More engineering students graduating from Iowa State University are hired in the aerospace and defense (A&D) industry than from any other university. This is according to Aviation Week and Space Technology’s annual study, which has identified trends in technological challenges, leadership, demographics, and compensation, and ranked the top universities for A&D recruitment since 1997.
Iowa State topped a new list in this year’s study, “By the Number—Where A&D Hired the Most,” that determined which universities produced the most graduates hired by A&D companies. Richard Wlezien, professor and Vance and Arlene Coffman Endowed Department Chair in Aerospace Engineering, says the ranking is indicative not only of the high quality education students receive at the College of Engineering, but also of the students themselves.
“Our students are leaving positive impressions on hiring companies while they are completing internships and co-ops,” he said. “Their talent, work ethic, and passion are leading to high job placement as well as long, successful careers in industry.”
Wlezien adds that departments across the engineering college have been focused on preparing the workforce of the future through practical, hands-on educational and laboratory experiences students apply during their experiential learning opportunities.
“With all these factors coming together, our programs will continue to stand out, and more people will begin to realize that students who graduate from Iowa State’s College of Engineering are consistently sought out and hired by leading companies in industry,” he said.