sure exactly. Or maybe become a Professor in Aerospace? You see i am very passionate about Aerospace, i am learning of alot of different subjects with Aerospace (Air and Space). But i am struggling with this and i want to be a part of Air and Space, i feel i am a bird and i want to fly but i cannot.

I am also an Aviator but i have to put that on hold because things got super expensive for me to continue, but i am an Aviator in Spirit and i love everything of Aerospace (Air and Space), Aeronautics, Astronautics, Astronomy, Meteorology, Aircrafts, Spacecrafts, Rockets, Airports, Spaceports, Aerodynamics, Flight, Aerospace (Air and Space) History, etc. I love all these and i love to learn about all this, and i want to continue flying and i want to go for my goals in my life, go for the American Dream, etc. I want to do something amazing and incredible in my life that i am learning and enjoying my life doing things i love.

I also have taken Aviation Courses in College and i am part of the Aviation Department at MDC, its what also fueled me into Aerospace (Air and Space) and also My passion since i was a kid. But the thing is i don't have experience in Aerospace at all, even though i am passionate, i currently work in Retail but i want to do something greater. I feel like i want to be able to fly into Space as well, as an Astronaut.

But the thing is that i don't know where exactly to go towards, Should i attend Embry-Riddle i feel a great pride that if i do join Embry-Riddle i would be able to go to NASA.

Anyways please forgive me everyone about this, you see i love Aerospace (Air and Space) but i am not sure where exactly i should go i know its tend to focus on a specialty but I Love everything about this Industry. Please i need some recommendations on where i could possibly go since i am finishing off my Bachelor's Degree.

[tyrred]

First recommendation: I

You are more than i

[Brystar41]

True I understand that but please i need recommendations i am very serious about this.

[RonM]

You need to narrow down your choices. Academic, engineering, management, etc. It will be easier to pursue your dream once you know what it is. That's a personal decision.

Once you know what you want I'm sure you will get good recommendations from people here that are in the industry.

If you really want to be an astronaut, look at the education and training astronauts have. Advanced STEM degrees for civilians and of course military pilots.

Maybe a degree in aerospace engineering at Embry-Riddle would be a good path to a job at NASA. Anyone else out there in NSF land have any thoughts on this?

First recommendation: I

You are more than i

Good bit of motivation and also good writing advice. While maybe okay on a forum, never do that "i" thing in professional writing or correspondence.

[Brystar41]

Thank you yes that is my problem that i need to narrow down my choices and that is a major problem i have.

But i feel i want to do more, i don't want to do one thing i want to do many things and in Aerospace (Air and Space) i can accomplish that and go for the American Dream.

I am thinking of Aerospace Professor, Aerospace Historian, Aerospace manager i think its Flight Director, and i cannot think of anything else at the moment.

But your right i need to narrow it down but the thing is i love all these stuffs, i want to use my passion and put it to use, and continue to fly aircrafts as well, i was a student pilot its just that i had to put that on hold because of finances and other issues.

I don't know if i am making sense its just that i am worried about my future and where i am going to go. I have an industry i know where i want to go, but what do i do there or what i become is the big question for me.

[gongora]

You've mentioned "Aerospace Professor" a couple of times and I really don't understand what you mean.  Your list of choices is just too broad.  Have you ever taken a calculus class?

[RonM]

Ambition is good.

Here's some more generic advice. Look at what you want to do and think of them on a scale from profession to hobby. That might help. For example, aerospace engineering could result in enough income to afford to fly as a hobby. Studying history can always be a hobby, but if that's not enough then an academic career would be a better fit, but you probably won't be able to afford flying. Just run some thought experiments and come up with a plan that will result in a career you want. Everything else can be stuff you do for fun.

You've mentioned "Aerospace Professor" a couple of times and I really don't understand what you mean.  Your list of choices is just too broad.  Have you ever taken a calculus class?

Good point. You got to be good at math for engineering or science.

[Eer]

And one more bit of unsolicited advice ... you have time to decide.  You don't need to decide all at once.

As you look at college options, take a broad range of classes as a freshman to get exposure to work related to your various interests.  Most undergraduates change their minds as they gain exposure to different topics and as they find out what their strengths (and weaknesses) are, and where their interests are peaked.

Aerospace, as a topic, is a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) field.  Do the basics.  Don't commit to aerospace engineering until you've at least gotten through the first couple of calculus classes - to see if you LIKE the analytics and if you have the skills and discipline needed to conquer the mathematics required.  Physics will be another vital area you'll study in any Aerospace field, whether its related to aerodynamics, plasma physics, materials science, astro-navigation, or orbital mechanics.  And you'll likely need the calculus-based Physics classes, not just the algebra-based ones.

If you're interested in history and library sciences, take courses in related fields as electives in your freshman year - you'll be required to take general education electives where you may find introduction to library sciences, or prerequisites towards the related software engineering courses (where configuration management and the software engineering version of library sciences leads).

If you want to be an aerospace professor, realize that will require something along the lines of a PhD degree that emphasizes research and publication of your research results in professional and academic journals - so make sure your English (grammar, persuasive writing, technical writing) skills are solid (so, don't skip the English composition classes).

Many engineering schools have programs for folks who know they're interested in some aspect of engineering, but are unsure which one to pursue.  Find one of those programs - they'll let you spend a couple of years getting a broad engineering foundation while you whittle away at your English and General Education requirements...and give you survey classes that introduce you to the range of alternatives available.  And your academic advisor will be able to help you figure out what you're qualified to pursue (i.e, you have taken and passed the requisite courses to be admitted to the various programs), and help you match your growing interests to your expanding abilities.

And remember - you can always change your mind.  And in fact, you probably will.

[strkiky]

Some of what I've written is already covered by others.
Also I've noticed some of the replies are harsh, but this is because they are there to give you a good grounding.

You need to narrow down your choices. Academic, engineering, management, etc. It will be easier to pursue your dream once you know what it is. That's a personal decision.

This was exactly what I had in mind, but I would reword it into science, engineering, and management.

Management - this one is an obvious route, it is possible to advise or manage others without having aerospace experience, these management experiences will likely have to be learnt from other disciplines. This would involve you getting a management job in another area. But keep in mind no one wants to listen to or entertain the thoughts of a person with no expertise in the area.

Science and Engineering requires you put in the hard work in learning the basics.
I am shocked that you've mentioned quite a hard science areas without undertaking a science or engineering degree.
The separation between science and engineering is ultimately how you want to make an impact. Which is either through the creation of new knowledge (science) or applications (engineering). Of course you can switch between the two. But figuring out how you want to start is a good point.

If hard sciences isn't your point, then becoming a historian is an option.

You need to ask yourself "How do I want to make an impact?" and "What am I willing to do?"
By narrowing these down, especially when asking yourself what you're willing to do to achieve your interests, you should be able to work out the path to take.

Some of these decisions may require you to actually take a few science or engineering courses to see if you can handle it.

[Brystar41]

These are awesome advises i really like the responses, and yes i am aware that Aerospace is a STEM field. This is what i came here for, i need help and advice sure going to the professors and advisors is the best choice but i need to find somewhere that i can get and ideas of where i am going, you see i don't know where my future is going and its a big question mark as of now.

I am currently finishing my bachelor's degree in Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) Supervision and Management, its why this has came up because i been thinking of joining the Aerospace Industry for a long time, here is what i have experienced.

I have finished my AA degree in a pathway of business administration but i was also doing my AS in Aviation Administration so i do have some experience with aviation (Aerospace), and i have done Student pilot before, its just i had to put it on hold due to economic situation.

I have taken some math courses before but it took me a long time to get where i am at, it held me back almost ten years to get my AA, i am in my 30's currently. I have taken the prerequisites Math courses, Algebra, Statistics, both Financial and Managerial accounting, and Two Finance courses. So i am not sure how Calculus is or how its going to be.

Oh and about English i have taken English Composition courses, both ENC 1011 and ENC 1102 in College.

So for me its taken me a long time for me to complete my Associates and i am almost about to finish my Bachelors. I have taken alot of courses and majors, from Art Majors, To Entertainment, to Aviation/ Aerospace, right now its a business Degree i am in but i want to head into Aerospace.

Your right i still have time and i do its just that i am worried about tomorrow, i am currently in my 30's and i need to decide where is my future, your right i have to narrow it down but gosh this is going to be hard on me.

Do i have to be an Aerospace engineer to get into NASA, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, FAA, etc? Or it can be whatever degree i can get into it?

On another note, about Internships its something i have to finish my Bachelor's degree along with the Capstone project. Because i am considering to going for my Masters and Doctorate degrees.

Also would anybody here recommend Embry-Riddle, Liberty School of Aeronautics? Texas A&M, Caltech, FIT, MIT? Or any Universities? Also do you recommend the Military its something i have been thinking but i am not sure if my age would allow it i am in my early 30's.

[strkiky]

In the long run, the university you attend matters little.
What does matter is how well you are at making use of your connections and your ability move others.
Luckily, these are skills that you gain, not born with.

What you should think of on a daily cycle on your daily choices is "How does this put me in a better position to pursue a career in aerospace?"

You have to trust yourself that the decision you make are good choices.
If you make a mistake, learn from it if possible and move on.

[Brystar41]

Update: I have visited some professors and i am in the process of choosing where i am going to go, i am almost done with my Bachelor's degree.

I am also in the process of trying to do an Internship in Aerospace, at the Airports, because i have to finish my Bachelor's Degree with an Internship and Capstone.

Also i am loving the responses on here and i want to say thank you, i am also doing my research as well and talking with my professors to see as well, I am determining what is the best action for me and i am narrowing my choices to do.

But y'all right it all depends on what i want to do and what i can do to get there, this will be a very expensive endeavor but it will be well worth it, i want to get there and i will try my best to get where i want to be at.

Also what is a better University, Embry-Riddle or Purdue University? I am in Florida so Embry-Riddle is in my homestate but Purdue is much further.

[Brystar41]

Recent Update: I finished my Bachelors Degree recently and is getting ready to go for my Masters, but i have a fear that i don't have an engineering experiences at all.

I finally will be getting my Bachelors degree soon but i am worried that what i did will it be able to transfer for my Masters degree.

Also i was thinking of either Purdue or Stanford but the thing is that for the Masters and PhD i am going to have to do it Online since i cannot travel anywhere for the time being.

Another thing i am trying to do is try to get back into flying, what does everybody think of the Civil Air Patrol? Should i be a part of it because i wasn't able to join the Air Force.

I am trying to reach out with some of the professors but they don't want to respond to me or i don't know if its me?

I am thinking of going for Aeronautics/ Astronautics but is that a way that i can get into NASA or is there are other ways and i am not an Engineer at all or an Astronaut?

[Coastal Ron]

Recent Update: I finished my Bachelors Degree recently and is getting ready to go for my Masters, but i have a fear that i don't have an engineering experiences at all.

I finally will be getting my Bachelors degree soon but i am worried that what i did will it be able to transfer for my Masters degree.

Also i was thinking of either Purdue or Stanford but the thing is that for the Masters and PhD i am going to have to do it Online since i cannot travel anywhere for the time being.

I'm not an engineer, so I can't help you with those decisions.

Another thing i am trying to do is try to get back into flying, what does everybody think of the Civil Air Patrol? Should i be a part of it because i wasn't able to join the Air Force.

If you love flying, then the Civil Air Patrol might be an option. But only if you really love flying.

Bottom line is that whatever you do you should do it because at the moment in time you are doing it you are passionate about it. And things change, so don't worry if later you learn enough to want to make a change. That is life. I started down one path and ended up on a completely different one, then I changed again.

Changes happen, and not always under your control, so try to be happy with what you are doing.

My $0.02

[D_Dom]

I personally like working with Civil Air Patrol but it is not for everybody. You must complete your private pilots traininng outside of the organization before training with them for aircrew positions. You can certainly gain experience as a historian or many other areas of interest you mentioned, the variety of assignments available is vast and the need is great.

I remember an interesting conversation with Garrett Reisman on flying clubs, he said "We could always tell who was interested in flying as opposed to just wanting to check a box".

[Brystar41]

Very helpful advices!!!!! Right now i am still evaluating on where am i going to go but this is not going to be easy.

I been thinking of how it is to be an Aerospace Contractor if its possible, i know i will need education for this but i don't mind i am ready for it, if it is going for me to get closer to these wonderful machines then its even better, and have time on the side to continue flying then i am for that.

Like i would like to go and inspect these machines and see if there ready whether its Aircrafts, Rockets and Spacecrafts it, but the thing that boggles me is that i am not an engineer, but i finally have my bachelor's degree of BAS Supervision and Management but i am looking everywhere for me to start in the industry but there is not straightforward answer or a detailed map for me to follow on which is making me feel confused. Heck i am not even a technician and its becoming difficult.

Like what is it i need to know or understand and yes i am aware engineering has alot of math but i don't want to give up i want to work for these agencies and companies but its becoming harder and i don't have anybody or know anyone that is in the industry its why i came here because i need guidance on where to go and how i can continue flying again without breaking the bank. Also on how am i going to continue with the Universities like Embry-Riddle, Purdue and more.

I am aspiring to be among with NASA, Boeing, Lockheed, Northrop, FAA and more but its super hard for me who is not an engineer nor a technician to go there, yet i have the passion and mindset of Air and Space and wants to learn all about it and be able to experience it, i am in this great country and i would like to continue doing amazing things that makes me happy and satisfied in life.

[D_Dom]

Many years ago (too many) I got some great advice about being a contractor in aerospace. It helps if you have prior work experience and are familiar with the internal processes. It is no guarantee, most of the jobs I apply for require a combination of education and experience. It certainly is a challenge.

[geekesq]

Talk to your professors.  They know you, we don't.

[JackWhite]

If your heart tells you that you want to be among NASA professors and engineers then go and go it. No reason to reconsider so other choices if you feel prepared and know that's your passion. You have a great opportunity at least just because you know where you need to move in your career. So make your dreams come true, buddy

[Brystar41]

Thank you kindly, everybody.

I haven't been here for a while, and I am back, but I want to say that I am currently at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide; I am in my Masters, My major is now M.S. in Aeronautics Specialization in Space Operations. I am getting closer to my dream with NASA and the Aerospace Industry. I am happy that I am getting closer to these fantastic flying machines of Aircraft, Spacecraft, and Rockets. It's fascinating, and in something, I love that we are surrounded and talk about these machines.

Also, I am looking into Project Management. I feel that would suit me somehow. I am currently taking a Project Management in Aerospace Course, and it's fascinating, but man being a project manager at NASA must be incredible. But anyways great to see this thread is still here, and well, I am back!

[Jim]

Also, I am looking into Project Management. I feel that would suit me somehow. I am currently taking a Project Management in Aerospace Course, and it's fascinating, but man being a project manager at NASA must be incredible. But anyways great to see this thread is still here, and well, I am back!

Program manager is not an entry or even midlevel job, it takes years of experience in other fields.

[spacenut]

It is my understanding that most aerospace management degree graduates go on to airport management, not many into rocket or space management.  There are 100's of airports. 

Like someone said, teaching aerospace will require a phd. 

Engineering requires a lot of math and physics, but they are needed in both aeronautical and space related activities. 

Then there is manufacturing of rockets and spacecraft, requiring both engineers and management. 

If you can get an internship job in the summer, that would give you work experience and help get a job when you graduate. 

[Jim]

It is my understanding that most aerospace management degree graduates go on to airport management, not many into rocket or space management.  There are 100's of airports. 

Airport management is not the same as spacecraft or rocket program development or operations management. 

[Orbiter]

If you're looking for jobs in NASA, absolutely apply for NASA OSTEM internships. It's what helped land me a position as a NASA contractor. I don't have an aerospace degree either.

https://intern.nasa.gov/

OSTEM Interns:

https://stemgateway.nasa.gov/public/s/explore-opportunities