Aerospace Engineering vs Computer Engineering vs EE engineering
 

Hi^^ Im a A level student and im confusing which degree should i choose.
Im good in physics and mathematics. My dad's friend say aerospace engineering is good but i have no idea. How about computer and EE engineering? I need some help and advice here!!! Thx.

My rich dad says banking is the best. My richer dad says doing business is even better.
:)

im a student from science stream though din take account and bussiness thing before in my O and A level.....

can any1 gimme any info about aerospace??? im kinda confuse here, need guidance.....

As a background info, i was in the same dilemma 4 years ago as you are now while choosing which courses to undertake, which will ultimately shape the (most possible) career path for life.

In fact, I was choosing between Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering vs Computer Engineering too. I didn't choose EEE mainly because the intake cohort is the largest, thus the possiblities of getting good grades, scoring in exams, and opportunities to shine, are sort of less. Another thing is there're MANY scholars from ASEAN, PRC and India in EEE (and also computer engineering in case of India).

In fact, I chose Computer Engineering. Despite the fact that i always sketched cars & airplanes during my JC lectures, i realised that at least 40-50% of mech/aero graduates enter manufacturing sector of the economy, whether in process management, mechanical engineer, aircraft engineer (only for one part of the whole craft, now the whole, just like a software which is divided into sub-systems). Looking at the job market and the policy of SG government, IT has become more and more integrated in almost every company, big or small, local or multi-national, public or private. Thus, I chose computer engineering simply for the (seemingly) better prospects.

Regardless, whatever you choose, as long as you have passion in it and you find it a worthwhile 4-year journey in whichever campus you'll end up at, you'll be fine. Don't forget to take part in activities too, as top employers today emphasise on hiring on all-rounders, rather than just hiring straight-As geeks.

Last but not least, to guage how each courses' graduates perform in the past few years, take a look at the 3 pdf of graduates employment survey in this link: Ministry of Education, Singapore: Education System, Post-Secondary

However, be warned. $$$ doesn't equate to true happiness. Once again, I would emphasise on doing what you enjoy best.

Cheers!

Thanks, Ntrix for your time and efforts. Can an aerospace engineering graduate be an aircraft engineer? Is there any job market for aerospace engineering in singapore? What's the difference between the things that a aeronautical engineering learn to a aerospace engineering? Hope you are there to answer my question:confused: (I got many to ask)

I'm not in the aero industry, but as an observer, I think there isn't much real engineering work - the development and even R&D kind - going on in Singapore currently or in the foreseeable future, unless we are talking about MINDEF/Defence. So my point is that jobs for graduates in aero-related disciplines are limited in Singapore.

However, what I know is that there are a few big companies doing aircraft maintenance. If that's the kind of work you're happy with, then it's alright. But even so, I suspect you will face competition from your cheaper counterparts across the causeway and even from China and India.

Yoz..

First& Second question: Can aero engin graduate be an aircraft engineer? Yes, certainly. Based on the latest data from the Singapore airshow 2010, more $$$ has been injected into preparing and transforming Singapore into aerospace hub in the region. Thus, there'll be many opportunities for such graduates from aerospace/mechatronics engin in years to come, whether at big-name companies such as Rolls-Royce, Pratt&Whitney, Bombardier, SIA Engineering, etc.

Competitions are present in every industry. Therefore, being able to add value to the companies will give you the winning edge over other graduates. How? Activities, Internships, Inter-personal & leadership skills...

Aerospace vs aeronautical? they're simply different depending on how the university wants to name it. For example, NTU has Mechanical&Aerospace Engin (MAE) school, offering a few specialisations, such as mechatronics or aerospace. There's also direct aerospace degree in NTU, but the entry requirements are much more stringent. Have you heard of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the US? well.. things that they teach are in fact quite identical to things that NTU teaches. After all, bachelor degree builds fundamentals in fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, engineering mathematics, etc etc. Thus, it's just a naming convention.

**NOTE: if you're Singaporean or SG PR, you can also consider working with as navy/airforce non-officer staff (eg. engineer). They pay very well for graduates with good honours, even better than some(in fact many) MNCS in aerospace industries, considering MINDEF offers quite excellent bonus package.

Thanks again for your time and efforts in helping me, Ntriz.
I have applied NTU and NUS but still waiting for the outcome. For NTU, applicants are allowed to change their choices of course before 31 of march. So i'm still thinking over it. For NTU, I saw there are aerospace engineering and aeronautical engineering which is under the fourth year of mecha engineering. What's the difference in this two tittle which sounds similar.
By the way, i'm actually a Malaysian but my grandparents are singaporean.
I know that MINDEF is singapore army(My mum told me) but how about MNCS ( what's that?)
My STPM results is similar to A level standard. I obtained 2A- for my physic and general paper and 2B+ for my chemistry and mathematics. (A,A-,B+,B,B-,C+,C... A will be the best grade.) Hope you dont mind wasting your time on a foreigner

Singaporeans are generally very ok with Malaysians. You guys have long contributed to our workforce and economy since the early days without many issues.

It's our government's recent lax foreign immigration policy that we are not happy with. You can see them busy trying to appease the citizens before the general election.

You're welcome. In fact, I'm not local either hahahahaz... I'm from ASEAN region as well.
Hmm... you should spend more time doing some research. MNCs = Multi-National Companies. examples of MNCs are Rolls Royce, Pratt & Whitney, Microsoft, Exxon Mobil, etc. while local MNCs include Singapore Airlines (SIA), Creative Technology, etc.

I think you have misunderstood the NTU website. There are in fact 2 different degree programmes being offered, Aerospace Engin programme, and Mechanical Engin programme (NTU School of MAE)

For students enrolled into Mechanical Engineering stream, there're 8 specialisations to choose from. "Aeronautical" specialisation is named in that way so that people won't get confused with Aerospace stream of students, which are enrolled in totally different curricular system. Also, direct entry to Aerospace engin programme will prepare you for that area right from first year. However, choosing aeronautical specialisation for your mechanical engin programme will allow you to learn more about aerospace/aeronautical (these 2 words are synonyms of each other. they're the same!)

Looking at your grades, I would suggest you should try choosing Aerospace Engineering as your first choice, and Mechanical Engineering as a second choice (again, THEY ARE 2 DIFFERENT DEGREE PREGRAMMES OFFERED BY MAE SCHOOL). Note that ALL students in Aerospace Engineering in NTU had straight As in their A levels. However, it's still worth a try, as A A B B will surely put you into Mechanical Engineering programme. Thus, you can opt for mech. eng. as your 2nd choice and later on in your 3rd year, you can decide what specialisation you would like to choose for your final year of study.

The 8 specialisations have their purposes. This will open up more career path as well. Also, since students entering direct Aerospace Engin are top A level scorers, you may find it hard to stay on the right side of the distribution curve, which is how you'll be graded in universities (normal distribution). Thus, plan carefully.

My advice is pursue for more general degress like Mechanical or Electrical engineering first if you are really uncertain to go into aerospace industry to leave a backdoor for yourself in the case that you are not interested anymore. If you are certain to go for aerospace industry then go ahead pursue the Aerospace degree. Even with Aerospace/Mechanical/Electrical degrees when you have joined the aerospace industry eg. licensing or MRO, you will still need to go for further specialization, training or take licensing papers like CAAS.

For myself i joined the aerospace industry after poly after getting a mechanical eng diploma as my parents are retired and unable to fund for my degree studies. Lucky enough i am able to take time off from my work to study part time for my degree.

Oh, I see. May i know which university u studied? Besides aerospace engineering that work at airport, are there any others workplace for aero eng?
Currently, im choosing between aerospace eng and computer eng. Another problem will be will i be accepted by the uni.

Another question, why didn't see any data about aerospace engineering in the graduates employment survey? All types of engineering are in the survey except aero. Do you know anything about it?

So lets say after I graduate from aerospace and I would like to venture into aerospace industry, I have to take certain test to be able to work as aero engineer or just im not qualified enough to examine certain parts or models of the airplanes? I heard aero engineer working hours is not very constant? Do we have to do heavy work?(I mean like lifting heavy loads)

Much depends whether you are in the blue collar or white collar position.
1) Blue collar positions (more hands on), most likely you need to take the "certain tests" as you need to release part,components,aircraft etc. and may some do heavy work (but much depends on your job assignment) and high chances you will be on shift.
2) But for white collar positions eg. technical services engineer: you may or may not need to take "certain test" as chances for you certifying items are very low (in some companies can be yes or no) and workscope is more to office level or paperwork and low chances to be on shift.

FYI for the blue collar positions most of the entry requirement is only diploma level, but now there is also a lot of degree holder who is in those positions. :)

Hope those can clarify ur doubts.

Thx for the info^^

1. May i know how long is the shift? 5hours or 8hours shift?

2. The blue collar positions and white collar position's salaries differ a lot?

3. May i know the white collar jobs? (i mean the tile of their occupation)

4. Which is in higher demand? (blue or white)

There are 2 main MRO in Singapore. SIAEC and ST Eng. If you wish to be a licensed aircraft engineer (LAE), you would only require a diploma. All the local polytechnics has 3 types of aerospace course

1. Avionics or B2(aviation electronics)
2. A & C or B1(Airframe and Engine)
3. Aviation Management

In order to become a LAE, you need to take CAAS papers. So far only Temasek Polytechnic enables you to take them during your period in school. If not, you can work your way into an apprenticeship scheme in the MRO where they will send you to take the CAAS papers. However, you will be bonded for several years with them.

Those with degree will also be accepted for the apprenticeship scheme. Mechanical engineer will be doing B1 while Electrical engineer will be B2.

Working conditions is not the best in MRO compared to those sitting in office.

Pay is miserable low while as an apprentice.

SIAEC main business comes from SIA (newer fleet - cleaner plane, fewer problems) while ST Eng business comes from other airlines. (older planes, dirtier, poorer conditions). SIAEC has a more established training program compared to ST Eng.

My advice to you. Get a general degree. The more you specialise, the more you narrow your choices. Specialisation in aerospace might work if you do well, but if it doesn't, you still have a backup plan.

1. Lets say im graduate from aerospace degree, i still need to undergo the apprenticeship scheme and need to take CAAS paper?

2. Im not qualified as a licensed aircraft engineer (LAE) with my aerospace degree?

3. Every aerospace engineering degree holder will need to undergoes all that if they want to be a LAE??

That's the purpose of apprenticeship to train you up on your hands on skill and knowledge of aircraft. LAE apprenticeship bond last 8 years (3 years training + 5 years bond). If you break the bond during this period, you have to pay the company.

You're not qualified directly from your degree to be LAE, as you still need to take CAAS and OJT (on the job training) as requirement from CAAS. Unless your degree can exempt you from taking CAAS paper which i believe is rare. Try reading from CAAS website SAR66 (requirements for certifying staff) to understand more the requirement of LAE.

Working hours for LAE can be unfixed. Shift hour last about 8 hours at least from what I know in aerospace. You can earn extra if u work overtime but that have to depends on job loading. Your pay + working overtime as blue collar might exceed your pay for white collar but that still depends on job loading. Working as white collar (means office job), so your pay if quite fixed (no overtime/extra income).

So you better think carefully regarding your path.

Being LAE or certifying staff, you have be responsible and accountable for all the item that you have signed off (release). As aircraft is not like car when driving your car if spoilt you still can park at the roadside where aircraft you when flying you can't park in mid air when spoilt. So it's a high responsibility job being LAE or certifying staff, where if you are found guilty of causing any aircraft accidents you can be guilty of criminal prosecution and suspended by company (i am not trying to scare not to become LAE or certifying staff :)).

So get a more general degree first, if you still want to become LAE then only narrow down. Don't get too narrow down on your studies to aerospace if you are not 100% to join the industry after you finish the studies.

Im still thinking what to study. May i know as a fresh graduate of aerospace degree holder, how much can they earn?

You can check out MOM salary survey. It is published yearly on their website. The last time I recall for aerospace engineer averages $2600 for fresh graduate. Remember, it is an average, so it still depends on your qualifications and relelvant experience that the company is looking for.

I am a degree holder who took up the LAE trainee scheme. Starting pay? $1800 :(

An aerospace degree has not much value for an LAE. It is the experiences that you have that matters in this job. Some of the veteran LAEs in my company has only O-levels or lower. Well... if I were to say, some of these people rose up to be holding senior managment positions - without a degree or diploma even. And I'm not going to comment on their managment style.

If you desire to be rich, engineering may not be the best option. The big money are in the banking and finance sector.

The LAE training scheme take how long? i heard about CAAS test. Can tell me more about it?

senge on
 

As mentioned in the previous posting. It is 3 years training plus another 5 year bond to the accompany upon completion of training (meaning you're stuck to the company for 8 years in total).

That is about 12 CAAS B1(mechanical)/B2(avionics) level papers for SAR66 (depending on your company) excluding your aircraft ratings papers, practical tests and so on (you will be interviewed thoroughly by CAAS before passing out as LAE). So in total 3 years, you must pass close to 20 tests. If you fail more than 3 each of the test, most likely you will be booted out of your company. In worse case if you fail, company can make you pay for the liquidation damages (training fee incurred).

advice from an aerospace eng graduate
 

Hi guys, i happened to come across your post, since i am the 1st batch graduate from aerospace engineering. i may have some useful info for you.

first of all, you got to know whether you have genuine interest on aerospace engineering. if you do, do you want to work as an engineer or researcher? honestly, you do not need to study aerospace engineering in order to work as an aerospace engineer. of course aerospace eng graduates do get a bit more advantage, but a mechanical engineer can perfect fit into the position, and they have more career options other than aerospace.

since you was asking what's the difference between aerospace eng and aeronautical eng specialization in mechanical eng, the difference is that aeronautical specialization only takes 2 to 3 aerospace modules in their 4th year, the rest of curriculum is the same as mechanical students. while aerospace eng students takes different subjects since the 2nd year, and the subjects are generally harder and competition is tense. aero curriculum has more emphasis on aerodynamics, aircraft structure, controls,etc while mechanical one is more fundamental and general. but unless you want to pursue further study and become a researcher, those specific knowledge is not required as an aerospace engineer.

the last point is, if you are not a singaporean, are you able to get PR before you graduate? because nationality does matter in terms of future career. a singaporean aerospace graduate can find good opportunity in DSO, DSTA, air force with salaries from 3 to 4K. for aerospace company, many also favors singaporeans and some of them do not take foreigners at all. what happened in my batch is that the 1st class foreign students can hardly get any interview but a lot of singapreans with 2nd class were called for interviews for a few aerospace companies such as ST aero, Pratt and whitney. that was on the year 2008 the economic down turn. i think the job market is getting better and aero graduates should have better career opportunity in the future.

hope that helps. good luck!

oh btw, if you want to know how much is the average salary of aero graduates. I would say if you are a singaporean, working in aero maintenance company, it's about 2.6k to 3k plus depending on ur class of honors. if you work for the government organizations like DSO, DSTA, airforce, about 3.5k, some upto 4k. but a lot of my classmates doesn't go to aerospace sector, and only 2 foreign graduates secured a job related to aerospace and only 1 of them is in engineering. that might explain why aero eng is not in the graduate employment survey.

So foreigners will have a hard time looking for aerospace field's job in singapore? Are there others job opportunity for aerospace engineering in singapore? Help plsT.T

if you are looking for 'design' job, there are very few available for foreigners. there are quite a number of maintenance company, who provide scheduled maintenance service for aircraft components or systems. these companies are more likely to take foreigners. but those jobs do not require you to have a aerospace degree. as the seletar aerospace park opens up, i believe there will be more job opportunities.

Is there any good job market and future to study aerospace engineering in term of job prospect in Singapore? (referring to my case as a foreigner)

For more information on LAE at ST Aero, refer to the link below
Licensed Aircraft Engineer