I am a Mechanical Engineering major, however I've always wanted to major in aerospace engineering, with a degree as versatile as mechanical engineering will I be able to do something in the aerospace industry?

I worked in aerospace for 33 years before leaving the field to pursue other interests. I worked on military and commercial transports, airships and parachutes. There are plenty of opportunities for mechanical engineers in aerospace engineering. For most of my career I worked in flight simulation which employs a wide variety of specialists in aerodynamics, sub-system modeling, structural modeling and software development. There are also testing specialties which employ MEs - wind tunnel model design, flight test equipment design/install. Aircraft engine companies primarily hire MEs. I strongly recommend that you find an intern or co-op opportunity at the earliest possible opportunity. This helps you find out what the daily aspects of the job are like and may also get you connected to a longer-term position after graduation. Many engineering companies will help you with tuition for an advanced degrees once you join the company. My daughter is currently an ME student at WVU and has had more than 5 co-op assignments before graduating including GE aircraft engines in OH - she is now interning at GE in Vermont.

Hi, it's really great to see someone with a clear interest and enthusiasm to go in a certain direction. Starting with an engineering degree, you are not limited from any engineering or non-engineering discipline, I firmly believe! Case in point, my sister earned an undergraduate degree in Physics, worked and applied that knowledge at an aerospace company for a few years, then went back to school for an M.S. in Aerospace Engineering. She has been at a well known company in the aerospace engineering for many years now.

Go for it!

Yes. You can work in Aerospace Industry with Mechanical Engineering degree. Mechanical is more general in nature and Aerospace is specific to that particular field (i.e., Aerospace). One of the better route for job opportunities is, graduating in Mechanical as undergraduate and doing Masters in Aerospace afterwards. Since Mechanical Engineering covers many industries, you have a better chance of landing on a job as soon as you graduate. Then you can do masters in Aerospace while working. Again, it depends on your situation and interests but make sure you check out these following links for more info, so you are well informed before making a big decision.

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/aerospace-vs-mechanical-engineering.228600/

https://www.reddit.com/r/EngineeringStudents/comments/35cwrs/aerospace_vs_mechanical_engineering/

http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2313919

Hi DaQuana! I say go for it also! The beauty of a mechanical engineering major is that it can open the door to lots of different industries without pigeonholing you into only one specific discipline. If you want to help your chances at getting a job role in Aerospace when you graduate, I recommend pursuing extracurricular and internship/co-op opportunities focused in aerospace (for example, at Oklahoma State one opportunity is the Design/Build/Fly competition https://aerodesign.okstate.edu/projects) as well as electives that help get you toward your goal and demonstrate your interest and capability. mechanical-engineering