Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Independent Advisors
For undergraduate students targeting entry-level aerospace roles, Mike, an advisor at an independent consulting company, suggests internships as "the best way," advocating a proactive approach of directly contacting companies via LinkedIn. He emphasizes the importance of networking and building demonstrable skills, noting that a master's degree isn't always necessary but a combined bachelor's/master's program is beneficial for immediate industry entry.
Networking, Internships, Entry-Level Jobs, Aerospace Industry, Career Development
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Mike Sims
Advisor
Independent Consulting Company
Penn State University, 2020
Executive MBA, UCLA, June 2023
Economics
Consulting & Related Professional Services, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)
Entrepreneurship and Business Owner
Veteran
Video Highlights
1. Internships are a great way to enter the aerospace field; networking through LinkedIn and cold-calling companies is recommended.
2. A bachelor's degree is sufficient for entry-level positions, but a combined bachelor's/master's program is beneficial.
3. Strong networking skills are crucial for securing internships and entry-level roles in the aerospace industry. Demonstrating initiative and actively building relationships are important.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
There are obviously internships, and let's peg it to an industry like Aerospace. There's a ton of entry-level positions all over the new space economy. Even the companies I'm representing right now have open positions, so internships are a great way to approach that.
I think the best way to do it is to reach out to people on LinkedIn. Set up a Google Sheet and write down every Aerospace company that interests you. Study them and then start reaching out.
We didn't canvas the universe for talent; we found our first person by doing this. With many startup companies in Aerospace, they are so busy that they don't have time to set up complicated pipelines yet. If someone expresses genuine interest in working there, chances are they will respond back.
This is especially true if you have a relevant degree, like undergraduate electrical engineering, earth-based astro engineering, or even marketing, as talented individuals are sought after in every industry. Internships are the best way to get exposure, build relationships, and get something demonstrable on your resume. This shows your ability to network, which is extremely important. I definitely recommend doing that.
The second part would be finishing your degree. I don't think you necessarily need a master's degree right off the bat if you're a junior. However, if you have the option to do a five-year bachelor's and master's program, I'd say jump on that. Just get into the industry and start working.