Andy de Fonseca - Flight Test Engineer

Can you tell us a bit about your background and what you do now?
I joined engineering later in life - ten years after graduating with other degrees, after getting married, after having my daughter. My first job was testing rocket engines and now I am testing USAF'S new trainer jet.
What do you most enjoy about your current position?

Testing. I love seeing problems and working through to solutions. 

Did you have a favorite mentor and how did they inspire you?

I of course watched Bill Nye, magic School Bus, the National Geographic series, read the dino books, etc. when I was a kid. But I didn't have a science mentor, I had to figure it out for myself.

What is one piece of advice you wish you had received when you were just starting out?
Just-leaving-high-school starting out?
So much financial advice...
Things are different from when your parents were growing up. Get a degree in something where you'll out-earn your debt. Passions are great but some won't pay the bills.

Stand up for yourself.