Undergraduate Experience

How has your experience at Javelin contributed to your personal and professional growth, and in what ways do you think it helped you to enter your career? 

“My time at Javelin was extremely valuable, particularly highlighting the role of 'soft skills' in engineering. Sometimes technical proficiency isn’t everything - effectively managing and engaging clients is vital. Javelin's emphasis on face-to-face meetings or phone calls over just sending emails, was a key part of this.

Coming from a non-aviation background, Javelin was my first exposure to the aviation industry and to be honest it could be a bit of an information overload at times. This experience was pivotal in launching my career, reinforcing my confidence in the technical skills I learned at university. The experience significantly expanded my network within the local industry. In terms of technical skills, I’ve learnt more about aviation in the last 6 months then I ever imagined. Javelin also taught me how to deliver high-quality work within critical timeframes, which is testament to the immense amounts of time and effort they dedicate to training their staff.”

Can you share a specific project or task you worked on during your placement and highlight the impact it had on your own knowledge and Javelin's operations? 

“A standout project during my time at Javelin Aerospace was designing installation provisions for the in-flight announcement system for the Alliance Airlines’ Embraer E190 fleet. Initially posed as a straightforward task, it soon evolved into a complex challenge that required abandoning my initial plans for a more effective approach. Specifically, this project taught me the need for fluidity in the design process, and the importance of realising when you have to let go of a design and start over. In the end, I was incredibly proud of what I was able to produce for this project, as it not only met the client's requirements but also pushed my boundaries of innovative design within the aviation industry.”

In what ways did the company culture and team collaboration enhance your overall learning experience, and how do you believe it sets our company apart in the industry? 

“It is clear to me that the culture within the company is a key part of Javelin’s mission. In terms of looking after employees it is simply unmatched when compared to other employees I’ve worked for – (and not just because there are more dogs in the office than people at times)! The office fostered a culture where questions and feedback (positive or negative) were allowed, and encouraged to be passed up and down the organisational chain. No idea or question no matter how basic or complex was ever invalidated. It cannot be understated how much this benefited me, being completely new to the aerospace industry. The company's focus on flexibility was especially beneficial while juggling university studies. Additionally, one culture aspect that stood out particularly to me was the focus on the client experience. Internally there was a lot done to ensure the client was provided with precisely what they need, and when they need it.”

Reflecting on your time here, what key skills or knowledge do you think other students would gain by undertaking a work experience placement at our company, and how would you encourage them to apply? 

“I can’t speak highly enough of my placement at Javelin Aerospace. To be a part of a company with a growth mindset is incredibly rewarding. Javelin's potential to become a leading name in the national and international Aerospace markets in the next few years is evident. Students undertaking a work experience placement here will gain a huge amount of skills and insights, setting a strong foundation for their future careers in the aerospace sector.