Expert: Paul Soderman - 4/8/2008

Question
QUESTION: Ok, so I would like to ask you if you know of  types of specialized Aeronautical Engineering jobs. Or of any sites that list a bunch. I want to be an aeronautical engineer, but I'm not sure what to specialize in. Thanks

ANSWER: Yes Allison, there are many specialized jobs that Aeronautical Engineers do, too many to list here.  Check the Boeing and NASA websites to get a sample of job opportunities.

However, as a student you don't have to worry about that for many years because you will be spending a lot to time studying the basics of math, physics, chemistry, fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, kinematics, strength of materials, thermodynamics, jet propulsion, etc. etc. and do not have to choose a speciality until graduate school.  Even then, you will choose a field of study, not a special job training.  The latter will happen on the job.

Paul

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I know this is a stupid quetion, but I really hate Algebra 2 and I was thinking... does Aeronautics cover alot of concepts in Algebra 2?  I really like airplanes and they fascinate me, but math in Algebra 2 is really challenging for me.  What kind of math would an Aeronautical Engineer use?

Answer
Sorry Allison, if you really hate Algebra 2 you would hate to be an engineer.  Engineers don't have to love math, but they have to be very proficient at it because math is an important tool in their work.  At the university level, you would have to study algebra, geometry, calculus, differential equations, matrix analysis, vector analysis, complex numbers, and more.  Any or all of those subjects might be important to an engineer's job at one time or another.

I don't want to discourage you because there are great opportunities for women in engineering. But to go down that path you are going to have to tackle math like it is a job that has to be done.  You don't have to like it, but you have to handle it.  Remember, every math problem, no matter how complicated, is really a series of simple, logical steps.  Just take them one at a time.  Believe it or not, math can be very satisfying once you gain confidence in your abilities.

Paul