Is it possible for me to go to Aerospace Engineering at 37?

Good afternoon everyone

My name is Bryant, I am a recent graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, recent graduated of an M.S. in Aeronautics specializing in Space Operations since May of 2023 and but been having a difficult time of going for the Aerospace Industry. I have tried applying, thinking my Masters's degree was enough, but I found out it was not enough. So now I am stuck in limbo, trying to get myself out of it. But I have heard of an ABET degree, which is something that I am considering. I want to go for NASA's Artemis Program, but to apply to NASA and its contractors. has been difficult I tried my best, but I am always getting rejection letters for what I have, and I feel what I have is not enough. I don't want to feel worthless, but I am trying my best to make it there. And I have a fear that I am getting older too. I am currently 37 and going to be 40 soon and I have been working in Retail for a long time, and I want to pivot my life to the Aerospace Industry (Space Sector), but its been super challenging to do so.

I need help. I don't know what to do and I am doing my best to seek for answers and possibilities for myself and my future I feel my future is in Jeopardy. And yet my dream of working with NASA's Artemis Program I want to get there. To work at those NASA Centers.

I am trying to find the right path so I can course correct myself. Ever since I entered the University, I have had a fascination with Aircraft, Rockets, and spacecraft. I always had it, but it grew even more, and I determined that this was what I wanted. But I fear my age could be a factor. Also I want to better myself and learn new things and skills to get stronger for NASA and the Aerospace Industry. What can I do, for a Recent graduate trying to make it to the world of Aerospace (Space Sector).

It is not legal, in the USA, for an employer to discriminate based on age. It is a specifically protected category.

Are you getting rejected before or after an interview?

Hi, no, it's not that I am saying that I want to go back into engineering, specifically aerospace engineering, but at my age, it could be a liability to get in.

I am getting rejected on both when I apply and after the interview. My recent interview highlighted a problem that may require me to return for an ABET Aerospace Engineering degree. But I don't know if I should pursue a B.S. or an M.S.

Dale said:

It is not legal, in the USA, for an employer to discriminate based on age. It is a specifically protected category.

Are you getting rejected before or after an interview?

Its just that I feel I am stuck in a limbo and trying to find out how to break out of this limbo to go for a direction to head myself towards.

I'm sure there's someone who can speak in a more detailed way to this (and at the risk of stating something you already know), "engineering" can be used in a broad sense, and in a more specific professional sense. The engineering profession is quite regulated. One of the problems many people face who, say have a background in physics and then do an MSc in engineering is that to qualify as a professional engineer, they need to have come through an accredited undergraduate program. They can still get hired and work in the industry, but they can't get that specific designation of "professional engineer" and so there are jobs that they simply will not be qualified for. The details are specific to your geography and industry.
Something else to consider is to not get too fixated on big name projects. Careers (even when you get a late start) are quite long and you will come across many opportunities. Rather than aiming for the Artemis project right away, set that (or its equivalent) as a long term goal. Look at getting into something that will build up a skill set that will be in demand in that industry.

Brystar57 said:

I am getting rejected on both when I apply and after the interview

Getting rejected is part of a job search. The fact that you are getting interviews probably indicates that your resume is ok for the types of positions that you are seeking. So I wouldn’t immediately think of going back to school. I would probably focus on improving your interviewing skills

How many jobs have you applied to? How many applicants do you guess apply for each position?

Further, before additional years of schooling, can you afford it? If you can't afford to stop working and going back to school - likely with limited financial aid - discussing it as a potential plan makes little sense. This will not be cheap.

Brystar57 said:

I am a recent graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, recent graduated of an M.S. in Aeronautics specializing in Space Operations since May of 2023 and but been having a difficult time of going for the Aerospace Industry. I have tried applying, thinking my Masters's degree was enough, but I found out it was not enough. So now I am stuck in limbo, trying to get myself out of it. But I have heard of an ABET degree, which is something that I am considering.

Brystar57 said:

My recent interview highlighted a problem that may require me to return for an ABET Aerospace Engineering degree. But I don't know if I should pursue a B.S. or an M.S.

* Does your university have a career counseling/career placement office and an alumni office? Have you consulted them for advice? Have you determined where recent grads have found jobs?

* To emphasize a point that Choppy brought up: Do the employers you are interviewing with require candidates who eventually can become licensed professional engineers, but your degree does not qualify you for such a path?

Brystar57 said:

I want to go for NASA's Artemis Program, but to apply to NASA and its contractors. has been difficult I tried my best, but I am always getting rejection letters for what I have, and I feel what I have is not enough.

Brystar57 said:

And yet my dream of working with NASA's Artemis Program I want to get there. To work at those NASA Centers.

Also emphasizing another point that Choppy brought up: Such a narrow goal will likely lead you to disappointment. Have you determined whether there are even openings for fresh grads in this program? Or whether you'll need to acquire many years of professional experience first?