At AIAA SciTech Forum, the world’s largest aerospace R&D conference, a new student-focused career development program made a powerful debut—drawing packed rooms, buzzing conversations, and a palpable sense of momentum for the next generation of aerospace leaders. Designed as a full-day immersive experience, the Career Accelerator Program put university students front and center, equipping them with practical tools, inspiration, and direct access to industry leaders.
The day opened with industry trailblazer, Hillary Coe, Chief Design & Marketing Officer at Vast, whose personal journey resonated deeply with students. She set the bar high early in the day with her message centered on resilience, giving students a boost of confidence as they get ready to tackle an industry that demands both technical excellence and perseverance. The talk set the tone for a day focused not just on landing jobs, but on building lasting careers and finding your place in the industry.
Another highlight of the program was a panel of Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, RTX, and Anduril hiring managers who pulled back the curtain on resumes, interviews, and decision making behind the scenes. Student engagement was off the charts, with long lines of attendees waiting to ask thoughtful questions of the panelists.
Students then participated in a series of fast-paced microsessions, where they flooded into a standing-room-only resume workshop. Actionable feedback and real-world examples kept the energy high and notebooks full. Other conversations featured Blue Origin astronaut Amy Medina Jorge and Joan Marie of @yourfemaleengineer that added a rare and inspiring perspective, bringing career lessons to life through firsthand experiences beyond Earth, while early career professionals shared tips on how to survive your first few months on the job.
Networking took on new depths through hosted roundtables that connected students with top employers and universities, creating meaningful conversations. Rounding out the day was a compelling session on storytelling in aerospace, emphasizing how clear narratives can elevate student’s technical work and personal brand alike.
By the end of the day, one thing was undeniable: this program didn’t just inform students—it lit a fire that carried beyond the classroom.
