TLDR;
This video provides a realistic overview of the aerospace engineering field, addressing both its exciting aspects and its challenges. It covers the core curriculum, employability concerns, and potential solutions for aspiring aerospace engineers. The video also touches on the work-life balance within the industry, offering a balanced perspective on whether pursuing a career in aerospace engineering is worthwhile.
- Aerospace engineering curriculum includes thermal courses, propulsion, aerodynamics and structures.
- The field has a high failure rate among students and a competitive job market.
- Alternative routes into the aerospace industry exist through broader engineering disciplines.
Introduction [0:00]
The video opens by acknowledging the allure of aerospace engineering, with its zero-gravity exploration and powerful rocket engines. However, it quickly pivots to the realities that many aspiring aerospace engineers face, such as poor work-life balance, a competitive job market, and the demanding nature of the education required. The video aims to provide a "reality check" to help viewers determine if they are suited for this field.
Aerospace Field Basics [1:57]
This section describes the core components of an aerospace engineering curriculum. Thermal courses cover energy control, volume and cycle analysis applied to aerospace systems, including turbojet efficiency and combustion properties. Propulsion courses explore various propulsion systems like turboshafts, turboprops, turbofans, and turbojets, detailing how they function. Aerodynamics courses focus on airfoil properties, lift, and drag, with some students testing wing designs in wind tunnels. Structures courses delve into spacecraft and aircraft construction, considering vibrations, stress, strain, and finite element analysis (FEA) to ensure structural integrity.
Failure Rate [4:54]
The video highlights the high failure rate among engineering students, with 40% not making it through the first year and an additional 30% failing in subsequent fundamental courses. Despite this, the video encourages viewers not to be deterred and suggests that with the right strategies, success in the field is achievable. It also references another video with more information on the basics of the aerospace field.
"D" Employability [5:40]
The video addresses the "D" employability rating given to aerospace engineering by Career Explorer. It explains that the limited number of aerospace companies, compared to fields like software, electrical, and mechanical engineering, contributes to a more competitive job market. While many other engineering fields have tens of thousands of job postings, aerospace engineering has significantly fewer, intensifying competition among the approximately 8,000 aerospace graduates each year.
The 3 Solutions [7:18]
Three potential solutions to navigate the competitive aerospace job market are presented. The first involves having a connection, such as a parent or family friend, who can provide a referral. The second solution is to excel in an aerospace engineering major, working hard to become a top candidate, potentially pursuing a master's or PhD. The third solution involves pursuing a broader engineering degree, such as mechanical, electrical, or software engineering, which can still lead to opportunities within the aerospace industry while providing a wider range of job prospects.
Is it worth it? [9:35]
The video questions whether a career in aerospace engineering is worth the potential drawbacks. It notes that while the field involves exciting concepts, it can also require long working hours. Data suggests that a significant percentage of NASA engineers experience burnout and work over 12 hours a week, resulting in a lower work-life balance rating. However, these same engineers report overall happiness and job satisfaction. The video concludes by stating that while some aerospace jobs may be demanding, others can offer more relaxed environments, similar to how some individuals easily find aerospace engineering jobs. It encourages viewers to consider whether they are willing to face the challenges to pursue their aerospace dreams.
