Learn how to be a rocket scientist at AIAA SciTech 2016

aiaa conference

What if there was one thing you could do to satisfy all of these tips from How To Be a Rocket Scientist?

Tip #2: Expand your concept of rocket science

Tip #3: Associate with people in the field

Tip #4: Read a book on rocket science

Tip #6: Make a short take-off (STO) into the workplace

Tip #7: Use free and informal education resources

Tip #9: Find a mentor

Tip #10: Appreciate and work on the soft skills

One powerful answer is…

Going to a conference!

For those people in the aerospace community (and for those who want to serve them, or to be one of them), the biggest and best conference of the year in the United States (in my personal opinion) is SciTech, hosted by AIAA (the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics).  It will be January 4-8, 2016 in San Diego, California.

There will be technical sessions, workshops, a large exhibit & display hall, networking events, sponsoring activities, business development opportunities, job listings, and much more.

You’ll learn about the latest developments in technology, engineering, and business.  You’ll meet people who are doing amazing things in amazing places–the people and places where you may want to go yourself!

While it isn’t free to attend, it could be one of the best investments you can make in yourself, your career, and your future.

When I go to conferences, I always learn things I couldn’t have otherwise.  I always meet people I never would have otherwise.  I reconnect and build relationships with people I haven’t seen in a long time.  And I make connections between people who have common interests and needs, which is very rewarding and beneficial for everyone.

Click here to go to the AIAA website and learn more about SciTech.

AIAA SciTech

On Tuesday, January 5th, I’ll be on a panel that will discuss entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship in the aerospace industry.  My focus will be on intrapreneurship, which is thinking and acting (and succeeding) like an entrepreneur WITHIN an organization.  If you want to learn more about that, please see this blog post at Engineer Your Innovation.

If you are able to go to SciTech, please let me know ahead of time and look for me while you are there.  See my photo on the back cover of my book so you can recognize me.  If you don’t have that book yet, hopefully I’ll have a few extra copies available. 😉 There will be many other books and workshops from other people in the aerospace profession at the event too.

What is holding you back from succeeding how you want in the aerospace or aviation field?  Chances are very great that you can find someone or learn from someone(or improve yourself) at a conference to overcome that barrier.  If you would like to talk with me directly about it, feel free to leave a comment below or contact me directly, brett@howtobearocketscientist.com or on Twitter @BrettRocketSci.

Thanks for reading and for your continued interest in aerospace!


About Brett Rocket Scientist

Brett creates artful work in engineering, ideas, and innovation. In addition to 2 degrees, 3 patents, and over 15 years experience in aerospace engineering, he is the author of several books to foster STEM careers. He volunteers his time and skills as an officer with professional societies.

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