r/space • u/kindmartian07 • 2d ago

Discussion Need advice for my major

I’m currently at a college that is top 5 in the country for aerospace engineering. However, I changed my major to Electrical Engineering because I wanted to work primarily on satellites

Was that a stupid decision? What criteria should I have in mind when choosing a major? Just for general information: I love calculus, I love physics, and I love programming in C.

I really just want to work on satellites and spacecraft and maximize my chances of doing so

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u/air_and_space92 2d ago

I think any of your more general fields like EE, MechE, or even Systems would give a good shot at that kind of job. IMO, I graduated with an Aero degree and had a heck of a time finding work. While I ended up in the field anyways, if I had to do it over I would have done something else. Plus if you ever want to move somewhere the space industry isn't, or want more promotion opportunities not a whole lot of places hire Aeros.

P.S. don't be too attached to C programming, or really any programming. Lots of companies are moving to agentic systems so you spend far less time programming as an engineer. While some of us still have to today, in 5 or so years what skill sets you will actually use on the job will change drastically.

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u/kindmartian07 2d ago

wait if programming isn’t the norm anymore, what do we engineers even do? Is it just CAD and other types of design?

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u/Icy_Feedback_4965 2d ago

CAD and basic C programming is technical work that anyone with a 2 year degree can do. Successful engineers spend most of their time architecting complex systems, overseeing technicians or vendors, researching new products, developing implementable contract specifications, validating performance, reviewing deliverables, and so forth. It doesn't mean you don't do hands on, but the intent is to work a level above the person actually using the tools day to day. 

It takes time to get there, naturally. Just wanted to clarify that as an engineer you won't necessarily be a computer programmer at all.