I’ve been struggling to pick a major for a long time, but I’ve seemed to decide on engineering, but the specific feild has been difficult for me to decide on. I’ve recently been thinking if aerospace, because I’ve always loved space and would love to work for NASA or spaceX. But how is the job outlook? Are aerospace engineers in demand or is it unlikely I would actually get a job at these places? And also, what do aerospace engineers actually do on a day to day basis? Would I really feel like I’m working with space? I appreciate any advice you can give me. Thank you!
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/mobile/aerospace-engineers.htm
If you are interested in NASA, you may also want to check out mechanical and electrical engineering.
One of the challenges with AE, is the highly cyclical nature of the aerospace industry. That can deter a lot of students and is why a lot of folks would recommend mechanical or electrical (which are also in demand by the aerospace industry).
AE’s do get hired, but it’s important to keep a solid GPA and be ok with the cyclical nature of the industry.
It’s also possible, at almost any school, to switch from AE to mechanical, if by the time you’re a junior (or even a rising senior), you feel AE is not for you. No real disadvantage to start off in AE and explore the major.
Also, be aware that SpaceX and NASA are both highly coveted and EXTREMELY competitive. To optimize your chances, keep a high GPA, get applicable club and/or research experience and know that both are long shots even if you do everything right. Good luck.
I’ve been at NASA over 30 years and it has been a great place to work (even as a contractor which I have been by choice the entire time). There are lots of long term contracts so don’t rule out those and they are easier to get jobs with. We hire all the time. In many areas despite what people say GPA is not the most important thing. It is important but we frequently hire a 3.5 over a 4.0 because of their interpersonal skills, understanding that not everything we do is super high tech but is every changing. We like to see people who have worked in jobs with people skills, not just research. Also people that can work well with constantly changing deadlines and requirements without getting frustrated. Just keep that in mind. We have AEs but probably more EEs, MEs, and math majors. Every center is different and I mainly know of ours an one other. Good luck!