4 answers
Zoe
Student
Great Barrington, Massachusetts
1
Question
Asked
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What can I do as a 7th grader to get involved with engineering, specifically aerospace engineering?
I am in 7th grade and am just starting to look into possible career paths in my future. I am interested in engineering, specifically aerospace engineering and would love to know more about what aerospace engineering is and what the steps are to reach that point.
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4 answers
Cody Gaspar
C.I., Quality, and Reliability Engineering
32
Answers
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Updated
Cody’s Answer
I would have your parents or one of your teachers contact a local aerospace manufacturing company and see if they would be willing to do a tour for you and maybe some of your classmates.
I worked at a company that gave tours to kids every year to get them excited about manufacturing and aerospace.
I worked at a company that gave tours to kids every year to get them excited about manufacturing and aerospace.
Dennis Taylor
Self-employed
91
Answers
Columbus, Indiana
Updated
Dennis’s Answer
Hi Zoe! Maybe your school has some opportunites - like a Science or Math club. Or a robotics team that competes within the school or with other schools will give provide opportunities to use some of the science and math you have already learned.
Ask your guidance or career counselor how you might make a connection with the technical community. Lacking this resource, talk to your math and science teachers for advice. If you have a relative or family friend who is employed as an engineer or scientist, they could also be a good resource.
As for courses at school, look for an opportunity to take a course in computer programming and/or computer-aided drawing (CAD). Or take a class in mechanical drawing if that is available.
The larger cities near you may have aerospace companies you can visit or make a connection with an engineer who works there. Look in Albany, Hartford and New Haven., for example.
Ask your guidance or career counselor how you might make a connection with the technical community. Lacking this resource, talk to your math and science teachers for advice. If you have a relative or family friend who is employed as an engineer or scientist, they could also be a good resource.
As for courses at school, look for an opportunity to take a course in computer programming and/or computer-aided drawing (CAD). Or take a class in mechanical drawing if that is available.
The larger cities near you may have aerospace companies you can visit or make a connection with an engineer who works there. Look in Albany, Hartford and New Haven., for example.
Frederick Burke
Mechanical Design Engineer
1
Answer
San Diego, California
Updated
Frederick’s Answer
Hey Cody. Knowing what I know now, if I were you, I'd go right for the throat. Sometimes the way to slay the dragon is with your bare hands. Download Onshape. It's a free CAD (Computer Aided Design) program. And start modeling simple things around the house. Then, realizing that CAD programs are more alike than different, visit local aerospace companies and tell them you'd like to intern for them or just model parts for them. Every one of them used to be in your shoes, you're just taking action. One of them is going to fall in love with you and hire you. Also enter as many Design competitions as you can. These will make up your resume. Once you set your mind to something, nobody can stop you!
Sheila Schultz
Engineering Leader
60
Answers
Brighton, Michigan
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Zoe,
Thanks for the great question. It is great to hear of your interest in engineering. A great foundation for this career is math and science classes. In high school, I was very good at math and science, and I remember it being recommended that I go into engineering. I really did not know much about engineering. I attended a week-long summer program offered at a university in our State. It was for high school girls who wanted to learn more about engineering and science-based careers. So, I signed up for the program. I found that there were many different types of engineering and many types of roles which you could do as an engineer. I was inspired and went on the engineering route.
You may want to explore groups which promote aerospace careers. A group I am involved in is called Leading Ladies of Aerospace, Space and Defense. I know we have had some high schoolers attend our virtual conferences and training sessions.
I am a mechanical engineer. Mechanical engineering is a fantastic foundation for many roles. I currently lead a company which helps businesses operate more efficiently using software tools and artificial intelligence aids. Prior to this, I led a team for the Advanced System Integration of defense/military vehicles and projects. In addition, I had many other roles in my career in the automotive industry including thermal engineer, design/release engineer, vehicle systems engineer, system safety engineer, and a variety of engineering leader roles. The engineering foundation enabled me to have a successful and wide variety of career experiences.
There are many types of engineering – Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, Software, Industrial, Manufacturing and more. For mechanical engineering, there are also many sub-focus areas, so you can pick the area(s) that you find the most interesting. Some examples include: Thermal systems/fluids, Mechanical Structures, Materials, and Automotive design.
At University, many people enter programs which offer co-op/internships. For these, you can work a few of your school terms. This enables work experience, different career areas to experience, and an opportunity to earn money along the way. This allows you to explore different types of engineering work and may help you identify in what area you initially want to work. For these university programs, it could take 5+ years.
Best wishes to you as you explore your future career.
Thanks for the great question. It is great to hear of your interest in engineering. A great foundation for this career is math and science classes. In high school, I was very good at math and science, and I remember it being recommended that I go into engineering. I really did not know much about engineering. I attended a week-long summer program offered at a university in our State. It was for high school girls who wanted to learn more about engineering and science-based careers. So, I signed up for the program. I found that there were many different types of engineering and many types of roles which you could do as an engineer. I was inspired and went on the engineering route.
You may want to explore groups which promote aerospace careers. A group I am involved in is called Leading Ladies of Aerospace, Space and Defense. I know we have had some high schoolers attend our virtual conferences and training sessions.
I am a mechanical engineer. Mechanical engineering is a fantastic foundation for many roles. I currently lead a company which helps businesses operate more efficiently using software tools and artificial intelligence aids. Prior to this, I led a team for the Advanced System Integration of defense/military vehicles and projects. In addition, I had many other roles in my career in the automotive industry including thermal engineer, design/release engineer, vehicle systems engineer, system safety engineer, and a variety of engineering leader roles. The engineering foundation enabled me to have a successful and wide variety of career experiences.
There are many types of engineering – Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, Software, Industrial, Manufacturing and more. For mechanical engineering, there are also many sub-focus areas, so you can pick the area(s) that you find the most interesting. Some examples include: Thermal systems/fluids, Mechanical Structures, Materials, and Automotive design.
At University, many people enter programs which offer co-op/internships. For these, you can work a few of your school terms. This enables work experience, different career areas to experience, and an opportunity to earn money along the way. This allows you to explore different types of engineering work and may help you identify in what area you initially want to work. For these university programs, it could take 5+ years.
Best wishes to you as you explore your future career.