kressida
New Member
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2024
- Messages
- 4
I have wanted to go to the USAFA for some time now, since middle school, and I really want to become an aerospace/aeronautical engineer, as well as serve the U.S. as an Air Force member. Yet, I have been so uncertain about what path I should take, especially as college application season nears. So this is what I have been pondering a lot about: is getting an aerospace engineering degree at the USAFA first, serving as a fighter pilot (hopefully), AND THEN going to the private sector a good option? Or is it better to go to a civilian university, get an aerospace degree, immediately transfer to a private sector company, and then go to the Air Force a better option? I heard that an engineering degree loses value if you don't put it to use immediately because you're likely going to forget the information. I do understand that, but at the same time, I would like to be a part of the Air Force Academy atmosphere. It's vastly different from normal civilian life, but I would really want to experience that, versus doing an AFROTC at a university. I want to serve either way, so both options are good. But I was just unsure which path would be better. I would like to do the first, but am afraid that I won't be able to translate all of the experience directly to an aerospace engineering job in the private sector. Both being a pilot and aerospace engineer require different things, and I've read a lot about it, but there have been some people who just recommend choosing one and sticking with it, not doing both. I just wanted to get some advice from someone who has had some of this experience, either as an aerospace engineer in the Air Force or a pilot. Thanks a lot!