What inspired you to be an engineer?
I grew up with the dream of being a fast jet pilot, so I can safely say I have always been a big plane nerd! From attending air shows, taking flying lessons, and visiting RAF bases through the Air Cadets, I gradually realised that I preferred ‘making stuff’ rather than just operating equipment, so chose to study Aero-Mechanical Engineering as it was the perfect opportunity to creatively solve technical challenges.
What does your current role entail?
In my role at MBDA, I am primarily involved in future concept design, working closely with Mechanical, Propulsion, and System Design engineers to undertake multidisciplinary development activities. It is a fast paced and rewarding area to work within, involving high-stakes problem solving on exciting projects that are at the forefront of defence.
Why did you decide to become an Associate member of the Institution?
Throughout university I was extensively involved with the Glasgow Young Member’s Panel, and by the time I had moved to Bristol for my current role, I felt at home within the Institution and was very acquainted with what membership offered. It felt a natural progression to pursue professional registration through the Monitored Professional Development Scheme, especially with MBDA generously supporting me by covering membership fees.
How has your Associate membership benefited you?
While the available material resources (such as MPDS tools, the Library and Professional Engineering) have been very useful, I feel the primary benefit has been the networking opportunities, events, and open access to the Institution’s HQ in London. Being able to meet and connect through the common thread of membership has opened doors to opportunities and contacts I wouldn’t get anywhere else.
Do you volunteer with IMechE? If yes, what are the benefits it has brought you and what have you been able to give back?
Absolutely, I feel I could write a whole article on this itself! The IMechE has such a vast network of volunteer groups, and I have been fortunate to be involved in a breadth of them. From Chairing the Glasgow Young Member’s Panel, to supporting the Scottish Region as Young Member Representative, to now chairing the Aerospace Division Young Member’s Committee and shortly to be Chair of the Young Member’s Board – I feel I have made the most of what volunteering in the Institution has to offer so far!
Throughout all these roles, there has always been an invaluable presence of the Institution – namely staff support, financial provisions for organising and delivering events, and access to a wealth of experience from the wider membership base. Occasionally I get asked how can you bother doing this much volunteering? Whilst it can sometimes seem like even more emails and meetings outside of work, it is absolutely worth the time - if I had to sum it up in a sentence: Volunteering within the IMechE has opened doors to a network that I wouldn't be able to get elsewhere, provided opportunities to build leadership skills and experience that have benefitted me professionally, and offered tangible means of making a positive impact on the wider profession.
Where do you see yourself in five years' time?
Five years from now, I can see myself progressing in my career within the defence industry, gaining broader experience and expanding my domain knowledge. I’m aiming to achieve Chartership with the Institution and looking forward to continuing my involvement in impactful projects through the volunteer networks. Who knows, I might even find myself working abroad, perhaps moving to Italy to explore opportunities there!
What advice would you give to a graduate engineer?
Your graduate years are your best opportunity to gain breadth at the start of your career - find out what interests you (and more importantly what doesn't) so that you can later pursue a role you are most fulfilled in. Leverage your graduate title as a golden ticket to ask questions, be inquisitive and network your way into the areas you see yourself staying in.
The main bit of advice I remind myself is to always aim to ‘join the dots’. By this I mean when taking on new opportunities, be it project work or volunteering or anything in between, there will likely be synergies and dependencies with other work – in people, processes, information, etc. These can enhance the opportunity value, benefitting both the work itself but also your development and experience. Be strategic with your effort and look to leverage these connections and linkages to take a different perspective on things.
Find out how to become an Associate member.