Will getting an aerospace engineering degree limit my job options?

Hi! I was wondering if only taking a degree in aerospace would limit my job options than if I just took mechanical engineering. It seems like they have more options and flexibility in where to work? I want to enter a field where there are a lot of job opportunities and I really really want to work in aerospace however mechanical seems to have more options. Could you please give me some advice?

Reset

Megan Harrington , Blue Origin

Answered Sunday, November 15, 2020 at 4:34 PM

Hi Alex,

Overall, there are more opportunities for mechanical in the engineering industry since it's a broader field of engineering. You don't need to have an aerospace engineering degree to go into the aero industry - I'm a ME in aero :) 

I view aerospace engineering as a specialized type of mechanical engineer. If you want more broad opportunities beyond that of just aerospace, then go with mechanical. If you've decided you want to do aerospace full stop, then either is acceptable. The focus is a little different between the two, so if you're looking to explore what specialized areas you're interested in, take a close look at the courses involved for both degrees. Mechanical engineers tend to go heavier on things like structural engineering, mechanisms and robotics, mechanics of materials, etc.; Aerospace engineers tend to go heavier on things like orbital mechanics, systems engineering, aeroacoustics, etc. There is overlap between ME's and AE's, so do some digging into those courses and find out what you're more interested in. At the end of the day, both of these engineers are needed in the aerospace industry. 

Hope that helps! Great question. 

Thanks!