Hi Charlie,
Over the years I've mentored and advised lots of students from age 12 to
university. At your age, I would recommend getting involved with rocketry
programs designed for your age level such as the TARC competition. Besides
working on team skills, you will learn rocketry basics, use computer software
such as Open Rocket (free download), use your hands to build some rockets that
you will launch, and compete with other teams. Winning finalists get invited to
NASA's Student Launch Initiative where you will meet and network with other
peers and see what students are designing and building at the university level.
Once you are in that crowd it will be contagious.
If your school doesn't have a TARC team, talk with your science and math
teachers about starting one. This month I've worked with teams from three
different schools launching their simple Mid Power Rockets and already they are
talking the language of rocketry. At school, do your best in your course work,
use your time wisely, and hang out with the kids that are on the right track,
they don't have to be nerds but avoid the students going nowhere.
Don't stress about getting into places like Cal Tech or MIT. While they might
be top-flight, students I've mentored from less prestigious schools are now
working at SpaceX, ULA, JPL, and lots of other aerospace companies in rewarding
careers.
The American Rocket Challenge rocketcontest.org While it is too late for this
year's competition, the time to start working on the next is now.
Rick
------------------------------
From: Charlie Jackson <charliejackson8629@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [AR] Career advice please.
Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2021 21:27:39 +0000
Hello everyone,
As I am aware, a multitude of people here have extensive experience in working
with rocket propulsion, both on amateur and professional applications. Rockets
have become a large passion of mine to learn about and I want to get a career
in the topic, so if you don’t mind, could I ask a few questions?
-what can I start doing now, at age 14, that will benefit me in the long run
-what does a typical workday consist of when managing/designing rockets?
-what recourses (books, websites, etc) do you recommend to expand my knowledge
on the topic?
-What company’s are doing interesting work in the field?
-What technology have you worked on and what was it like to see it perform the
way it did?
Kind regards, Charlie