“Careers in Aerospace,” a panel discussion of opportunities for engineers in the aerospace industry, returned to Drexel’s College of Engineering on Tuesday, April 11.

Sponsored by The Greater Philadelphia Section of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and the MEM Department of Drexel University, “Careers in Aerospace” is designed to expose attendees to different career paths in small and large organizations within the aerospace industry. Students gained perspective from practicing professionals at different points in their careers, in technical, management, university, and entrepreneurial tracks. Areas important for an engineer’s success, such as technical writing, communication, and personnel/project management skills were also explored. The discussion and reception served as an excellent networking opportunity for professionals and students alike!

Past panelists have been AIAA members from the Philadelphia area and from organizations including Analytical Graphics, Boeing, Drexel University, Lockheed Martin, and Materials Research.

The panelists this year were:

• Bob Mayer, Boeing, Aerodynamics – Aerodynamics Flight Test
• Roger Harding, LM Space Systems Company, formerly Air Force, involved in GPS programs
• Mike Pagnotta, VP Pagnotta Engineering - small company that works on simulators
• Hutapea Parsaoran (Chai) - Associate Professor at Temple University
• Chris Menchini - Craft Tech
• Brian Anderson - Lockheed Martin IS&S, GPS III
• Howard Pearlman - Drexel University, Associate Professor of Mechanical Eng. and Mechanics