Studying abroad: Aeronautical Engineering

Arjun, a dual Masters Erasmus student (EuMas) shares his experience and ideas on the options and opportunities available to aspirants.

Arjun, please begin by telling us a little about your background:
I am from Mumbai and have a degree in Aeronautics from Anna University in Tamil Nadu.

What are you currently doing?
I am pursuing a dual Masters degree in Aeronautics and Space Engineering. After a year in Cranfield, UK, I am currently in France, at ISAE (Supaero).

Tell us how you got into this program.
You may be aware of the Erasmus Mundus scheme which is of huge benefit to students aspiring to study in Europe. I am on a scholarship under their EuMas program. After my first year at Cranfield, UK, I am now at France. You have to note that your options and the Institutes where you can study are chosen by the Organisation. There are five schools which are covered by the programme.

Università di Pisa (Italy), Technische Universität München (Germany), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (Spain), Institut Supérieure de l'Aéronautique et de l'Espace (ISAE-Supaero) of Toulouse (France), and Cranfield University (United Kingdom).

Tell us a little about the job prospects.
The sector is such that there are issues of nationality and security. Having said that, the right candidate should not have trouble finding a job. Jobs can be found in Government Departments, the armed forces, commerical organisations (including small and medium scale players involved in manufacturing parts) and even teaching or research.

In India, one could work with Airline companies, Govt. establishments such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, ISRO, defence labs etc.

What advice would you like to give aspirants?
Choose your options carefully, a one year specialised Masters would give you an edge in terms of time and finally, don't miss out on any of the scholarship options available.

For further information, please check out the EuMas website at www.aerospacemasters.org. You may also write to us with your queries at
feedback@college-canteen.com