Bak 2 skool
 

Has anyone any experience of degree courses in aero engineering? Would I be wasting my time and if so, what should I do to get a job in engineering?

I have a degree in Aero, and am working on my Phd in my spare time - I've also spent my entire career in aeronautics so it must have done me some good.

The courses are either 3 or 4yrs full time and phenominally hard work - because of the high entry requirements and the depth of the course they qualify you to work in most areas of Engineering. However, the degree alone won't usually get you a job unless you can show a couple of years experience in the field - so getting the first job can be a real struggle.

After that it takes about 4 years (if all goes well) to get a CEng and if you believe the Engineering Council figures (although personally I have doubts about their pay figure) the median pay for a CEng is 37k and the unemployment rate is 1.2%

Most Aero Engineers tend to specialise after a few years, for example in Stress-analysis, helicopter dynamics, flight testing, aerodynamics or whatever. Although it's possible to change (and many people do, I went from flight testing to airworthiness) it's worth aiming at a University which offers specialist courses in the areas you might wish to end up working in.

There have been discussions on this subject before, and it would be worth searching the archives for more info.

G

Tallbloke,
Allthough I am not in the same country as yourself, I see no point to going out and doing a university degree except if you want your name to be followed by alot of letters. I went through a six month course (first of it's kind in Australia) 100% employment at the end of it... The best thing is that it also cuts an apprentiship down by a year. So at the end of three and a half years you become licenced. How easy is that. I don't know if it would suit you or not???
Food for thought. I would also like more information on the subject to further my career....

Hi Tallbloke

A couple of years ago when I was taking my'A' licence, there was a young lady from Spotty M sitting hers at the same time. I the course of conversation it transpired that she had a degree, but the good old CAA would not give her any exemptions towards her licence! Depending on where you want your career to go, you need to ask some soul searching questions, and then decide if you want to design etc, or manufacture/fix aeroplanes. I too have thought of doing a degree (only so that I can be equally as qualified as my wife!)but think that it is far too much hassle.

Gawd Greasy - if you and the cheeze and kisses have a son you will be headed for the third degree - boom boom