To enter the aircraft engineering field, one must choose between design and maintenance paths. Design requires an aerospace engineering degree, while maintenance requires post-secondary education or military training. High school students should excel in math and science courses and consider internships. Exemplary grades and industry contacts are important for job placement.
The first step in the process of entering the field of aircraft engineering is deciding which aspect of the field you want to enter. There are two main paths: aircraft engineering design and aircraft maintenance. Design jobs usually require the candidate to possess an aerospace engineering degree, which can be completed at various schools across the world. Students will study basic subjects such as physics and various types of mathematics and then move on to more complex topics directly related to aircraft design. It can be difficult to get accepted into such schools; the candidate’s grades must be exemplary and he must demonstrate aptitude in mathematics and science.
Aircraft engineering maintenance careers will also typically require post-secondary education, although this is often not as extensive as education for design careers. A student can spend two to three years in a community college environment, or four years or more at a degree-granting college or university to learn the skills needed to build, maintain, and repair various types of aircraft. Another way to get into the aircraft engineering maintenance field is to get into the military, as some countries’ militaries train soldiers to repair and maintain aircraft. This is a great way to learn the skills you need to succeed in the field of aircraft engineering without spending a significant amount of money on a degree; a soldier must be prepared, however, to serve in a military capacity for at least several years.
Preparations for entering the aircraft engineering field should start early. A high school student should take as many math and science courses as possible and try to excel in each one. If the school offers design courses, the student should seriously consider taking them and learning as much as possible about various types of design techniques. After the student graduates from high school, he or she will need to apply for acceptance into an accredited institution, which can be challenging. If possible, the student should consider looking for internships within the field to add to their resume.
Once in a post-secondary program, a student will need to study hard to get exemplary grades, as the job market can be a bit competitive. An internship at the school can help a student establish industry contacts and develop valuable relationships that will help secure employment after graduation. Some schools will offer job placement assistance, and the student should take advantage of such services if they are offered to ensure he ends up in the best possible job situation.
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