Expert: Howard Lorenz - 3/22/2010

Question
I am planning on joining the Air Force as an Aerospace Engineer, and as such there are a few questions that I had:

What is a typical day like for you?
What are the best aspects of this profession?
What are the least desirable aspects of this profession?
What does it take to succeed?
What educational background is required?
Are there related jobs?
What professional organizations or associations are affiliated with this career?
Are there any hot topics or controversial issues associated with this career?
Are there any magazines or periodicals that people in this field typically read?
Are there any books, TV shows, or movies that adequately portray people in this profession?
What does the future hold for this particular career?
What kind of quality of life does this career afford?

I don't know if you're an Aerospace Engineer or not, but I think that you being a member of the Air Force qualifies. Thank you for your time.

Answer
No i am not an aerospace engineer , but I am an Air transportation specialist. Ill try to answer your questions the best I can....

What is a typical day like for you?

My day is like any other job really. I have to report for duty at 145 in the after noon, get my crew ready for the days activities. I usually get there an hour before my crew does to get the daily brief and get my days brief for my crew done... Its alot like having a civilian job, we just do it at the base in pickle suits!


What are the best aspects of this profession?

THe best aspects of my profession is that its broad based. What I mean by that is that there are many different positions with in the one career field that there is always some variety. We basically do the same job for 2 years and then we are moved sections to do something else.


What are the least desirable aspects of this profession?

With any position, there is some dullness, repetitiveness, other people that you work with that you do not like....but you get that in any job

What does it take to succeed?

In any position, the key to success is is attitude and desire and a goal. These three things together will get you success.


What educational background is required?

If you are coming into the Air Force, you only need a HS diploma, we will teach you everything you need to know to do your job.

Are there related jobs? I am assuming that you are talking about civilian positions. 98% of all Air Force jobs have a civilian related position.


What professional organizations or associations are affiliated with this career?

There are many companies that you can work for... any airline, aircraft manufacturing  company, or companies that manufacture parts or components.

Are there any hot topics or controversial issues associated with this career?

None really that I can think of



Are there any magazines or periodicals that people in this field typically read?
There are a couple, if you go to your magazine rack at any store, you will find magazines like pilot magazine is one...


Are there any books, TV shows, or movies that adequately portray people in this profession?
The discovery channel has alot of documentaries that can be viewed.


What does the future hold for this particular career?
Now that we have Air Travel,,,, there will always be a need. This industry like ground transportation will continue to grow.


What kind of quality of life does this career afford?

Most positions in this career field comes with good compensation..... but thats mostly on how you spend it to what degree of life style you will have.


I hope that these are answers you are looking for... or at least in the ball park...

HW