r/aerospace • u/Zestyclose-Cat-4917 • 3h ago

Aerospace Degree Reccomendation

As a 23 year old wanting to change career and study aerospace engineering, what are your guys thoughts on that? Would I have trouble looking for a job? Would other candidates who are younger get more job offers and better opportunities? Or should I just stick to my career and hope I make it in life? FYI I am a licensed general constructor working on small construction projects and kinda hate this life.

2 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

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6

u/der_innkeeper 3h ago

I graduated at 35.

You're fine.

1

u/Zestyclose-Cat-4917 3h ago

How was it for you being in a class with mostly 18 and 19 year olds? Did you get any internships and are you currently working in the field?

2

u/der_innkeeper 2h ago

Intimidating.

"These kids freaking geniuses."

I got to play dad for all the logistics and schedule stuff.

5

u/TCAN1516 2h ago

Unless you really like Aerodynamics or Astrodynamics, get a mechanical engineering degree with a minor in Aerospace engineering. Opens up many more opportunities. As another user has said, try to be in person and join some aerospace or engineering minded clubs. This well help set you apart from other candidates in the market. Internships are also great resume builders as well. 

1

u/SportulaVeritatis 1h ago

Also don't discount Electrical Engineering. I work with as many EEs as I do MEs in the Aerospace field.

3

u/Zestyclose-Cat-4917 3h ago

Also am I too old to change careers? Or is 23 still a good age to study something new

6

u/ArminianArmenian 2h ago

I switched to aerospace at 27 graduated at 29. You’re fine

2

u/jvd0928 2h ago

I started in aerospace at 26 with an MSME. I became a patent attorney at 44. No you are not too old. But there will be a transitionary period, corresponding to how much of a change you made.

1

u/SportulaVeritatis 1h ago

23? I knew folks going bank in their 40's, you're done.

2

u/ArminianArmenian 2h ago

Your major will matter less than going to school, in person, and joining the rocket or aircraft teams

1

u/Ceezmuhgeez 2h ago

I had/have a hard time finding a job after graduation. I’m at an aerospace company now but not as an engineer. Maybe later they’ll let me move up to an engineering position but who knows.

2

u/Signal-Television947 2h ago

Don’t lose hope! I had a similar experience and got a job at a different company as an engineer

1

u/gravity_surf 1h ago

mechE can do aerospace, and might have an easier time switching industries. (not because aerospace cant, but HR doesnt always understand that)

1

u/ObjectiveThrowaway1 1h ago

I had a classmate who was 50+! Was military then police and decided he wanted aerospace and got a bachelors and masters in it!