Kevin Watkins
Kevin completed his MEng in Electronic Engineering in 2009, and is currently on a two-year graduate fast track development programme with EADS – the global leader in aerospace, defence and related services.
"I applied for the engineering graduate scheme during my final year at UWE. I was invited for a formal interview, then a second interview and assessment-centre day, then offered the job a few weeks later - just before my final exams," says Kevin.
Useful skills
"I now realise how well the course prepared me for working life - both technically and professionally. I studied communication networks and protocols as one of my modules at UWE, which is really helpful in my current role as a network engineer. I also gained lots of practical skills - things like presentations, preparing for meetings and being able to take accurate minutes. I think many of these skills helped me secure this graduate engineering role.
"And of course, while I was at UWE I made lots of good friends - many of whom have gone into the same field of work. This could prove very useful in the future."
Working life
As Kevin explains, EADS provides defence and security communications for both military and civilian applications. "This means I get to work on a huge variety of projects. For example, EADS Defence and Security is the lead system integrator on the FiReControl project. This project will provide Fire and Rescue Service across the whole of England with a totally secure and resilient system to enable them to react to emergency situations in the most effective way using many of the latest technologies. But the bulk of what we do is for the military. This ranges from providing innovative next generation encryption technology for the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, to working on battle space management systems - to provide complete tactical command and control and communications for military situations."
Looking ahead
Kevin is only a couple of months into his graduate programme but is already thinking about the future. "I'd like to achieve Chartered Engineer status as soon as possible," he says. "The graduate programme is incredibly flexible and allows you to specialise in the areas you're most interested in. I think this is why the graduate retention rate is so high - over 90%. EADS offers lots of support and really looks after you.
But Kevin also has other ambitions. "I'd like to travel. We have several large projects in the Middle East, so I can certainly see myself working there. I think there are lots of benefits to working for such a large organisation."
And does he have any advice for students doing the same degree? "Apply early for the graduate positions. The deadlines creep up very quickly, so make sure you get your applications in before Christmas in your final year."
Page last updated 1 November 2011