Expert: Ray Wilkinson - 4/17/2007

Question
Hi
Im applying for both Aeronautical engineering and aerospace systems engineering for next year. I know the difference between these courses but i was wondering about the differences in job oppurtunities for these?  Is any better for jobs?
Is any more restictive than the other??

Thankyou


Answer
Hi Conor

I'm pleased you have applied for these courses. There are differences in job opportunities of course, but I wouldn't say that there is more likelihood of employment for graduates of one rather than the other. Most Universities that run these programmes run both, and it is possible to change in the first year if you decide you have made the wrong choice. You could speak to staff in your University about employment opportunities in both areas. Many employers will take graduates (and placement students) from both, but will usually put them into different departments of course.

The opportunities for systems graduates are much better now than they used to be, as the industry changes. Aircraft are now much more systems orientated, but of course there are more systems graduates around looking for these jobs.

So overall, I'd say there's nothing to choose between them from an employability point of view. It's a case of deciding which is better for you, and what you career aspirations are.

Good luck with your application. If this is for the University of Hertfordshire, then I look forward to seeing you. If not, there's always time to change your mind ;-)

Regards

Ray