I Got Hired: Flight Mechanics/UAV Design Graduate

Posted on: 24 November 2022 by Richard Finch in Graduate stories

Gavin Begg is a Class of 2021 MEng Aerospace Engineering graduate who now works for Leonardo Helicoptors.

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE ROLE?

I found out about the Flight Mechanics/UAV Design role with Leonardo Helicoptors by attending a careers alumni event at the university.

HOW DID YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

The interview process comprised of online game-based mathematical assessments, two video interview stages where I had to respond to scenarios and pre-recorded questions within a limited time period and a final interview with a senior manager from the respective discipline.

YOUR FAVOURITE EXPERIENCE AS PART OF YOUR ROLE?

Being heavily involved with the 'Proteus' program (recently made public in a press release by the MoD), the development of the next generation, autonomous military rotorcraft (drone) for the Ministry of Defence. The main focus of my current work is evaluating and improving flight/mission performance to maximize the aircraft's capability. Working at the forefront of the UK's military aircraft development and taking part in high-level meetings with experienced members of the UK military aerospace industry discussing future strategy and design improvements has been key to my development.

THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR GRADUATE JOURNEY?

Learning to use a large array of internal computational software has required me to learn completely new coding languages and syntax that I've previously had little-to-no exposure to. It can be quite daunting especially for those of us entering technical fields surrounded by highly intelligent and experienced colleagues, but you have to adapt and utilize these moments as learning and networking opportunities.

TOP THREE TIPS FOR OTHER STUDENTS?

1. Start applying to positions in the summer before you start your final year. The final year itself is extremely busy and this allows you to get ahead of the game.

2. Perform enough research and due diligence before your interviews to come across confident and relaxed throughout the assessment process, interviewers want to get to know the real you, not your 'interview personality' that is created out of nerves and stress.

3. Make good connections within your discipline at the university! If you plan to work within your chosen degree field these can serve you well for opening doors once in the workplace.