Mehr, Montreal

AddedFriday, April 1, 2016 at 12:59 PM

Switching from mechanical to aerospace engineering

I have finished my first year in Mechanical engineering and I am switching to Aerospace Engineering. Thus, I have to choose between 2 options, A)aerodynamics and propulsion or B)structures and materials. I would like to know which option (A or B) has more job opportunities. Thanks a lot.
  • Seetha Raghavan , University of Central Florida
    Answered Friday, April 1, 2016 at 12:59 PM
    Dear Mehr,
    
    Great question! All the areas covered in your options -  Aerodynamics and Propulsion as well as Structures and Materials - are important when it comes to designing aircraft and working in the Aerospace Engineering field - they cannot exist without the other. Groups of engineers work in each of these areas in the industry to contribute to the overall design and so engineers having a focus in either of these options are needed - job opportunities follow this pretty even trend.
    
    If I had to decide between A or B, I would use my interest in the subjects to decide. Look through some of the recommended texts for each and get a feel for what interests you more.
    Both your options are really going to be enjoyable. Both have experimental and numerical aspects - so you could choose to work in a hands-on or computational environment in either one of the areas. Personally, I was more fascinated with Aerodynamics in college but ended up working in the Structures and Materials field which I enjoyed tremendously - so I'd say you can't go wrong with either one of these choices!
    
    Hope this helps!
    
    Seetha