Angela Whiteside

Name

Angela Whiteside

Course

MSc Knowledge Management for Innovation, 2007-2008

Current role

Rolls-Royce graduate scheme

Why did you choose the course you undertook at Cranfield?

I choose to study my selected course because I wanted to expand my education by taking the skills learnt from my previously theoretical background in astrophysics and applying them in more contextual, real life engineering applications. I was drawn to the Knowledge Management for Innovation course on account of the breadth of its syllabus, which sampled topics from people management skills and innovation right through to data management techniques and business process planning. The excellent reputation of Cranfield within industry was also attractive when considering future employment prospects.

Did postgraduate study meet your expectations?

It exceeded it by far! Upon joining Cranfield, I could not have imagined how enriching that one year would be. The close tie-ins with industry, combined with highly reputed academic standing, provided me with all the applied skills and knowledge that I needed to begin a career in engineering. The experience itself was second-to-none, and I met some lifelong friends during my time at Cranfield!

What skills did you acquire from postgraduate study?

The primary skills I learnt from my time at Cranfield were centred on optimal knowledge and information management and learning how to creatively solve problems. This was accomplished through softer people skills and management classes in addition to tuition in subjects such as Enterprise Resource Planning software and Entity Relationship Modelling.

Did you undertake project work?

Yes. I chose to undertake my individual project within Rolls-Royce, with whom I had already secured employment, because I saw it as an excellent opportunity to become familiarised with the company structure, people and environment before I began as a fully-fledged employee. The 3-month project was based around a real-life engineering task, centered on improving and standardising the process for progressively releasing an engineering model from design to manufacturing. The company employees were wonderful in making me feel welcome and part of the team, and I was given the opportunity to travel across sites and speak with a wide range of engineers in order to build the optimum solution for the end users. All-in-all, an unbeatable experience!

Would you recommend your course?

I would most definitely recommend my course to other students. The breadth of material learnt is of immeasurable benefit for individuals of many undergraduate backgrounds or career directions, from finance and engineering to management and academic.

Did your course help you gain employment?

I know for a fact that without my Master’s course, I would not have got the job that I hold now. I knew I wanted to enter Manufacturing Engineering, so that one year spent studying the topic was my key to entering the profession, converting the skills that I had learnt during my undergraduate studies into an applied engineering environment. Cranfield has an excellent academic standing with employers and I truly believe was a key factor in me landing my dream job!

What was your motivation in applying for your current job?

During my studies at Cranfield University, I met a number of both students and guest lecturers who worked for Rolls-Royce and familiarised me to the company. I was drawn to the breadth of work that they undertake in civil, defence, marine and energy applications alike, and attracted by the emphasis they place on educating and promoting professional development in their employees.

What do you enjoy about your job?

I enjoy every aspect of my job so far! The best part is the variety- with a series of 3-month rotations, you can choose to sample any aspect of the company that you wish, and seek a wide variety of experience in helping you to find your specialisms that you wish to carry forward into your wider career.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

From day one on the Rolls-Royce graduate scheme, you are given real responsibilities with people counting on you. This can be daunting, especially when facing new and unfamiliar jobs, but the staff are excellent in providing support and guidance in solving any problems!

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

In my spare time, I very much enjoy playing the flute in local orchestras and singing in local choirs. Music is my passion in life- both listening and performing. I also enjoy reading and learning new things!

Finally, do you have any advice for people considering postgraduate study?

Choosing to undertake postgraduate study is a major life decision, and one that should be well researched and thought about. You need to consider a mixture of factors: Your future career visions and aspirations, your academic interests and strengths and, importantly, what kind of atmosphere and study environment you enjoy.

It is important to consider all options available to you and visit any prospective campuses to see the facilities and talk to academics and students alike. I’d recommend the Cranfield Open Day as an excellent insight into the unique study opportunities and environments that the university offers!