I Got Hired: Support Integration Engineer at BAE Systems

Posted on: 27 November 2023 by Richard Finch in Graduate stories

Mani Chandrasehar is a Class of 2022 MEng Aerospace Engineering graduate, now working as a Support Integration Engineer at BAE Systems.

I heard about BAE Systems first during my days at school, I had just decided that I wanted to pursue higher education in Aerospace Engineering. I applied for a work experience placement but I was rejected, I was not the best at dealing with rejection mentally, however I was courageous enough to move forward, nevertheless.

At University the modules I studied complemented the technical knowledge I needed to demonstrate in order to secure an internship and eventually a graduate scheme with the company.

This would have felt like a monumental achievement for a 16-year-old version of myself. However, I now know this was just the beginning of another journey.

It is crucial to know why and have strong reasoning why you are pursuing a certain career the greater you’re why the greater the inspiration. However, nothing ever gets done with inspiration alone.

Discipline and consistency are crucial parts of the jigsaw to sparking your career. The ability to keep doing the right things which you know you have to do; no journey is straightforward so there will be habits which change and evolve along the way. As long as you are adapting to a lifestyle which genuinely contributes to your fulfilment.

My favourite part of work is meeting different individuals at various phases of life collaborating and collectively working towards the same goal.

The most challenging part is actually the time outside work, knowing how to invest my time wisely with the remaining hours I have in the day. I realised how precious time is after I saw the value of mine. I look forward to new experiences as these are usually self-made rather than offered.

My top 3 tips for current students:

1. Know your priorities
2. Know your constraints
3. Strive for Fulfilment