u/ConstantWelder8000

(I'm currently learning about systems engineering so pls do help me out with this little doubt!)

Like let's take a scenario where you are working on a complex engineering project (infrastructure, defence, aerospace, whatever your field). Things change constantly right? Maybe a component gets redesigned, a subsystem spec gets updated, a client changes a requirement, etc.

My question is: what happens next?

How do you figure out everything else that change affects? Which teams need to know? Which designs, specs, test cases, or schedules are now potentially invalid because of that one change?

From what I've seen and heard, this is usually handled through meetings, emails, and a lot of manual checking. Do things still get missed? like maybe this is discovered weeks later in a review or meet, so how do you handle it?

Also, is this a real problem in your work? How do you currently handle such cases, like how do you ensure everyone is updated on the change and needs to work accordingly? Is this a tedious task or has anyone found a good system that actually works?

I have the opportunity to do an interactive presentation at the IAC 2026, and I would've loved going, but I am mainly concerned about all the expenses like for travel, stay and the registration fee. I want to know if it will, in any way, strengthen my applications for Master's program. Like is it worth spending that much money? Or should I skip it and rather look for journals to publish my paper in? My paper is mainly based on systems engineering in space applications and I really want to pursue Master's in systems engineering, so I want to know if I should go or no. (For a little background, I am currently completing my 3rd year at college in mechanical engineering bachelors).

I have read that it's great for networking but apart from that, what other benefits does it have? I'm also an introvert and can get overwhelmed at times in social events, altho i am working on it. So please do help me decide! Thanks!