So Aerospace people, How do you like your Job?

[mikejz]

So I have decided to get a Masters in Decision and Information Sciences with a focus on supply chain management. (I’m also thinking of getting my CPA, but that’s another story). <br /><br />I have started to think that after that I might want to try my hand a working for a space/aerospace company after I graduate. So I have a question for those who are here that work for these companies.<br /><br />First, If someone loves space, is working for an aerospace company a dream come true, or really just a rude awaking to reality? For support personal (like I would be) do they still get a feeling of the aforementioned thrill/disappointment?<br />

 

[spacefire]

my only experience with the unnamed big aerospace company has been through an interview.Everything(and everyone ) was very impersonal. I'd recommend to seek employment with a well established, medium sized company, doing something that you enjoy. You can get to know a lot of people,and yet get a lot of benefits that small, start-ups might not offer.<br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>http://asteroid-invasion.blogspot.com</p><p>http://www.solvengineer.com/asteroid-invasion.html </p><p> </p> </div>

 

[gawin]

Well I did a 5 year stint with a testing facility that had many govt contracts. It was probably the most exctining times ive had at work. being able to see some of the latest greatest "toys" out thier. It was also one of the worst times i had. first and formost was the security clearance and how at certain levels of security you worry about getting a parking ticket.<br /><br />but on the bright side i can tell you this My aunt worked at edward AFB for 35 years as a civilian contractor and she loved it. she worked with many of shuttle crews and got to know many of them personaly. she felt the excitement as well as the losses.<br /><br />if i can give you any advice at all is that if it is what you want to do and you feel you will love the job then GO FOR IT!!! and dont worry to much about what other people say. you can take 50 people from the same company and get 50 different viewpoints as to wether or not they like it.<br /><br />gawin

 

[larper]

I worked at one of the Big 3 back in the 80's. Was there for 11 years. The people were great. The product was way cool, the security clearance was no big deal ( just a lot of paper work to fill out and 8 months sitting in a leper colony). Right out of college I could not ask for more.<br /><br />But, and this is a big but, Aerospace is not the cutting edge, at least from a computer or software standpoint. I had to get out before I became completely unmarketable. <br /><br />If you like working on really cool sh!t that you cannot tell anyone about, then aerospace is for you! <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000">Vote </font><font color="#3366ff">Libertarian</font></strong></p> </div>

 

[vt_hokie]

Ever see the movie Office Space? <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /> <br /><br />My first job out of college at AlliedSignal was kind of a rude awakening. Run down facility, constant layoffs, very depressing atmosphere....but I did get to see some interesting stuff, though. I managed to get a trip out to the Lockheed Martin "Skunk Works" when I was on X-33. I even got to handle the Hubble Telescope rate sensor units that were being prepared for STS-103 in 1999! Glad I never dropped 'em! <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /><br /><br />My job at Loral has been better in some ways, worse in others. Losing my entire 401k company match because I trusted Bernie Schwartz was not exactly the highlight of my career. I sure wish I had gotten rid of whatever worthless Loral stock I had before they pulled the reverse split followed immediately by bankruptcy nonsense. <br /><br />So, it's been real, but I'm ready for a new direction! I'm thinking an MBA might be the best way to change direction and get out of the rut that I'm currently in. Engineering is interesting, but as an engineer you're basically a slave to the guys who studied business and partied in school while you worked your ass off, and who now make high six figure salaries for telling you what to do! I'm kidding, of course, but only partially. And of course, money isn't everything, but in this era of the shrinking middle class and skyrocketing cost of living, it has to be a concern. Something is wrong when you have to be a millionare to afford a modest 3 bedroom home in many parts of the country!

 

[no_way]

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr /><p>Ever see the movie Office Space<p><hr /></p></p></blockquote><br />Hi, Peter, whaats happening ? <br /><br />Seriously, this must be the most underrated movie in the world.

 

[steve82]

I've been working in Aerospace for 28 years and I honestly can't say whether I would recommend it. Hey, if they offer you a job and you're looking for work, take it. Just don't plan on a "career" because there really isn't any aerospace "profession" out there. As far as aerospace companies are concerned, you're production. Plan on moving around a lot and save for your own retirement too.

 

[yurkin]

I just got an offer from Boeing so I’ll let you know in a few years. <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" />

 

[erauskydiver]

Almost 2 years under my belt and I'm a liking it!

 

[spacefire]

think after I acumulate some capital working at my current job in the stalwart aviation business I will go off on my own. I don't like working for others and having to answer to anyone but myself. Trouble is, times of personal inovation and entrepreneurship in the aerospace field are long gone. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>http://asteroid-invasion.blogspot.com</p><p>http://www.solvengineer.com/asteroid-invasion.html </p><p> </p> </div>

 

[viper101]

"<br />Hi, Peter, whaats happening ?<br /><br />Seriously, this must be the most underrated movie in the world."<br /><br /><br />Agreed! <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" />

 

[larper]

By the way shuttle_guy, what's up with your TPS reports? Didn't you get the memo? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><strong><font color="#ff0000">Vote </font><font color="#3366ff">Libertarian</font></strong></p> </div>

 

[propforce]

My condolences !! <img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[henryhallam]

Would just like to say thanks to the people who've responded to this thread, I've found it interesting since I'm also looking towards Aerospace for a career...

 

[propforce]

<blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr /><p>So I have decided to get a Masters in Decision and Information Sciences with a focus on supply chain management. (I’m also thinking of getting my CPA, but that’s another story). <p><hr /></p></p></blockquote><br /><br />Kinda indecisive for someone who's getting a MS in Decision and Information Science, I'd say <img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" /><br /><br /><blockquote><font class="small">In reply to:</font><hr /><p>I have started to think that after that I might want to try my hand a working for a space/aerospace company after I graduate. So I have a question for those who are here that work for these companies. <br /><br />First, If someone loves space, is working for an aerospace company a dream come true, or really just a rude awaking to reality? For support personal (like I would be) do they still get a feeling of the aforementioned thrill/disappointment? <p><hr /></p></p></blockquote><br /><br />I think it will be a mix feeling, kinda like a 12 step program in the AA (not that I have personal experience with the AA, mind you)<br /><br />For anyone who comes into any industry, including the aerospace, you will bound to go through a culture shock on how this (or another) industry works. It is particularly so in aerospace since we are spending taxpayer's money. The paperwork is therefore incredible (fustrating is a polite word for it) to clarify and documenting everything.<br /><br />The most common adjustment people have to make is realizing how long it takes to get things done, and how many people are involved in making decisions. Since you're only 1 spoke in a series of decision-making process, often it feels like a "hurry-up and wait" way of doing things. <br /><br />The first step is to understand all the acronyms which, in this industry, some do make a career of coming up with them. They are designed to sound cute and/or to confuse people. You'll know you've become a jedi master of acronyms when you can construct a whole sentence <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[jpowell]

I love my job! I get to play with balloons, airships and rockets most days. Other days I get to work on getting it paid for, although, (shock, disbelief), that's fun too.<br /><br />JP<br /><br />John Powell<br />President<br />JP Aerospace, America's OTHER Space Program<br />www.jpaerospace.com

 

[shuttle_rtf]

Hey, it's JP of JP Aerospace! Nice!<br /><br />We'll have to do a story on you soon!

 

[shuttle_rtf]

>The bad news is, if you do obtain security clearance, you'll have to tell uncle sam who you sleep with, especially if she has a foreign accent<<br /><br />Better cancel the girlfriend's ticket to Florida then. Shame, you'd really like her and she'd really like to know about those rockets of yours <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /><br /><br />(She'll kill me if she reads this!) <img src="/images/icons/crazy.gif" />