Bal Choda CEng

What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?

I grew up with a very curious mind. During my childhood days I remember looking at objects and wondering how they were designed and made. A matchbox Aston Martin DBS given to me by my Grandad for my 7th birthday was the inevitable ‘seed’ planted in my mind, to pursue my passion and curiosity, that I would seek a career in engineering.

Sports cars have always been a passion. The body styling, the engine sound and speed were a natural interest. The design and engineering beneath the car body was a fascination. I feel I was truly inspired to work in engineering, particularly in the automotive sector.

Tell us about your current role and your journey to getting this job role?

I served an engineering apprenticeship after leaving school from the age of 16. I undertook day-release study to further my academic qualifications throughout my apprenticeship.

After 8 years I left my first job to work for The Panther Sportscar Company. Three years later I found myself working for several other automotive OEM’s. Spanning just over ten years, this included travelling and living overseas, which was a very valuable learning experience.

I started working on Aston Martin projects while I was at Lotus in 1999. The first project was the original Aston Martin Vanquish, which also featured in the James Bond epic ‘Die Another Day’. I was made an offer to work directly for Aston Martin on the back of my contribution for the Vanquish project. Over 22 years later, I now work as a Lead Engineer for Interior Systems in the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering team. We work with designers, engineers, and numerous business functions, to produce some of the world’s most beautiful interiors. All our interiors are hand-made by highly skilled craftsmen and women. We call this ‘automotive art’.

Were you a student member/or Associate member of the Institution? If so how did this benefit you?

I was introduced to the IMechE through my employer. It was an opportunity to further my academic qualification through Continuing Professional Development. Experience, knowledge and learning through many years of working in the automotive sector was a key factor that ensured this association would be a long-term benefit.

Why did you want to become a Chartered Engineer with the Institution?

Becoming a Chartered Engineer has benefitted me in several ways. I have greater influence in my organisation, I have been able to further my networking opportunities with influential professionals, which has enabled me to reach out further afield to support our challenging and demanding projects. It gives me better career opportunities and finally, I take great pride in having a professional title against my profile, as well as being recognised as being part of a technological elite.

As Chartered Engineer with the Institution what support and advice did you get during the application and interview process?

Throughout my application process, I was given guidance through advisors from the Institution. I wish to mention Farah Baksh, who was instrumental throughout this process. Her support and advice were mainly via email but also offered on a verbal basis. Clear and concise guidance notes were provided throughout the application process. Many hours of hard work and preparation were required during out of office hours.

Do you think membership with the Institution will help you with your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and how?

Membership has already benefitted me by not only having access to further training, but also helping me to develop solutions to engineering problems using new or existing technologies, through innovation, creativity, and the changing demands in the automotive sector. This is a key factor both for our day-to-day projects, as well as our long-term sustainability

Have you used/or do you intend to use any of the number of member benefits that are open to you and how eg. training, events, library, meeting other members

When time permits, I intend to use every benefit open to me as possible. There are certainly some interesting training opportunities worth exploring, which will offer long term benefits. I have already met with fellow members, particularly to share my experience in relation to my voluntary work as a STEM ambassador.

Do you think being a Chartered Engineer will help you in your career and how?

My professional profile has already risen to new level within my work environment, as well opening useful connections through social media sites, such as LinkedIn. I have also been able to engage with some aspiring engineers who want to push their academic level to either IEng or CEng. Long term benefits are higher earning potential, improved career prospects as well as access to long-life learning.

What has been your greatest education/career achievement so far and what are your future career goals?

Becoming a Chartered Engineer has been one of the greatest achievements in my working career. This could not have been achieved without many years of knowledge and experience within my profession, which, through innovation and invention has allowed me to push the boundaries of engineering. This in turn has allowed me to be acknowledged and registered as an inventor. In the longer term I plan to continue to innovate and register further patents, as well as committing to make a key contribution in industry, for sustainable growth and protecting the environment through ongoing projects, as well as through the introduction of EV technology.

What advice would you give younger engineers following in your footsteps?

Be passionate about your job and be prepared to work hard. Never give up – if you give up at the first hurdle, why did you even take on the challenge? Find a mentor - it’s so easy to lose track without the guidance of an experienced professional. If in doubt, ask. It’s much better to ask many questions from the outset than to get it wrong when it could be too late. Age is just a number – As you progress through your career, don’t let your life years be a reason to stop you from learning.

As humans we must keep learning, we live in an ever-changing environment which demands knowledge. Technology is driving skills shortages in key sectors in industry. We need skilled professionals in science, technology, and engineering.

Lastly, I would say ‘embrace failure’. As humans, we all become who we are by failing in one form or another. Learn from this, as success usually comes through in iterations, because of past failures.