I graduated recently with a GPA on the low-side from Cal Poly Pomona (3.08) in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics/Statistics in 2014. I applied to a handful of universities to see if I could get into their master's programs because I felt I could make up some coursework, but I did not receive admission to any.
I was advised that I should do a second bachelor's since I have zero engineering courses under my belt.
I applied and was accepted to the University of Louisville for Mechanical Engineering. I don't think they're the greatest engineering school, but it's a reasonable commute from work (20 min). I can't really move away from here. I currently work as a software engineer and my rent is as low as I can get it living here. I also have many ties to this place that depend upon my support. I tried to look for a way out to get into a better school and be able to live wherever, but I don't think it's possible at this point.
U of L's curriculum has 2 mandatory co-ops that will be part of the degree and I will have to either take a leave of absence from the job or quit completely. I will be discussing this with my bosses once I get my financial aid ironed out.
My mindset is to totally turn myself around this time because I did not take school as serious as I wanted to the first time. My last year was the only year I really showed that I cared. I want to make the best grades possible, do as much research as I can, participate in all of the teams and competitions offered out there that I can, and really make this degree count this time.
Given that i just really put myself out there and keep my GPA up, am I ever going to have a shot at getting a co-op at a place (since U of L is not a "great" engineering school) like NASA? Boeing? Lockheed Martin? SpaceX?
I want to go into the aerospace industry after I graduate.
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