For the Next Student: Riley King on Finding His Way into Aerospace

Former ARS intern Riley King is now a Mechanical Test Engineer at Lockheed Martin, working on the Orion spacecraft as part of NASA’s Artemis program. Following his earlier article, “More than Just Noise: My ARS Internship Experience,” we caught up with Riley to hear about this next chapter and what he would share with students hoping to enter aerospace.

At ARS, we’re pleased to see where Riley’s career is taking him. We also wanted to share the experience behind that milestone. For students approaching graduation, hearing from someone who recently navigated the same landscape can offer a useful perspective on getting started.

Finding his way into aerospace

Riley believed he would find a place in the industry, but his search continued right up to graduation.

“It was not easy to submit hundreds of applications or be uncertain where I would be working all the way up to my graduation, however I knew that I was doing everything I could and that eventually something would stick.”

Once he started his role, it was hard to believe he was working on such an incredible program so early in his career. Alongside that excitement came the opportunity to meet engineers with experience across this program and many others.

“Many of these people have tons of knowledge to pass on and that is very exciting for someone just starting their career like me.”

What he would pass on

Asked what advice he would give students, Riley’s answer is direct:

“I think the biggest advice I can give is to be persistent and to make connections.”

For him, those two efforts go hand in hand:

“Sending out tons of applications is necessary, but reaching out to people in the industry for advice/ connections they may have is even more necessary.”

Looking back, the importance of those relationships is something he wishes he had understood sooner.

“I wish I knew just how important it was to make meaningful connections with other people in the industry. You never know who someone you meet could get you in contact with.”

Why we’re sharing his story

Riley’s reflections highlight the value of making aerospace more accessible to people at the beginning of their careers. Students may know which programs inspire them while still having questions about the work, the roles available, and how to find their first opportunity.

Those of us already working in the industry have something useful to contribute. Taking time to answer a question, explain our work, or share an experience can help a student understand their options and approach their next step with a clearer sense of direction.

Riley’s enthusiasm for learning from experienced engineers also speaks to the exchange between generations that supports engineering. New engineers bring curiosity and fresh questions; experienced colleagues bring knowledge developed through years of practice. Creating space for that exchange benefits both.

We’re proud to count Riley among our former interns and pleased to celebrate his achievement. His willingness to share the less certain parts of his journey makes this more than a career update, it gives the next student a candid perspective from someone who was recently in their position.

And for those of us further along in our careers, it is a reminder to make time for that next student.