One of the most frequent questions I’ve been asked over the many years I’ve had this website are variations on the question,
“How can I get a job in an aerospace or aviation company in the USA as an international student?”
I’ve never had an answer that was easy, certain, or fast. This hasn’t changed recently. But now I’m happy to share that some motivated students at Georgia Tech University, one of the best schools for aerospace engineering in our country, have created an organization to tackle this problem.
Even better, they have also formed a Working Group within AIAA, the world’s largest professional society for the aerospace and aviation community, to spread their knowledge and resources further.
But first, let’s address the concerns and trade-offs
Before I tell you about this group, I want to address a concern I’m sure will be felt by aspiring students or younger professionals who are already in the USA. Isn’t it a bad thing if we have more foreign students coming into the USA to pursue an education and career in aviation and aerospace here?
I don’t believe so, for several reasons.
First, these are overwhelmingly people who want to come to America to stay here. And build here. According to Grok and the references it gave, such as a 2022 study by National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP), a conservative estimate for first-generation immigrant tech founders of U.S. companies with a market cap of $1 billion or more lies around 50-55%.
Imagine half of our unicorn tech companies not existing in the US. Maybe they would exist in the immigrants’ home countries. But more likely, they wouldn’t exist at all. It is the powerful cultural and institutional landscape of America that makes us such an attractive and capable country to unleash the innovation and prosperity we benefit from.
Within aerospace, we all know about SpaceX which wouldn’t exist without Elon Musk. And Elon left South Africa, and then Canada, to work and live in the USA. According to Grok, which has to pull from several sources, it is estimated that SpaceX and its subsidiaries such as Starlink employ at least 13,000 people. Sierra Nevada Corporation, another major aerospace firm, was co-founded by Turkish immigrants Eren and Fatih Ozmen.
So America will benefit greatly from these types of people with the intelligence, drive, and affinity who want to live and work here.
What about the increased competition for individual educational admission slots and job positions? I acknowledge that this does occur. And it will occur more if and when we have more foreign people in our educational and workforce pipelines.
To my US-based readers, I ask you to focus on the existing advantages you have in your hands already. And exploit them, gratefully. The vast majority of aerospace jobs in the US are restricted to US-persons. Our community colleges, colleges, and universities admit mostly US-based students.
You are already here in a US city. If it’s a reasonably sized city, or one near a major city, you probably have a network of local aviation or aerospace professionals working near you. Or a university with an aerospace or aviation program with faculty and students you can meet. Go to www.aiaa.org and look for the nearest Section or Chapter near you. Connect, introduce yourself, and get involved.
With a mindset of abundance, a can-do worth ethic, and a determination to learn new things, I sincerely believe there are abundant opportunities for anyone and everyone who makes the decision that it should include them.
So let’s get on to the good stuff.
Why create ISPA@GT?
From mastering complex engineering concepts to navigating the competitive job market, the path to becoming a rocket scientist—or any aerospace expert—requires grit, determination, and the right support system.
Entering this US market as a non-US person adds this additional hurdle to get a ticket onboard the “ride.”
Now there is the International Students and Professionals in Aerospace at Georgia Tech (ISPA@GT). It offers a beacon of guidance and opportunity for future leaders in the industry. I’ll summarize the impressive work that ISPA@GT is doing to empower international students and professionals, and how their efforts can inspire and support your own career aspirations.
Who is ISPA@GT?
ISPA@GT is a registered student organization at the Georgia Institute of Technology, one of the world’s top engineering schools. Their mission? To bridge the gap for international students pursuing careers in aerospace by sharing knowledge, advocating for solutions to common challenges, and fostering a supportive community. For anyone dreaming of designing spacecraft, optimizing air travel, or pushing the boundaries of flight, ISPA@GT is a vital resource that proves you don’t have to navigate this journey alone—especially if you’re crossing borders to chase your dreams.
The organization was born out of a recognition that international students face unique hurdles in the aerospace field. Visa sponsorship issues, export control laws, and limited access to certain opportunities can feel like daunting roadblocks. ISPA@GT acknowledges these challenges and works to help others navigate through them. They are creating pathways for students to thrive in research labs, internships, and beyond.
Why Their Work Matters
According to the National Science Foundation, while 77% of international students in the U.S. want to stay and work after graduation, only about 46% manage to do so—largely due to visa and sponsorship barriers. ISPA@GT is tackling this head-on, ensuring that talent isn’t lost to bureaucratic red tape.
What ISPA@GT Offers Aspiring Aerospace Professionals
So, how exactly does ISPA@GT support future aerospace trailblazers? Here are some standout initiatives that can inspire and guide you on your own career path:
- Knowledge Sharing and Career Development
ISPA@GT hosts workshops, panels, and events like “Advising for International Students in Aerospace” with experts such as Dr. Dimitri Mavris. These sessions provide insider tips on identifying international-friendly employers, navigating visa processes, and securing research opportunities. For anyone wondering how to break into the industry, this kind of mentorship is gold. - Advocacy for Access
One of their standout achievements came in 2024 when ISPA@GT won the top prize at Georgia Tech’s FAIR Tech competition. Their winning project? A suite of ideas to expand career development and research access for international students. This proactive approach shows how they’re not just talking about change—they’re making it happen. - Community Building
Aerospace can feel like a vast, intimidating field, especially if you’re far from home. ISPA@GT’s events, like their Fall 2024 Kickoff Meeting, create a sense of belonging. Connecting with peers who share your goals (and maybe your challenges) can be a game-changer as you build your network and confidence.
How You Can Get Involved—or Apply Their Lessons
If you’re a Georgia Tech student, joining ISPA@GT is a no-brainer. Check out their site at https://sites.gatech.edu/ispa/ for updates on meetings, events, and how to become a member. But even if you’re not at Georgia Tech, their work offers valuable lessons for your aerospace career:
- Seek Out Support Networks: Find or create communities—online or at your university—that align with your goals. ISPA@GT proves that collective advocacy can open doors.
- Stay Informed: Learn about visa policies, export control laws, and employer sponsorship trends in your target country. Knowledge is power when planning your career moves.
- Think Big: ISPA@GT’s FAIR Tech win shows that innovative ideas can lead to real change. Don’t be afraid to propose solutions to the challenges you face—they might just catch fire.
A Call to Future Rocket Scientists
The aerospace industry needs courageous, unique talent to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible—whether that’s sending humans to Mars or revolutionizing sustainable air travel. Organizations like ISPA@GT are paving the way by ensuring that international students and professionals have a seat at the table. Their work is a reminder that no matter where you’re from, your dreams of becoming an aerospace innovator are within reach with the right resources and determination.
I learned about ISPA@GT from an article in the latest issue of AEROSPACE AMERICA, the magazine of AIAA. They’ve made this issue available for free as a PDF online. Look for the article “The Talent Solution That’s Right In Front of You” on page 40 of the PDF. Two of the authors of the article are the founders of ISPA@GT! Read the article to hear and learn from them directly. This is a unique opportunity for you that exists right now.
https://aiaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Aerospace-America-February-March-2025.pdf
Take a lesson from ISPA@GT’s playbook: connect, learn, and persist. Your career as a rocket scientist isn’t just a possibility—it’s a mission waiting to launch. How can you get started?
Want more tips on breaking into aerospace and aviation? Explore the rest of HowToBeARocketScientist.com for expert advice, career insights, and the tools you need to soar!