Aerospace Engineers work in one of the most technologically advanced branches of engineering. They design, construct and test aircraft, missiles, satellites, rockets, spacecrafts - anything that flies.

Besides this, they are also involved in researching new materials, engines, body shapes and structures.

This job is not just about science, it's also about creativity.

You need to have good mathematical and logical skills. You also need to be good at organising. You will be working in teams of cross-sectional skills and as such you must be able to get on well with people at all levels. You should be able to keep calm under pressure and be a problem solver. You should also like working with tools, drawing complex sketches and thinking up forms and structures.

You will study subjects like Principles of Flight, Aerodynamics, Aircraft structure, Propulsion,

Avionics, Electronics, Metrology, as well as Airworthiness Regulations and Air Traffic Control.

You will then have to choose an area of specialization, namely, aerodynamics, propulsion,

structures, navigation and control, instrumentation and communication, etc. You could also specialise in aerospace products viz., commercial transport, military fighter jets, helicopters, spacecrafts,

missiles or rockets.

The Indian aerospace industry is small as compared to the one in Europe or the United States. In India you will most likely be employed in government owned enterprises such as ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation), HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.) and NAL (National Aeronautics Labs). A lot of prestige is associated with working in these organisations and they attract the top brains in the country.

You could also work for airlines like Air India, Indian Airlines or Jet Airways. Openings also exist

in civil aviation departments as well as the Indian Air Force.

There is no dearth of opportunities for those who wish to work abroad. In fact, a large percentage of

engineers at NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration, United States) are Indians. The same is the case with aerospace giants like Boeing, McDonnell Douglas etc.

The colleges that offer Aerospace Engineering for which you need to get a degree in Aerospace/ Aeronautical Engineering after XII science. The colleges offering the same are:

AEROSPACE ENGINEERING:

Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur

Kanpur 208 016

Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur

Kharagpur 721302.

Indian Institute of Technology, Madras

Chennai 600036.

AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING:

Punjab University- Punjab Engineering College,

Sector 12, Chandigarh 1600012

Madras Institute Of Technology,

Anna University

Chromepet, Chennai 600 044.

Hindustan College Of Engineering, University Of Madras

Old Mahabalipuram Road, Padur, Kelambakkam - 603 103.

Park College Of Engineering Technology, University Of

Madras, Palanisam Ravi Nagar, Karumathampatti,

Coimbatore 641 659

Mohammed Sathak Engineering College,

Madurai Kamraj University

Kilakarai - 623 806.

Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai

Powai, Mumbai 400076.

The B.Sc. IT course of Mumbai University is available

in the following institutes:

1. Vivek Education Society's Arts & Commerce College

Vivek Vidyalaya, Siddharth Nagar, Goregaon (w), Mumbai

400 062.

2. Dyansadhana College

Behind Telco Company, Opp Highway, Near Mental Hospital, Thane 400604

3. I C L College

Vashi, New Mumbai (Zunzunwala College)

4. Sathaye College

Dixit Road, Vile Parle (E)

5. D E Society's Kirti M Doongursee College of Arts

Science & Commerce

Kashinath Dhuru Road, Dadar (W), Mumbai 400 028.

6. K J Somaiya College of Science & Commerce

Vidyanagar Campus, Vidyavihar, Mumbai 400077.

The eligibility criterion for this course is XII with Mathematics. The entrance exam is conducted after XII

standard results. The entrance exam would basically concentrate on your analytical abilities, logical

reasoning and numerical skills.

Another course you could consider is Bachelor of Computer Application. This course is being offered by:

College Tel No:

1. Jai Hind College - 2204 0256

2. National College - 2648 3544

3. Elphinstone College - 2284 3797

it is possible that you are confused between Aerospace and Computers. It is advisable to discuss

the issue with an experienced career counsellor who would be in a position to clarify your doubts and help

you set your priorities. An assessment session, where Aptitude, Interest and Personality tests are

administered would also be very beneficial to help you understand your interests, strengths and values.