Expert: Marc Ebelini - 10/5/2004

Question
dear sir
as u enquired abt my interest is in propulsion and space technology like rockets missiles etc but i have been told that only structure stream is the most awarding now and other fields dont have much scope yet.
i wish to obtain a post graduate degree first but still sometimes im advised to gain some experience in d industry and then come back for PG. anyways my ambition is to be a specialist in spacecraft and rockets. so how do u rate scope in this fleld? how can i proceed for this?kindly guide me
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Followup To
Question -
dear sir
i m anupam goyal and a student of section A of aeronautical society of india. i wish to know which stream should be chosen for specialisation in section B for better career? propulsion or aerodynamics or avionics ? moreover how should we proceed after completion of degree ? should we go for some jobs and training or should i go for m tech in IIT etc before doing any job? i mean to say experince is more imp or higher education?  
kindly guide me and help me
thanking you
anupam goyal
Answer -
Sorry I didn't write sooner but all these hurricanes here in Florida have put us behind schedule.
Aviation is a large field and encompasses many specialties. What area do you enjoy most would be my first question. Once you have decided what you like to do best whether it be flying, engineering or maintenance then research that area to see what the job market possibliities are. If that market is not favorable in your country look into other countries.
You mention Avionics, this is a very compeditive area with electronics changing at a fast pace. Example: An Aircraft & Powerplant mechanic was a jack of all trades, he needed to be a welder, sheet metal worker, woodworker, painter and the list goes on. The test was twelve parts. Today he is only a parts changer because the state of the art is has changed. Few things are now field repairable. Now these skills may still have value in some third world countries so I will not critize any one wanting to learn them. What are your ambitions? The most important thing in life is doing what you enjoy and still earn a living doing it. In aviation airline pilots are the highest paid aside from airline executives. But that market is very small.
Getting a degree, licenses (Pilot, mechanic or both) is the key to the job market. Experience can only be obtained once you have entered the field. Your experience then becomes your marketing tool.  

Answer
Space and super sonic speed technology is the future. Because the advanced studies are not taught in any school, you must first obtain the background to be hired by firms doing research in this field. Example: Paul Allen co-founder of Microsoft funded Burt Rutan's SpaceShipOne project to win the $10,000.00 Ansari X prize for the first private space ship to reach outer space twice within 14 days. Writing to Burt Rutan and others in that field may give you an insight as to what background is required to best serve that industry. Unfortunately, I am old school and aviation to me is still wood, aluminum, dope, and fabric. Space requires knowledge in space age materials that are necessary to survive in these hostel environments. Breaking into to this small tight group will be difficult and will require you to locate to the isolated areas in where they operate, like the Mojave desert in California.
Good luck on your endeavors. Marc Ebelini