Expert: Paul Soderman - 2/21/2006

Question
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I'm sure you did, but I've been looking and I can't find it anywhere, so could you possibly answer them for me too? I'm really sorry, but I need to get this done.
1)What is your typical day like?
2)Of all the things you did to prepare for this  job, what helped you the most?
3)What 2 or 3 skills help tou the most in doing your job?
4)How did you learn these skills?
5)What kind of education did you need for this job?
6)What kind of courses should I take in high school to prepare me for this job?
7)What do you like most about this career?
8)What's the hardes part of your job?
9)What do you think the future looks like for this kind of career?
10)What kind of salary can I expect?
11)If you had a chance to do things over again, what would you change?
12)What motivates you with your job, and what makes you excited about it?
13)What kind of personality does well in a career like this?
14)Is there a question you think I should have asked to better understand this career?
15)Any other advice you would like to give me?


Answer
By the numbers:
1. I was a research engineer and Group Leader in a NASA research lab. Our primary job was to design and execute wind tunnel studies to advance technology of aerospace vehicles and systems.
2-5. Education requirements are an engineering degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. A BS is required, an MS is desirable. Job experience is not required, but would be a plus. Attitude must be positive and enthusiastic.
6. Physics, math, math, math.
10. Roughly $35,000 for a BS student with no experience.
9.  Not good with NASA, but good with industry.
7. The challenge of developing new technology that never existed, and working with brilliant people.
8. The bureaucracy and bad managers at the top.
13. Be confident in your understanding of science and math, and learn to express your ideas.
12. See 7.
14. No
15. No

Paul