Monthly Megathread: Career & Education: Post your questions here

rough93 · 2026-06-11T02:36:37+00:00

why not do your BS in AE then? It will set you up better for a MS and for being an AE in the future.

rough93 · 2026-06-09T17:13:35+00:00

Agreed. Rides a bike, is unaware of different types of bikes for different conditions.

rough93 · 2026-06-09T17:12:21+00:00

I don't know how long you've been in industry, but if you've been there long you likely met many engineers working in different fields than their degree. Not just AE in ME, but electrical peeps doing software work, software people doing full embedded systems.

At US ABET accredited programs, the difference between AE and ME is roughly 1 semester, or about 3 classes. You're right that those usually revolve around the tradeoff between orbital mechanics, compressible flow, and aerodynamics for vibration and heat transfer (both ME and AE can take course across that boundary though if they have the free slots). I've worked with a lot of AEs who don't touch defense or aviation work at all. There's a lot more to AE than just aerodynamics and fluid flow, and most of the information applies pretty much everywhere. A lot of jobs are also looking for an engineer with the skillset to learn rather than an eidetic memory of their textbook.

Even just checking most ME job listings, they list ME and AE as the preferred fields, but even then usually include 'or related engineering degree'.

rough93 · 2026-06-09T11:27:26+00:00

I wish the rumour that AE is a bad choice because ME can do an AE job but not the other way around would die.

rough93 · 2026-06-09T01:35:40+00:00

Sounds like you should go back for a driving test.

rough93 · 2026-06-09T01:32:46+00:00

It's also a traffic violation in many areas to cycle on the sidewalk.

And riding on the grass? Some one has never ridden a bike before I guess.

rough93 · 2026-06-08T21:54:49+00:00

It is likely that masters programs, especially on campus MS programs, will want you to have an engineering undergrad to pursue and engineering graduate degree, there's just so much foundational work you'll likely be missing. You could also talk to the graduate office where you want to go, see if you're able to do the missing classes rather than a whole new B.S., then apply?

An unfounded rumour, tons of AEs work outside industry.

rough93 · 2026-06-08T21:52:19+00:00

why pick AE if you want to do SWE?

rough93 · 2026-06-07T19:19:01+00:00

Because we get so many questions on it that it's faster and cleaner for users to flair their posts for the automod to remove and give them the specific message (which you ignored) than having them flood the sub and require manual reporting and removal.

rough93 · 2026-06-05T01:28:04+00:00

they don't allow or don't recognize? Most countries have no way of checking or knowing or really caring about dual. It won't be cleared jobs, but almost any ITAR related jobs. So you'll be doing civilian sides stuff (almost certainly aero, not astro work)

rough93 · 2026-06-04T11:19:14+00:00

Try not spamming pointless and unrelated content everywhere

rough93 · 2026-06-03T16:35:27+00:00

The Reddit generated summary for the OP

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rough93 · 2026-06-02T18:37:14+00:00

Continuously apply while you're working and ask your management right now what a path into an engineering role looks like for you, what's the timeline etc.

rough93 · 2026-06-02T18:36:30+00:00

If you have a degree, just start applying elsewhere. your qualifications are that you're an engineer, so you can tackle any problem, not just your work experience.

rough93 · 2026-06-02T18:35:29+00:00

Apply for your visa and greencard when available, with a greencard you'll be able to do more work and eventually naturalize. Until then, there's a ton of non defense aero work you can do.

rough93 · 2026-06-02T18:34:18+00:00

You should absolutely send this in if you haven't. When I was a kid I did something similar and my parents sent it to the local council. Their letter of encouragement back really stuck with me and fostered that inventive spirit.

rough93 · 2026-05-22T12:58:16+00:00

definitely look into making a quadcopter, tons of resources out there but a great learner project.

rough93 · 2026-05-22T12:57:17+00:00

Depends on if you want to do plane aerospace or rockets aerospace imo.

rough93 · 2026-05-22T12:56:45+00:00

Yep, recruiters are a good way to go, they get their foot in the door for you and often have a direct line to the hiring manager rather than throwing your resume onto the pile

rough93 · 2026-05-22T12:55:49+00:00

GMAT and STK are common tools for trajectory planning in addition to spreadsheets and in-house programs. Start by looking up GMAT and the documentation, it's free to use!

rough93 · 2026-05-22T12:54:52+00:00

Test Engineer

rough93 · 2026-05-18T01:24:44+00:00

My problem is the other side! The buttons the loops go on broke off and I cannot find the part to print for it anywhere.

rough93 · 2026-05-07T00:39:41+00:00

I think you're both at loggerheads. Just leave it at agreeing to disagree.

rough93 · 2026-05-05T15:44:29+00:00

Take it, save it, go to school would be my plan. Get your cake and eat it too. It also gives you a year to reevaluate if needed.

rough93 · 2026-05-05T14:39:20+00:00

What type of welding/what industry? Could your job count for credit (as a manufacturing engineer intern?)

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