4 answers
Mia
Student
San Tan Valley, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
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Characteristics that helped future success in Aerospace Engineering?
What are some characteristics or interests that you had in high school or childhood that you think contributed to success in the field of aerospace and/or engineering today?
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4 answers
Liam Rielly
Data Center Technician
195
Answers
Manassas, Virginia
Updated
Liam’s Answer
My general advice to any engineer (from a technician) is learn how to use hand tools and power tools. I see too many engineers that graduate with an impressive degree and they never touched a tool before their first engineering job. Get a collection of hand tools, buy and build some hobby kits, and figure out how to use tools so you understand the process of how to build/ fix/ break things.
Right now on aliexpress, amazon, and ebay there are really inexpensive tools that will work fine for DIY projects. On amazon, github, and tindie there are a ton of DIY projects that are low cost or free to build. If you already do electronics think about trying out some construction tools (hammer, drill, screwdriver). The best DIY build I can think of someone going into aerospace engineering is to build a drone (wheeled or flying). Try to build something you normally wouldn't just to know the process because your work will depend on it!
Already build, have you built furniture? Have you made a box out of wood? Have you picked up a needle and thread? Have you built a computer from components you found in the trash? Anything that can get a tool in your hand to create or craft something.
Schooling is great and will give you credentials to get a job. Understanding how something is built and the build process is something different and you really need to be the one that makes that happen.
One last thing, consider starting ham radio as a hobby as well. Its another hobby that touches electronics, tools, drones, and aerospace.
Some of these won't work well but for under $10 to get a tool in your hand I feel it's worth it - https://www.aliexpress.us/w/wholesale-electronics-tool-kit.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.search.0
https://www.tindie.com/browse/robot-kits/
https://github.com/topics/electronics-projects
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=DIY+electronics
https://www.arrl.org/licensing-education-training
Right now on aliexpress, amazon, and ebay there are really inexpensive tools that will work fine for DIY projects. On amazon, github, and tindie there are a ton of DIY projects that are low cost or free to build. If you already do electronics think about trying out some construction tools (hammer, drill, screwdriver). The best DIY build I can think of someone going into aerospace engineering is to build a drone (wheeled or flying). Try to build something you normally wouldn't just to know the process because your work will depend on it!
Already build, have you built furniture? Have you made a box out of wood? Have you picked up a needle and thread? Have you built a computer from components you found in the trash? Anything that can get a tool in your hand to create or craft something.
Schooling is great and will give you credentials to get a job. Understanding how something is built and the build process is something different and you really need to be the one that makes that happen.
One last thing, consider starting ham radio as a hobby as well. Its another hobby that touches electronics, tools, drones, and aerospace.
Liam recommends the following next steps:
David Allen
Consultant
124
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
David’s Answer
Early success in aerospace often stems from a persistent curiosity about how things work, usually manifesting as a childhood obsession with taking toys apart, building complex LEGO sets, or staring at the sky. If you spent your youth asking "why" until you found the mechanical root of a problem, or if you were the type to spend hours troubleshooting a broken gadget just for the satisfaction of fixing it, you were already developing the analytical mindset required for engineering. This innate drive to deconstruct and understand systems is the foundation for managing the high-stakes complexity of flight and space hardware.
Beyond technical interest, a high tolerance for trial and error is a major indicator of future success. Whether it was through competitive sports, difficult video games, or ambitious DIY projects, a "fail-forward" attitude is crucial. Aerospace is a field defined by rigorous testing and incremental improvements; having the patience to work through repeated setbacks without losing motivation is what separates those who enjoy the theory from those who can actually execute a mission. Developing a mix of disciplined focus and spatial reasoning early on makes the transition to high-level physics and design feel like a natural evolution rather than a chore.
Beyond technical interest, a high tolerance for trial and error is a major indicator of future success. Whether it was through competitive sports, difficult video games, or ambitious DIY projects, a "fail-forward" attitude is crucial. Aerospace is a field defined by rigorous testing and incremental improvements; having the patience to work through repeated setbacks without losing motivation is what separates those who enjoy the theory from those who can actually execute a mission. Developing a mix of disciplined focus and spatial reasoning early on makes the transition to high-level physics and design feel like a natural evolution rather than a chore.
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
240
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Mia,
Thanks for the query. I'm delighted that you desire to become an engineer, particularly in the aerospace sector.
There are many things that contribute to success.
Potential is the foundation. Special gifts/talents are an indication of what we can do.
Interest and curiosity help us to figure out where we can apply these gifts/talent. It's sometimes not not very clear where we end as we grow up from childhood. We often explore possibilities. In high school, my initial interest was in the aviation industry. That shifted to medicine for much of my high school period. It was in the last two years in high school that I took a firm decision to become an engineer.
The next aspect is the desire to succeed - based on long term aspirations. One way of looking at this is the idea of what we intend to do with the qualification we seek. As you may be aware, engineering has always focused on resolving some of the many pressing challenges humanity grapples with - human needs. This approach is, probably, the most enduring pathway to success.
Success is also influenced by one's personal qualities: love for what we do, passion, commitment, diligence, positive mindset, perseverance, attention to detail, assertiveness, willingnesss to take risks, curiosity etc.
In our bid to acquire and utilize knowledge, we need skills: ability to plan, schedule & execute activities, organize, analyze, collate & evaluate information, communicate effectively, effectively work in teams, identify & resolve problems etc.
How we manage our time influences how much we achieve each day. Naturally, we need time to work, rest, travel, recreate, spend time with family & friends etc. Finding an optimum balance is important and this only comes through experience over time. During studies, it's prudent to spend more time in areas where we are weak without compromising performance in areas where we excel.
Opportunities for practical work are critical not only during study but also at the place of work. Many of the things we learn through experience can never be taught in class. Experiential learning is at the heart of discoveries & innovation in human endeavor.
I hope you truly find this useful.
The very best of luck in your engineering career.
Thanks for the query. I'm delighted that you desire to become an engineer, particularly in the aerospace sector.
There are many things that contribute to success.
Potential is the foundation. Special gifts/talents are an indication of what we can do.
Interest and curiosity help us to figure out where we can apply these gifts/talent. It's sometimes not not very clear where we end as we grow up from childhood. We often explore possibilities. In high school, my initial interest was in the aviation industry. That shifted to medicine for much of my high school period. It was in the last two years in high school that I took a firm decision to become an engineer.
The next aspect is the desire to succeed - based on long term aspirations. One way of looking at this is the idea of what we intend to do with the qualification we seek. As you may be aware, engineering has always focused on resolving some of the many pressing challenges humanity grapples with - human needs. This approach is, probably, the most enduring pathway to success.
Success is also influenced by one's personal qualities: love for what we do, passion, commitment, diligence, positive mindset, perseverance, attention to detail, assertiveness, willingnesss to take risks, curiosity etc.
In our bid to acquire and utilize knowledge, we need skills: ability to plan, schedule & execute activities, organize, analyze, collate & evaluate information, communicate effectively, effectively work in teams, identify & resolve problems etc.
How we manage our time influences how much we achieve each day. Naturally, we need time to work, rest, travel, recreate, spend time with family & friends etc. Finding an optimum balance is important and this only comes through experience over time. During studies, it's prudent to spend more time in areas where we are weak without compromising performance in areas where we excel.
Opportunities for practical work are critical not only during study but also at the place of work. Many of the things we learn through experience can never be taught in class. Experiential learning is at the heart of discoveries & innovation in human endeavor.
I hope you truly find this useful.
The very best of luck in your engineering career.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
1221
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Mia,
It's great that you are interested in a career in engineering. A typical answer from people who majored in engineering would probably be that they always liked to tinker with things, to build things and take things apart. And that might be helpful or indicate an early interest, but it's not necessary to become a successful engineer.
More important would be a talent and interest in math and physics. Add coding to that. If you have an interest in technical things and how they work, you can learn what you need to become an engineer. If you are struggling with math and physics, it would be hard and might not be worth it.
Aerospace engineering is basically a specialization of mechanical engineering. Most of the courses would be the same. One could argue if it is better to have a clear direction towards aerospace from the start or if it is better to get a more general degree in mechanical and specialize later. Since most larger companies hire a mix of engineers, you wouldn't close any doors either way.
If you are considering engineering, look for opportunities to get involved in technical things. That could be e.g. a club at school, a science fair project, a summer program or an internship in an engineering firm.
Check out courses at your local community college. Maybe you can do dual enrollment while you are still in high-school. Or find an online course that you could take. MIT has lots of courses online (not for credit, of course) that allow you to get an idea what engineering is about.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/16-00-introduction-to-aerospace-engineering-and-design-spring-2003/
It's great that you are interested in a career in engineering. A typical answer from people who majored in engineering would probably be that they always liked to tinker with things, to build things and take things apart. And that might be helpful or indicate an early interest, but it's not necessary to become a successful engineer.
More important would be a talent and interest in math and physics. Add coding to that. If you have an interest in technical things and how they work, you can learn what you need to become an engineer. If you are struggling with math and physics, it would be hard and might not be worth it.
Aerospace engineering is basically a specialization of mechanical engineering. Most of the courses would be the same. One could argue if it is better to have a clear direction towards aerospace from the start or if it is better to get a more general degree in mechanical and specialize later. Since most larger companies hire a mix of engineers, you wouldn't close any doors either way.
If you are considering engineering, look for opportunities to get involved in technical things. That could be e.g. a club at school, a science fair project, a summer program or an internship in an engineering firm.
Check out courses at your local community college. Maybe you can do dual enrollment while you are still in high-school. Or find an online course that you could take. MIT has lots of courses online (not for credit, of course) that allow you to get an idea what engineering is about.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps: