<p>I'm a second year Aerospace Engineering student and I'm wondering if this is the best career path for me to take. Since a young kid I've always been fascinated by the universe and everything related to it. I want a career that will let me progress our knowledge of space forward whether it's via engineering, astrophysics, research, etc. The main reason why I've chosen Aerospace Engineering is because there really aren't many career jobs in Astrophysics outside of teaching. However, people like Neil deGrasse Tyson make me extremely motivated to go along the Astrophysics route (If you don't know who he is shame on you). It would be the perfect job but like I said there are very few opportunities to make a decent living in astrophysics. </p>
<p>I'm also afraid that work as an engineer wouldn't be what I want. The last thing I want is to be a pawn for a company and not have any room for creative development or progression through the ladder at the company. If I'm going to become an Aerospace Engineer I want to work on cutting edge space technology, not defense systems or planes. I've heard horror stories of older engineers not being able to find work for numerous reasons or having a "boring" engineering job and I don't want that issue. I would LOVE to work for companies like Space X, Boeing, NASA etc. if I'll be constantly immersed in space-related work. Otherwise I'll eventually get tired of my career and become depressed.</p>
<p>On the subject of depression, sometimes I get really down because it seems all I'm doing is studying and studying for hours on end while my close friends are out partying, socializing, and enjoying their life. Now I'm not saying that I'm not enjoying my life because I am, but some times the endless studying can bring my spirits down. I've met a lot of really cool physics/engineering students in school so far, but being around them 24/7 is boring to say the least. I don't want to go all the way through school missing out on tons of socialization and friendship opportunities because I had to study for countless nights. There are also NO cute girls in our Engineering/Physics department. I'm a very social guy and I don't fit the mold of an engineer or physicist at all: I play sports, work out a lot, club, party etc. but I'm also very smart. I feel like I was destined to work in a space related field but I didn't know it would be such a lonely path. Any advice would be appreciated!</p>
<p>In the industry, scientists and engineers work together on projects, so switching from engineering to physics may not necessarily make a huge difference in the kinds of things you work on. It may change your role and responsibilities on the projects, but that role may not necessarily be any more fun. At my previous company, I worked with a guy who had a phd in astrophysics on a small signal processing project, and we all worked together as a team – there were no egos among us and all of us were willing to do the grunt work (including the guys with the phds). I actually really liked that team and we had a lot of fun together.</p>
<p>I guess what I’m trying to say is, unless you stay in academics, you may still end up on the same types of work you’re trying to escape from.</p>
<p>Astrophysics won’t really change your work load, or…well, anything. You’d basically be switching from a job with a specialty in application versus a job in research. Even then, scientists and engineers work together on projects. If you’re going into any STEM field…you’re going to have to be a pawn of the company, and I don’t know why you thought you’d find “creative development”. </p>
<p>Fact is, you’re going to have to work a lot of crap before you get a job you like. Oh sure, it might be in an engineering company, but don’t expect to be working on the latest innovation in space-travel right away…</p>
<p>There is no “mold” for an engineer or a scientist, only perspectives. I’m sure there are some colleagues among you who also work out, play sports, go clubbing…etc, perhaps you should get to know them better. Saying “being around them 24/7 is boring, to say the least” is quite rude, and again, I’m sure many of them have interests outside of studying. For STEM majors, studying is a large part of the game. You go in knowing that, if not, you were foolish. If your passion isn’t there, perhaps it never was for you.</p>
<p>Same thing with the “cute girls” comment…I won’t say that that’s rude, but there is more to a girl than a nice face. Or, alternatively, you could…ya know…date outside the people in your classes.</p>
<p>Basically, buck up, leave your antiquated ideas behind, and go through with an engineering or science major…or, choose a non STEM field.</p>
I’m sure this won’t even be seen, but I came across this post during a Google Search and I really align and relate to your post! So, if there’s any way you could tell me what you ended up deciding and what ended up happening, I’d really appreciate it! Hope to here from you