Cal Poly Aerospace Engineering

I've been considering pursuing Aerospace Engineering and Cal Poly has caught my attention. I know it's a pretty hands-on program, but can anyone elaborate on that? What's the workload like, and are there good intern opportunities?

Cal Poly's Aerospace Engineering program is known for its 'Learn by Doing' philosophy. This means their curriculum is designed with a lot of practical, hands-on coursework — internships, lab work, and even participatory projects. For example, students often work on projects such as CubeSat, a miniaturized satellite for space research that is typically made of multiple 10 cm ×10 cm ×10 cm cube units. This allows students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world applications.

The workload can be intense, especially in the first couple of years when you're taking a lot of fundamental courses in calculus, physics, and engineering. A typical week might involve attending lectures, doing problem sets, lab work, and engaging in group projects.

As for intern opportunities, Cal Poly enjoys close relationships with a variety of companies in the Aerospace industry, which usually result in a good range of internship options. You might find opportunities in local companies, such as Space Systems Loral, or at larger and well-known ones like Lockheed Martin, The Aerospace Corporation, and NASA. The program also places significant emphasis on hands-on projects that give students a wholesome experience, thus making them attractive candidates for internships in the field.

Keep in mind that securing internships also depends on your initiative and how proactive you are in seeking out these opportunities. Participating in relevant clubs and networking events can go a long way in boosting your chances of securing good internships. Examples include the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) student branch at Cal Poly and the Design/Build/Fly (DBF) club.

Overall, while challenging, studying Aerospace Engineering at Cal Poly provides a unique combination of theoretical learning coupled with practical applications. You can expect a tough but rewarding experience.