I'm currently working on my bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering at a dutch university. There seems to be a strong conviction around here that you need a master's degree in order to do anything, and in fact 80% of the students in the program go on to get their master's degree straight from their BSc (mostly in the same faculty I would imagine).
This came as a bit of a surprise to me as in the U.S. (where I come from) a bachelor's degree is usually considered more than enough to get a job in the industry and people often do just that before pursuing further education. Furthermore as my family is quite poor, I will probably have to work a job for a while before continuing my studies—unless I get into a PhD program back in the US where stipends / PhD straight from bachelors are a thing.
How easy is it to get an engineering job in Europe with just a bachelor's actually? Surely aerospace engineering bachelors degree holders don't just work restaurant jobs, right? Anybody in a similar position or would like to offer some advice?
>>18058003
>Furthermore as my family is quite poor
Should've studied harder and get that fellowship.
>How easy is it to get an engineering job in Europe with just a bachelor's actually?
Not bad. Just don't expect 45k/y salary.
>Surely aerospace engineering bachelors degree holders don't just work restaurant jobs, right?
Meh, it happens. It's not like the Dutch is known for their rockets. Just do your internship and part-time, dude. And hope for the best.
You should have informed yourself. European bachelors are usually 3 years long, the master is 2 years and a specialization which earns you the credentials to work in the field. After that you can do a doctorate if you want to do research.
You can work while studying, student jobs, assisstant if your grades are good enough etc.
>>18058003
Bachelor's in US works because we have a huge defense industry so aero is an ecosystem that's pretty accessible here. Lots of suppliers here. Also, once you get in you can pretty much go anywhere because Nadcap, FAA, ASTM, MIL-ST, etc. make the process similar at every company but the first can be tough. Never heard of a dutchie and I've worked with guys who did the B2, 777, 747, 787, F-18, F-35, A380, UH-60, and Super Stallion so good luck bud. Airbus is probably your best bet.
>>18058003
>Surely aerospace engineering bachelors degree holders don't just work restaurant jobs, right?
Supply and demand. There are likely many more people with engineering degrees than there are engineering jobs available. And unless you can directly apply your degree to the job you're applying for its basically worthless.
So yeah, some probably do.
>>18058194
>Just don't expect 45k/y salary.
I made 90k a year digging holes in Hawaii...
>>18058003
>Surely aerospace engineering bachelors degree holders don't just work restaurant jobs, right?
>my education entitles me to a better job!
>>18058003
This might be a sign you want a career change. Personally, I found out I don't like lab work while working at a lab in the summer before starting honours (which I decided not to pursue) for a medical science degree. I'm still glad I finished my degree even though I don't use it because I don't necessarily have to start another bachelors from scratch if I want to do something scientific or health related. I just generic office jobs for the government but I wouldn't have got those if I had no degree.