A successful rocket engineer once told me "Don't let school interfere with
your education"
Partially joking but partially not. As it turned out he was right in my
situation. If I had pursued a degree I would have had to pass up
employment in the aerospace industry which led to a successful career. As
it turned out, mentorships were what worked in my situation.
One size doesn't necessarily fit all and only you can decide which is the
best path to take.
Good luck Alex,
Ken
On Sun, Mar 28, 2021 at 6:27 AM Alex Stroud <ajastroud@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hey Ben,
It's unfortunate, I had gotten an research position for the summer but
once meeting the PI he ended up wanting me to do biology for his
engineering teams rather than me doing engineering. Since he wasn't going
to have me do any engineering, I ended up rescinding my acceptance for the
summer.
I'll have to gather my CAD files and put a portfolio together, thanks for
the tip!
Alex
On March 28, 2021 6:18:35 AM Ben Brockert <wikkit@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi Alex,
A lot of the deadlines for summer internships have passed at this
point, but it doesn't hurt to look. There is a site
https://www.spaceinterns.org/ that tries to keep a list of
opportunities.
I'm glad to see that you're involved with your SEDS chapter. In your
resume you might want to talk more about hands-on/hardware skills,
rather than just software and coursework. I've also seen a lot of
success from students that do some kind of portfolio. Showing a nozzle
go from CAD to hardware is useful, as are any other projects you've
been involved in.
Good luck!
Ben, a SEDS-USA advisor.
On Sat, Mar 27, 2021 at 11:26 PM Alex <ajastroud@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hello everyone,
Hopefully this is allowed, if not I'm very sorry to have spammed
everyone.
I saw mentioned in the recent career advice thread about posting your
resume when looking for a job or internship in aerospace. I was hoping to
make some connections and potentially land a summer internship. And if not,
I would like to get some helpful feedback on my resume.
A little about myself:
I was lost when I first started out, I had taken engineering classes in
high school and was channeled into biology by my teachers. I was never
passionate about it like I am space, but I was unsure what to do and
wanting to take on a challenge I went down the path to try and go to
medical school. I finished my biology degree in 2019 just before the
pandemic started. I have always been passionate about space but didn't
think I had what it took to actually do the engineering. The pandemic hit
and I took advantage by going back to school and trying to follow those
passions. I picked up Rocket Propulsion Elements and some other AIAA
textbooks and got to work doing research to try and develop a rocket engine.
I just started this semester as a Junior at the University of Buffalo
pursuing a Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering dual major. I have been
doing well having graduated with my associates with a 3.89 GPA from the
local community college, while working and pursuing my personal research
during the pandemic.
I am passionate about space and rocket propulsion and would like the
opportunity to learn and work in the field. I've attached my resume and a
link to my linkedin. Any suggestions on how to improve my resume would be
greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Alex Stroud
www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-stroud-rocketry