Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

ESMAU (Assembly Tech) and ESMNU (Mechanical Test) test Leader for Airbus UK on behalf of Stirling Dynamics. Focal point between Airbus UK and Stirling Dynamics ESMAU sub-domain. On the whole, the responsibilities incorporated are as follows: Project planning; budget and resource management; manage subcontractors; test implementation (ie test-rig and machine set-up, specimen preparation, scheduling, static / dynamics testing on aircraft wing and fuselage); detailed reporting and analysis; and providing / maintaining a high customer satisfaction.

I am responsible for managing level 6 (coupon) projects for aircraft programs which include A320, A350 XWB and A400M models. Program budgets range between 10 - 150 K€.

The majority of programs undergo static and dynamics testing of the aircraft wing and fuel components to understand the behaviour of materials under stress and strain at an R&D level.

Other programs include continuous investigation of lightning struck components to understand the reason for failure and continuous improvement methods.

I act as the focal point between Airbus - Assembly Technology Sub-domain and Stirling and manage the Stirling team of engineers along with the work flow provided by the customer.

All of this is runs parallel on a day-to-day basis.

Unlike graduate positions, I had to dive into the deep end and deal with customers from day one of my job. This meant that there was a steep learning curve; high-pressure and high-responsibility from the very beginning. The most enjoyable aspect with regards to all this is learning about the overall project life cycle and managing it completely from start to finish (i.e. design, manufacture, raising quotations, management of subcontractors, defining new test methods, R & D, project planning, organising weekly drum-beats for progress tracking with customers, testing, reporting, analysing and presenting, and making sure the customer is always aware and inline every step of the way).

This led to gaining invaluable experience at an accelerated pace which paved the way to more responsibility within Stirling and consequentially - grade progression.

Problem solving, sticking to time-scales, maintaining a high level of professionalism at all times, project management, budget management, resource management.

I was applying for jobs and did not have a specific area of interest as long as it involved some degree of engineering. I was fortunate to get an interview with Stirling Dynamics; and it was my first and last interview after graduation. My final year thesis along with my extra-curricular activities did support me in securing a job at Stirling in 2010 and it has been a great adventure ever since.

High customer interaction / presentations / organisating and coordinating of meetings / resource management, budget management / sub-contractor management / project planning / Test Rig Set-up / testing - compression, tension and fatigue testing of metals and CFRP materials.

Experience and guidance by senior management.

Stirling Dynamics - Graduate Test Engineer Role (AOL) - September 2010 - March 2011

Stirling Dynamics - Test Leader Role (AOL) - March 2011 - April 2013

An entrepreneur

All-round skills are a necessity; subject matter alone will not get you far in an industry - You should be a person fellow colleagues prefer working with, would be happy to work for, and would ask for guidance in whatever area you choose to work in.

Don't be afraid to make mistakes, but learn from it fast. Also, never be afraid of asking questions to make sure you're clear about what you are supposed to do.