Hypersonics Technicians

There are many activities that students can engage in to learn more about engineering, aerospace, and related fields. For example, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) offers Careers in Aerospace (https://www.aiaa.org/get-involved/students-educators/Careers-in-Aerospace), a 26-page booklet that provides advice on high school and college preparation for aspiring aerospace professionals, profiles of current workers in the field, a list of key skills for success, and other resources. The AIAA offers others resources for K–12 students at https://www.aiaa.org/get-involved/k-12-students.

Another great way to explore the field is to join the Technology Student Association, which provides students a chance to explore career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, enter academic competitions, and participate in summer exploration programs. Visit http://www.tsaweb.org for more information. The AIAA also offers membership to high school students.

Participate in student competitions to build your skills and meet people with shared interests. SkillsUSA is a national membership organization for middle school, high school, and college students who are interested in pursuing careers in technical, trade, and skilled service occupations. It offers the following competitions that will be of interest to aspiring technicians: Aviation Maintenance Technology, Computer Programming, Electronics Technology, Engineering Technology/Design, Mechatronics, Principles of Engineering/Technology, and Robotics and Automation Technology. Visit http://www.skillsusa.org for more information. Another option is the American Rocketry Challenge (https://rocketcontest.org).

Talk with hypersonics technicians about the field. Ask the following questions, and try to come up with your own, too.

• What made you want to become a hypersonic technician?
• What are the most important personal and professional traits for hypersonic technicians?
• What do you like and dislike about this career?
• How did you train for this field?
• How is technology (especially advanced artificial intelligence) changing the field?
• Is certification important? If so, why?
• Any advice on breaking into the field?

Other ways to explore the field include participating in summer exploration programs (such as those offered by the National Student Leadership Conference, https://www.nslcleaders.org, and NASA, https://www.nasa.gov/stennis/stem-engagement-at-stennis/nasa-accp), reading books and watching videos about aerospace and engineering, joining school engineering and science clubs, and participating in job shadowing experiences with technicians (especially those who specialize in hypersonics technology).