4 answers
Nicholas
Student
Miami, Florida
1
Question
Updated
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What are some good self-directed projects that can realistically (financially/physically) be done while in college that will help with getting internships in aerospace engineering field?
Incoming college freshman studying Mechanical Engineering/Computer Science.
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4 answers
Dan Wolf
Retired Electrical/Software Engineer and part-time College Professor (BSEET and MS Engineering Management)
135
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Dan’s Answer
Explore self-directed projects online and choose one that interests you to build.
1) The Arduino is a cheap microcontroller with plenty of online resources and project ideas. Search for "Arduino projects" to get started. You can buy Arduinos on their official website, with the common Arduino UNO priced at $27. Other versions range from $13 to $50. Cheaper options are available on Aliexpress, from $2.50 to $17. Designed to control devices, Arduino is more engineering-focused.
2) The Raspberry Pi is a small computer related to computer science. Search for "Raspberry Pi projects" to find ideas, from Linux operating systems to weather stations, media centers, gaming, and AI applications. The Raspberry Pi Zero is similar to an Arduino and costs about $15. The more powerful Raspberry Pi 5 costs about $120 and can replace a laptop.
For project ideas, check out Hackster and Instructables, which offer many examples for both Arduino and Raspberry Pi. You'll be amazed by the variety of options.
1) The Arduino is a cheap microcontroller with plenty of online resources and project ideas. Search for "Arduino projects" to get started. You can buy Arduinos on their official website, with the common Arduino UNO priced at $27. Other versions range from $13 to $50. Cheaper options are available on Aliexpress, from $2.50 to $17. Designed to control devices, Arduino is more engineering-focused.
2) The Raspberry Pi is a small computer related to computer science. Search for "Raspberry Pi projects" to find ideas, from Linux operating systems to weather stations, media centers, gaming, and AI applications. The Raspberry Pi Zero is similar to an Arduino and costs about $15. The more powerful Raspberry Pi 5 costs about $120 and can replace a laptop.
For project ideas, check out Hackster and Instructables, which offer many examples for both Arduino and Raspberry Pi. You'll be amazed by the variety of options.
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
518
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Self-directed projects are an amazing way for college students to shine in aerospace engineering. Dive into solving real-world problems—like collecting rocket data with Arduino, simulating satellite networks, designing UAV flight systems, or building CubeSat parts. These projects not only show off your practical skills but also highlight your critical thinking, problem-solving, and initiative. Start with a simple model, then make it more complex by adding sensors, control systems, or data analysis, using tools like MATLAB, Simulink, Python, ArduPilot, GMAT, or poliastro. Keep detailed notes with Notion, share your work on GitHub, and create clear technical summaries to make sure your projects are polished and ready for interviews.
Don’t work alone—share your progress and ask for feedback to grow faster. Post updates on LinkedIn, GitHub, or Reddit’s r/aerospace, and connect with alumni or professionals to learn more and expand your network. Join student groups like AIAA, rocketry clubs, or take part in competitions like NASA Student Launch to add even more value to your projects. Every small step you take brings you closer to your goals. With persistence, curiosity, and smart use of free tools and resources, you can build a standout portfolio that shows your skills and passion. Keep moving forward—your future in aerospace engineering is bright, and you have the power to shape it.
Don’t work alone—share your progress and ask for feedback to grow faster. Post updates on LinkedIn, GitHub, or Reddit’s r/aerospace, and connect with alumni or professionals to learn more and expand your network. Join student groups like AIAA, rocketry clubs, or take part in competitions like NASA Student Launch to add even more value to your projects. Every small step you take brings you closer to your goals. With persistence, curiosity, and smart use of free tools and resources, you can build a standout portfolio that shows your skills and passion. Keep moving forward—your future in aerospace engineering is bright, and you have the power to shape it.
Amanda Priest
Social Impact Program Manager
3
Answers
Berkeley, California
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
Hi Nicholas,
Often, professors in the MechE and CS departments will have student research that is being driven by graduate students but that welcomes undergraduate support. It's a great way to work on cool projects (it's one of the reasons I get to tell people that I have a paper published by NASA as a fun fact during business icebreakers!) and get a feel on all of the different things that you can do with those degrees as your deciding on your major.
I hope this helps!
Often, professors in the MechE and CS departments will have student research that is being driven by graduate students but that welcomes undergraduate support. It's a great way to work on cool projects (it's one of the reasons I get to tell people that I have a paper published by NASA as a fun fact during business icebreakers!) and get a feel on all of the different things that you can do with those degrees as your deciding on your major.
I hope this helps!
a b
Software Development
29
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
a’s Answer
Nicholas in Miami:
Great question!
My suggestion is a small-to-mid-scale wind tunnel for testing. A variable fan on the front, a second at the exhaust configured as a wind-powered generator, and some force scales that could be attached to objects to determine drag or lift.
You could hold competitions, or become a semi-official local testing grounds for others' designs.
Another idea comes from my old high school program - a software simulation of a dragster, where you entered your hp, tire size, and gear ratios, and it would simulate a drag race. You could make a game out of it, for simulating a trip to the moon. Lots of opportunities for good calcs and falling into the sun because they missed the moon and ran out of fuel. Even levels of the game where you get to specify more details.
Very best wishes on your projects and future success!
Blaine from Portland OR.
Great question!
My suggestion is a small-to-mid-scale wind tunnel for testing. A variable fan on the front, a second at the exhaust configured as a wind-powered generator, and some force scales that could be attached to objects to determine drag or lift.
You could hold competitions, or become a semi-official local testing grounds for others' designs.
Another idea comes from my old high school program - a software simulation of a dragster, where you entered your hp, tire size, and gear ratios, and it would simulate a drag race. You could make a game out of it, for simulating a trip to the moon. Lots of opportunities for good calcs and falling into the sun because they missed the moon and ran out of fuel. Even levels of the game where you get to specify more details.
Very best wishes on your projects and future success!
Blaine from Portland OR.