Nima, San Jose, CA asked Zahra Khan, Columbus Technologies and Services

AddedThursday, January 21, 2016 at 9:39 PM

strong interest in aerospace engineering

Zahra, I am an international graduate student, majoring construction engineering at SJSU. I will be graduated in May 2016. I have been in US since Jan. 2015. I came to US for my masters degree in Civil Engineering, but since Oct. 2015 I am interested in Aerospace Engineering, and Space Exploration/Colonization in particular. I am spending most of my time on reading books and articles related to the recent development and technologies in this filed. I think I made my decision to devote my life on this field. Once I was dreaming about opening my own Construction Company and hiring experts, making a lot of money and buying a good car or a fancy house... But things have changed in me now. I don't need so much money to be happy anymore. All that makes me feel I accomplished my mission in my life is to be a part of this big program (Space Exploration/Colonization). This was a brief explanation about my strong interest, meaning I am willing to do what ever it takes to make it happen, such as planning to get my masters degree in Aerospace Engineering, as well. My question is, what are my options to enter this industry and work for companies such as NASA. Thanks!
  • Zahra Khan , Columbus Technologies and Services
    Answered Thursday, June 28, 2018 at 3:47 PM
    Nima,
    I'm so sorry. I'm just seeing your question now. I'm guessing its too late to answer this.
    But you can apply for jobs here after you graduate and work on your student visa using OPT. 
    It is hard to get aerospace jobs being a non-US person due to security regulations such as International Traffic in Arms regulations. I'd suggest programs working in air traffic control research or companies making commercial aircraft. Space companies usually tend to hire folks with a green card. You can getg sponsored for a green card by the company you're working for so thats also an option. In a few years with a green card, you'll be able to work on a lot more projects than without it. Hope this helps!