Aerospace Engineering Jobs for International Students-No Green Card/Citizenship

Summary

In this video, aerospace engineer Atik offers invaluable advice to international students in the U.S. pursuing aerospace engineering. He discusses career paths in aerospace, emphasizing strategies for finding jobs despite not having U.S. citizenship or a green card. Atik recommends switching to mechanical engineering for undergraduates, exploring commercial aerospace roles at companies like Boeing and Airbus, and targeting business jet companies and startups in emerging fields like electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. His guidance highlights the importance of perseverance, building experience, and securing long-term career success in the aerospace industry.

Takeaways

• 😀 International students with aerospace engineering degrees in the U.S. may face difficulties finding jobs due to the requirement for U.S. citizenship or a green card.
• 😀 Undergraduate students studying aerospace engineering might consider switching to mechanical engineering for broader job opportunities in various industries before obtaining a green card or citizenship.
• 😀 For graduate students (Masters or PhD), switching majors is harder due to research commitments, but it's still possible to find job opportunities by focusing on certain sectors of aerospace.
• 😀 Aerospace companies like Boeing may have some flexibility in hiring international students for commercial aviation roles, even if they don't have U.S. citizenship or green cards.
• 😀 Business jet companies, such as Gulfstream, tend to be more flexible with hiring international candidates, especially since they aren't involved in military contracts.
• 😀 Startups, particularly those working in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) field, are a promising opportunity for international aerospace engineers since they often do not require U.S. citizenship or green cards.
• 😀 Startups, especially in the Bay Area (California), are actively looking for aerospace engineers and offer good salary packages.
• 😀 International students should focus on gaining experience in startups for 2-3 years, after which they can apply for a green card and eventually transition to bigger aerospace companies like Boeing or Airbus.
• 😀 If you are an international student struggling to find a job in aerospace, applying for positions in commercial aerospace, business jets, or startups can increase your chances of success.
• 😀 Don't be discouraged if you face rejection from major companies like Boeing or Airbus, as these firms often have a competitive hiring process even for U.S. citizens.
• 😀 Persistence and networking, along with strategic job searching in emerging industries like eVTOL, can help international students eventually achieve their goal of working for a top aerospace company.

Q & A

What is the main challenge faced by international students in the aerospace industry in the U.S.?

The main challenge faced by international students is that many aerospace companies in the U.S. require employees to be U.S. citizens or green card holders. This makes it difficult for international students to secure internships, co-ops, or full-time positions in the aerospace industry.

What alternative does Atik suggest for undergraduate students studying aerospace engineering in the U.S.?

Atik suggests that undergraduate students consider changing their major to mechanical engineering while still taking relevant aerospace engineering courses. This strategy would help them qualify for a broader range of job opportunities, including in industries outside of aerospace, before they obtain U.S. citizenship or a green card.

Why does Atik recommend mechanical engineering over aerospace engineering for international students?

Atik recommends mechanical engineering because it offers more flexibility in terms of job opportunities, including roles outside the aerospace industry. International students can still take aerospace-related courses but with a mechanical engineering degree, they are more likely to find employment in various sectors, not just aerospace.

How does Atik's advice differ for graduate students compared to undergraduate students?

For graduate students, Atik suggests that switching majors is typically not an option due to their commitment to research or a supervisor. Instead, graduate students should consider applying for academic positions (e.g., postdoc or faculty roles) which usually do not require U.S. citizenship or a green card. They can also explore opportunities in startups or smaller aerospace companies.

What role do startups play in helping international students secure aerospace engineering jobs?

Startups, particularly in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) industry, provide excellent opportunities for international students because they are often more flexible regarding citizenship and green card status. These companies are growing rapidly, especially in areas like the San Francisco Bay Area, and hiring international students is common in this space.

What is the significance of commercial aerospace programs for international students?

Commercial aerospace programs, such as those at Boeing, may offer more flexibility for international students, as they are less likely to require U.S. citizenship or a green card, especially if the candidate has a strong academic background. International students with specialized expertise that matches the company's needs can still be hired in these divisions.

What is Atik's personal experience with working at Boeing as an international student?

Atik shares that after joining Boeing, he realized that many international students were working at the company, particularly in commercial airplane divisions. He encourages international students to apply for positions in these sectors, as there may be more opportunities for hiring without citizenship or green card status.

How does Atik advise international students to approach job applications in large aerospace companies like Boeing or Airbus?

Atik advises international students to apply for commercial airplane positions within companies like Boeing and Airbus, as these divisions may have more relaxed requirements regarding citizenship or green cards. However, he emphasizes that competition is fierce and students must be highly qualified to stand out, even if they are not U.S. citizens.

What advice does Atik give to international students who are struggling to find a job in aerospace?

Atik advises international students to stay focused and not give up on their dream of working in aerospace. He suggests exploring startup companies, particularly in the eVTOL sector, as these offer strong opportunities to gain experience and work in aerospace without facing strict citizenship requirements. He also encourages students to apply for a green card during this time.

What is the primary takeaway from Atik's video for international students in aerospace engineering?

The primary takeaway is that while international students face challenges in the U.S. aerospace industry due to citizenship and green card requirements, they can still succeed by applying to commercial aerospace programs, considering startup companies, and possibly switching to mechanical engineering. Persistence and strategic career planning are essential for success.