Mr Adam Fallon
 |
Year of Graduation: 2010Title of Degree: MEng Systems EngineeringDept: Electronic & Electrical EngineeringJob title: Direct Entry GraduateEmployer: Airbus |
Your background:
Before my time at Loughborough I took what I’d call a ‘traditional’ path through education with GCSEs and then A Levels in Maths, Physics and Business. From a young age I’d always been interested how things worked. I really enjoyed two work experience weeks with Rolls-Royce in Derby and so decided to look at all of the options that could get me into a career in engineering, including apprenticeships and part-time diplomas. To help me make up my mind I tried a university taster course called ‘Headstart’ which was run by the Royal Academy of Engineering. I really enjoyed the week and I knew the university experience was for me. Choosing a University wasn’t easy, I visited each place that I had an offer for but after visiting Loughborough I knew it was the right course with the best facilities and a great environment for work and play. I chose Systems Engineering because its transferable engineering skills would open doors to a wide range of industrial sectors. Most importantly, it gave me the flexibility to study modules in aerospace, allowing me to follow my interest in aircraft and flying.
Where are you now?
After graduating in 2010 I’m now employed by Airbus; the world’s leading civil aircraft manufacturer. I am currently on the Direct Entry Graduate programme. The programme lasts for two years and gives me a great opportunity to move around the business on three month placements in areas such as the chief engineer’s office, final assembly line and even a secondment to work with one of our customer airlines. The experience is vital in learning what all the different areas of the business do and how their contribution fits into the final product.
When I finish the graduate programme I will start a role in my ‘target area’ of fuel and inerting systems. In a short space of time I have already had the opportunity to work on aircraft such as the new A350 and the ‘super jumbo’ A380. The training and development support is excellent and I genuinely thoroughly enjoy my day to day role working with colleagues right across the world to design and build the most advanced aircraft in the skies. All those years of study has definitely paid off!
How did you get there?
I have always been career focused and started thinking about my options right from my first year at Loughborough. I decided that an industrial placement year would be a great way to prove to myself that systems and aerospace engineering was the way forward for me. I applied to lots of businesses and had great support from both my industrial liaison tutor in the department and the Careers and Employability Centre; with notification of relevant vacancies, preparation of CVs and hints and tips for the dreaded interviews and selection centres. Fortunately I was successful in getting a 12 month placement with Airbus working as an avionics fuel systems engineer on the A380 fuel system. I really enjoyed the work which put into practice some of the theory from year one and two at uni, but also taught me so much more. I stayed in touch with Airbus and returned for a further three month summer placement in 2009 and then applied for the graduate scheme that winter; the rest is history
Where are you going?
In the short term I’ll be finishing the graduate scheme at the end of 2012 then I’ll return to my target role as a fuel systems avionics engineer. From there I’ll work with my career mentor to build a development plan for the years ahead. At the moment I am still discovering all the opportunities in a large multinational business. With over 55,000 employees there are certainly a lot of roles to choose from. I’d like to think one day I’d make a good chief engineer or be able to pursue an opportunity overseas within Airbus.
What if anything would you have done differently during your time at Loughborough University to help you prepare better for your career/life upon graduation?
The only thing I’d have done differently at Loughborough would have been to always get involved from day one and never underestimate what you might get from an experience. Use the whole university experience to broaden your skills, CV and develop your personality. IMS, RAG, ACTION; get involved! Employers really value these experiences and it gives you plenty to talk about in your interviews. Even now Airbus demands that I spend 15% of my time on ‘development activities’ to continue building my skills and personality, whilst helping the local community. I’ve found that it can even be good fun too!
What advice would you give to a student studying your subject at university now?
My only advice to a student studying systems engineering now would be that it’s never too late to work hard get a great degree from Loughborough! I didn’t have the best of starts in my first year but worked hard and improved my marks by up to 10% year on year; in the end I was rewarded with my first.
You should also think about your career as early as possible, it can be hard sitting in the library for days on end, so if you have an end goal it’s easier to refocus and work towards it. For those moments when it does get too much - talk to people! Your friends, lecturers, tutors and support staff at the University really do care! Sharing my problems and stresses often helped me to see a way through them.