A New Year's Reflection.
The dawning of a New Year is traditionally a time for reflection and self examination. With this in mind, I find myself at a point where someone recently categorised me as "the one that's worked in lots of different places".
How did that happen?
When I graduated, things in the Aerospace industry looked bleak. At the time I really had no expectations about entering what seemed a very limited (or should I say, "specific" or "focused") industry.
I never really expected to travel with work, but to date I have worked 4 times in France, shortest stay 6 weeks, longest 3 years. If I include trips of a week or less I can add Germany and the US or the more national travel to customers and suppliers.
I never thought about managing people and my first team built up from 5 to about 15 people with a mix of disciplines.
I feared that I was destined to become a "Bolt" or "Spar" or "Flange" expert, but I have worked on Industrial and Aircraft engines, Engine Overhaul, Fuel Control Metering Units and Pumps, Thrust Reverser Actuation, Composite Thrust Reverser Components, whole Thrust Reverser Assemblies, Landing Gear hydraulic systems, rigs and instrumentation.
Surely I was set for life as a Designer Engineer? Er no. I've worked on design, aerodynamics, stress and heat transfer, production control, final assembly inspection, MRB (Concessions), quality, documentation, tooling, customer support, supplier control, and as an engineering lead, team leader and programme lead.The only constant has been the Aerospace Industry.
So actually, it's the Aerospace Industry that has made me "the one that's worked in lots of different places". For that I am very grateful.