What can you do with a Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering degree?

First, some facts. Of the Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 921 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 75%, Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering graduates have a higher likelihood (+8%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 75%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 33% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 75%

We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2017 from Florida Institute of Technology with a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. Also pursued further education since (see below).

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
System Engineer
Northrop Grumman
Jun 2017 - Jan 2020
As a System Engineer at Northrop Grumman, the job directly applies aerospace engineering principles and knowledge, which are fundamental to the Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering.

Analyst
Aries Consulting and Integration
Jan 2022 - Present
The role of Analyst at Aries Consulting and Integration may involve some analytical skills applicable to aerospace projects, but it does not require the specific aerospace engineering expertise as a core qualification for the job.

FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATING
Master's degree
Florida Institute of Technology
2017 - 2019
ABOUT

No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


When looking at the career paths of individuals who have graduated with a degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, or Astronautical Engineering, you will find a wide range of jobs that reflect their education and skills. Many of these graduates go on to work in industries that are directly related to aerospace, such as aviation and spacecraft engineering. Positions like Aerospace Engineer, Flight Test Engineer, and Systems Engineer are prevalent in their profiles. These jobs harness the theoretical and practical knowledge gained during their studies, such as aerodynamics, propulsion, and systems design.

Interestingly, a significant number of graduates also find their way into roles that aren't strictly tied to aerospace engineering, such as those in management, education, and various sectors outside of aviation. For instance, roles such as project managers, quality assurance specialists, and even flight instructors appear frequently. While these positions can utilize some skills from their aerospace background—like problem-solving and analytical thinking—they don't necessarily require the specialized aerospace knowledge they acquired in university. This illustrates a common trend where technical graduates leverage their skills in broader contexts, often leading to career paths in areas where their critical thinking and engineering mindset can provide value.

Overall, while many of these graduates remain closely connected to the aerospace field through relevant engineering positions, a notable number diversify into other sectors, indicating the versatility of an aerospace engineering education. As is clear, the most common roles generally do maintain a direct connection to their academic training; however, the spectrum of job roles also highlights that not all graduates may take a path deeply rooted within aerospace engineering itself. This can sometimes lead to a mix of high relevance in specific positions while others might only brush on the concepts rooted in the degree, suggesting that aerospace engineering provides foundational skills applicable in various fields while showing the adaptability of these individuals in the job market.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

When we look at the career trajectories of graduates with degrees in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical Engineering, a clear pattern emerges. Many graduates tend to land their first jobs in roles that relate directly to their field of study, such as engineering internships, research positions at prominent organizations like NASA, or entry-level engineering roles in major aerospace companies. For instance, graduates from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Purdue University frequently secure roles directly linked to aerospace functions, like that of Flight Test Engineers or Aerospace Engineers. This trend highlights a generally healthy job market for recent graduates, at least in the earlier stages of their careers.

Five years after graduation, we begin to see a more diverse array of professional outcomes. Some individuals have moved up the career ladder within aerospace corporations or have made significant contributions in roles where they apply their engineering skills, such as project management or systems engineering. Others, however, pivot to less technical roles or industries altogether, suggesting that not all graduates remain entrenched in direct engineering roles. For instance, some graduates have taken on project management assignments in non-engineering fields or transitioned to roles in education or consulting, which diverges from their original career path in aerospace. This shift may be driven by personal interests or external factors like company restructuring or changes in individual career goals.

Ten years down the line, the trajectories reveal even more divergence. Many individuals are cementing their positions as seasoned engineers or technical managers within the aerospace sector, leveraging their experience to lead teams or oversee critical projects. Others have transitioned into upper management roles in various industries, capitalizing on their analytical and problem-solving skills honed during their engineering education. For example, some graduates have moved into executive positions at tech firms or have become entrepreneurs. On the other hand, a portion of alumni may still find themselves outside direct aerospace roles, indicating that while many graduates enjoy successful careers in relevant fields, a significant number will explore options that lead them away from their original domain. This diversity in career paths reflects both the broad applicability of the skills gained during their studies and the evolving nature of professional interests over time.

In conclusion, while the initial jobs of aerospace graduates tend to be relevant within the field, a variety of factors influence the paths they take five to ten years after graduation. This variability suggests that while a degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical Engineering opens many doors, not all graduates remain within their original discipline. Some enjoy fruitful careers in aerospace, while others cultivate diverse paths in different fields, showcasing the versatility of their skills. Ultimately, the outcomes reflect a mix of success and change, illustrating how a degree can set the stage for varied future possibilities.

How hard is a Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering degree?

A Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical Engineering can be quite challenging, maybe even more so than the average degree. You’ll be diving deep into complex subjects like fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and structural analysis, which can really test your math and physics skills. The workload is typically heavy, with lots of projects and lab work, so if you enjoy problem-solving and have a strong interest in how things fly or work in space, it might be engaging for you, but be prepared for some late nights and tough exams along the way!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering.

Do Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering graduates tend to make good money?

Looking through this impressive list of graduates and their careers, it seems like most of them have hit the ground running, landing roles at some pretty major companies like NASA, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman. If you're wondering whether they’re making decent money, it’s quite likely! Positions at such organizations usually offer good starting salaries, especially for graduates with engineering degrees in aerospace or related fields. Those who have climbed the ranks or taken on specialized roles, like flight instructors or engineering leads, are probably pulling in six-figure salaries, making solid financial choices based on their education and experiences.

Now, some recent grads or those in specific internships might not be earning top dollar just yet, but they're on the right path. Many have just entered the job market and are setting up their careers, which typically opens up more lucrative opportunities down the line as they gain experience. Overall, while some might be starting off with smaller paychecks, the trajectory for most seems bright, given the demand in the aerospace industry.

What buzzwords do Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering (ordered by the average relevance score of their Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
Texas A&M University 87 22
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 86 12
University of Cincinnati 86 10
Purdue University 85 40
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 85 17
Georgia Institute of Technology 84 23
Liberty University 81 21
Iowa State University 80 16
University of Colorado Boulder 80 13
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona 79 13
United States Naval Academy 77 12
The Ohio State University 76 20
University of Central Florida 75 25
Arizona State University 74 12
University of Michigan 74 10
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 71 163
Penn State University 68 12
Florida Institute of Technology 67 20
The University of Alabama in Huntsville 67 11
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide 66 10
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 48 10