Expert: Paul Soderman - 5/27/2011

Question
What are the positives aspects of this job?

What are the downsides or negatives in this job?

Is this a growing field?  What is the outlook for high school or young college graduates over the next few years?

How do you develop or improve yourself for the work that you do?

How are you evaluated (quarterly, annually, etc.)?

What is the most intriguing aspect of being an expert in aeronautical engineering?

What is the most tedious aspect of aeronautical engineering?

Is aeronautical engineering growing or declining? Why?

Where do you see aeronautical engineering in the next ten or twenty years?

Is aeronautical engineering a field that you would recommend to someone else? Why?

Answer
!.  Solving challenging technical problems with dedicated, intelligent people.
2.  Dealing with the bureaucracy - government or large business.
3.  Not sure if it is growing, but aerospace is a strong industry with many opportunities.
4.  Learn all the math and science possible, with a good mix of communication, computing, electronics skills.
5.  Annually, maybe more often.
6.  Finding or developing a new technology that leads to a new understanding or device.
7.  See 2.
8.  See 3.
9.  See 3.
10. Yes, if you like engineering and the excitement of flight.