<p>Would a new B.S.M.E. graduate be at a disvantage when hunting for a first job in the field of Aerospace Engineering? Do companies such as Boeing, BAE Systems, etc. prefer recent graduates with A.E. degrees, rather than B.S.M.E. recipients for entry-level positions?</p>
<p>My nephew will soon apply to undergraduate Engineering schools and hopes to work in the aerospace industry. Given the tight admissions competition at universities with Aerospace Engineering departments, he is curious as to whether or not a regular B.S.M.E. will get his foot in the door at the Aerospace corporations, consultants or small firms.</p>
<p>That depends on what position they are looking for in the company. Boeing actually employs more mechanical engineers than aerospace engineers. However, if he is looking for a job doing aerodynamics, an aerospace engineer will generally have an advantage most of time. That advantage can be lessened if the ME has taken electives that gear them towards aerospace. On the flip side, if the job is related to, say, structures, the ME would likely have a slight advantage. It just depends on what your nephew is looking for. ME’s going into aerospace is a VERY common occurrence.</p>
<p>FWIW, I was a mechanical engineer as an undergrad, did internships at Rolls-Royce (they do aerospace, not cars), and now am working on my Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering.</p>
<p>Our recent grad (BS, aerospace major) is employed in an Information Systems program at an aerospace company. So, it really does depend on what the companies might be looking for at the time your student may be applying for jobs and as we all know, the economy. Your student’s grades as well as internship/work experience will also play a huge role in job matching.</p>