Nicole Gregory MEng Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2011
Aerospace Support Engineer, Rolls-Royce
The best career preparation came from the large amount of project based work, in particular the group design project (GDP) in my final year, which allowed me to take the engineering knowledge I had gained and apply it to a completely different setting.
Why did you choose to study at Southampton?
The University of Southampton is a world renowned university and one of the top in the country for Aeronautical Engineering. For me it was a very clear choice.
Where do you work and what is your job role?
I work for Rolls-Royce Deutschland, based in Dahlewitz near Berlin. My job as Aerospace Support Engineer involves supporting a fleet of around 5,500 engines in service on Airbus A319, A320 and A321 aircraft with specific responsibility for a number of different engine systems and components. My job alters dramatically from day to day as I react to the problems faced by operators and airlines worldwide.
What aspects of your degree do you use in your day-to-day job?
My job changes dramatically from day-to-day depending on what problems are faced on engines around the world, I may start my morning investigating electrical faults for one engine and two hours later I may be looking at the aerodynamic and stress impact of foreign object damage on compressor blades. No two days are ever the same, and while this can be very challenging, the wide range of modules on offer to me at Southampton gave me a strong foundation and knowledge base which was invaluable when I started work here. I now have the confidence to enable me to react to engine damages around the world, whether this is related to compressor blade, electrical problems or damages to external engine units.
Did you enjoy your time at Southampton - what memories stand out from your time here?
I really enjoyed my time at Southampton; I made some amazing friends, who are now working for top companies worldwide!
How did the University help you prepare for employment?
I'm not sure that there is any one thing which stands out more than the rest. The subject range allowed me to focus on a number of different topics including aerodynamics, stress, materials and propulsion, all of which I use in my current job. Perhaps the best preparation came from the large amount of project based work, in particular the group design project (GDP) in my final year, which allowed me to take the engineering knowledge I had gained and apply it to a completely different setting. The tasks you face day-to-day are rarely as clear cut as some of the problems you may face in lectures, the GDP is the best opportunity to really think outside the box.
The university careers fairs also offer a great chance to meet with employers and to find out what opportunities are out there.
What advice would you give to current students in order to help them get one step ahead of the competition?
Don't be afraid of getting involved! There are a large number of opportunities both within engineering and around the whole university which can really add to your CV and personal development. Make sure you get involved, don't be afraid to learn something new, more than anything, be pro-active. Opportunities very rarely land in your lap, if there is something you want to do, then go out and make sure it happens.
When it comes to finding a job, don't feel that you are restricted to graduate schemes or to working in your town or even your country. There is literally a world of opportunity out there, don't be afraid to apply for jobs outside of graduate schemes. Never underestimate your employability.