What are your top picks for aerospace engineering professional development?

1 Aerospace materials and manufacturing

One of the most important aspects of aerospace engineering is the selection, design, and processing of materials and structures that can withstand the extreme conditions and demands of flight and space exploration. You can learn more about the latest developments and innovations in aerospace materials and manufacturing by reading journals, books, and blogs, such as the Journal of Aerospace Engineering, the Aerospace Materials Handbook, and the Aerospace Manufacturing Magazine. You can also take online courses and webinars offered by reputable institutions and organizations, such as the MIT OpenCourseWare, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), and the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE).

2 Online courses and certifications

Another way to boost your aerospace engineering skills and credentials is to enroll in online courses and certifications that can provide you with valuable knowledge, insights, and practical experience. There are many options available for different levels and interests, ranging from introductory courses on aerospace engineering fundamentals, to advanced courses on specialized topics, such as aerodynamics, propulsion, control systems, and spacecraft design. Some of the platforms that offer high-quality and affordable online courses and certifications for aerospace engineering are Coursera, edX, Udemy, and FutureLearn. You can also check out the NASA Online Learning Portal, which provides free access to various NASA-related courses and resources.

3 Industry events and associations

Attending industry events and joining professional associations can help you expand your network, learn from experts, and stay updated on the latest trends and opportunities in aerospace engineering. Industry events, such as conferences, workshops, symposia, and trade shows, can offer you a chance to interact with peers, mentors, employers, and customers, as well as showcase your work and achievements. Some of the most prominent and relevant industry events for aerospace engineering are the AIAA SciTech Forum, the International Astronautical Congress (IAC), the International Conference on Aerospace Science and Technology (ICAST), and the Farnborough International Airshow. Professional associations, such as the AIAA, the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE), can provide you with access to membership benefits, such as publications, webinars, awards, scholarships, and career services.

4 Mentoring and coaching

One of the most effective ways to advance your aerospace engineering career is to seek mentoring and coaching from experienced and successful professionals who can offer you guidance, feedback, and support. Mentoring and coaching can help you develop your technical and soft skills, identify your strengths and areas for improvement, set and achieve your goals, and overcome challenges and obstacles. You can find mentors and coaches through various channels, such as your academic institution, your employer, your professional association, or your online network. You can also use platforms, such as MentorCruise, MentorNet, and CoachHub, that can match you with suitable mentors and coaches based on your profile and preferences.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?