Oliver Hickman

Year of Graduation: 2021

  • Course BSc Aerospace Engineering
  • School School of Engineering
  • Nationality British
  • Career industry Aerospace Engineering
  • Current job title Graduate Engineer
  • Current Company BAE Systems

Difficult but rewarding. University challenges you, as it should do. Be prepared to do a lot of your own work to achieve results. Doing the bare minimum that you are taught will achieve the bare minimum to pass.

The friends that I made during my time there. They will stay friends for life and will be useful contacts throughout my career. Some lecturers were very helpful and I know I could rely on them to help me in the future. My favourite memory was receiving my results at the end.
I am employed in an aerospace engineering role that I would not have been able to get if it wasn’t for my degree. The modules I learned have given me an insight into the engineering world and provided me with skills necessary to choosing my career path and becoming successful in the future.
It's very varied - Some parts I can talk about and others I can’t. The graduate scheme involves the opportunity to work in different departments. Currently, I am working in an Avionics role, which involves reporting and addressing modifications and upgrades to Eurofighter Typhoons. I am looking to move to an aerodynamics positing soon.
Achieving the position was a highlight in itself. BAE Systems is a huge company that I am proud to work for. In my short time I have already authored a process for a new work system for new users.
Don’t give up. It gets very hard to motivate yourself and it can feel like everything is against you. But you can push through it. Start looking for a career early, it is a competitive market. And set yourself achievable goals.