Chiedza Lunga

"The three personality traits I got seem to be quite accurate for me!The coach trait rings true as I love to problem solve and find new solutions in many aspects of my life. It’s why I tended to be a group leader in most of my university projects and am now the official family handyman. Whether it’s helping others with parts of assignments they were stuck on, resealing a leaky shower, or even organising a large corporate event, I am always up for a challenge and helping others achieve what they need.Influencer seems to pair well with the coach trait, with my experiences leading teams and solving issues. I’ve learned how to better explain things to people depending on their background as I have been exposed to more people and environments. Being able to identify key information has been key to becoming a more effective problem solver, and I would like to think I am good with detail whilst making sure that others can follow along.Probably my favourite trait I received was quality controller. I want to make sure I am always doing my best, and sometimes, I believe my best is achieved in ways not formally set out by old instructions. I ama very practical learner and am always finding my own way of accomplishing my goals. Whilst I like to be creative in how I work when in a team, I always make sure that those around me know what they can do and that they are comfortable in the direction we’re going."

"I am a graduate systems design engineer with MBDA. I have recently started the role so am still getting my footing in terms of my role and what it fully entails. I work within the design community, defining the specifications for developing weapon systems within the Systems Design and Validation team. Currently, I am on the first rotation of my graduate scheme and am working in emerging capabilities, meaning I work on new/future systems for either current projects or future projects. "

"I started applying for graduate schemes as soon as I started my final year of university, knowing I wanted to work for the company I did my placement with or another company with a similar approach to working. My placement was with a company that actually have a large share in MBDA, meaning that there were a lot of similarities in work patterns and benefits. I had also had the chance to complete some work experience with MBDA during my first summer of university in their mechanical design and analysis departments.These experiences gave me a much better idea of what I enjoyed and what I wanted to develop further when I was looking for a job. I was interested in working across various stages in the life cycle of a product to get a wider appreciation for my work, and systems design has provided me with that opportunity in spades. I have been given the chance to work in a team that sees a lot of multi-department collaboration, so my knowledge of the company is growing rapidly."

"I love baking, sewing, knitting and crochet, making stuffed animals and cushions for any friends who ask. I am starting to get into yoga, running and hiking so am excited to have moved to the picturesque west, enjoying a chance to reflect on a five-hour walk.I am also a big fan of a night in and watching TV and eating a home-cooked meal, the spicier, the better!"

"It’s early days but I am beginning to get involved in supporting some of the mid-flight functionalities of a project. This involves using Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and interacting with different functional departments. MBSE involves creating or improving the methods in which engineers communicate, so it is actually something I am very excited to put into proper practice. I am very new to MBSE so am taking time to read up on what is required of me so I can be of better use to the team, and also develop my learning. "

"For my A-levels I took Maths, Physics and Biology, having dropped Chemistry after AS-level. It’s typical for most aerospace/mechanical engineering degrees to require maths and physics at A-level and is generally useful in the career (however always check what subjects are preferred by the university).Once I finished my A-levels, I attended the University of Hertfordshire to do a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering. I was lucky to get the chance to complete a year in industry during the degree and graduate with a 2:1. Most graduate schemes require a 2:1 but many schemes, including the one I am currently on, welcomed those predicted a 2:2 to apply.I am applying to complete a part-time masters online in Advanced Manufacturing Systems whilst I work full-time because whilst I was eager to return to working in engineering after enjoying my placement year, I also have the desire to learn more, as well as work towards becoming a chartered engineer. It is not necessary to have a masters degree for chartership with IMechE (Institute of Mechanical Engineers), but it makes it much easier to attain. Incorporated engineer status can be obtained with a bachelor’s and it is more personal choice than anything else."