Colm Daly

Why did you choose Cranfield?

Before starting at Cranfield I completed my undergraduate degree in Aviation Management at Dublin City University. During this period I also worked for Aer Lingus on a part-time basis gaining experience in the airline’s operations and commercial departments.

Aviation has been a lifelong passion of mine, so I knew from a young age that my future job would have to involve aeroplanes in some shape or form at least! I first heard about Cranfield from speaking with professionals in the industry, many of whom had completed the MSc in Air Transport Management and viewed it as the perfect “springboard” from which to start a career in Aviation.

What was Cranfield's impact

I’m currently based in DVB’s Aviation Credit department in Frankfurt. As a Trainee Credit Officer, my responsibilities include analysing new transactions and preparing new credit applications for presentation to credit committee. Other responsbilties include the ongoing credit analysis of the borrower’s financial situation (typically airlines and lessors), internal rating and profitability calculations, and exposure data monitoring. As part of the Graduate programme, I will also spend time with the bank’s Asset Management, Aviation Research, Investment Management, and Advisory teams. The programme truly offers an excellent introduction to the world of Aviation Finance.

Without Cranfield I would not be where I am today. It was through Cranfield that I first made contact with DVB and shortly afterwards I secured a first round interview with them. It was also clear that having the Cranfield name on my CV carried considerable weight given the positive experience that DVB has had with previous Cranfield graduates. Yet most importantly, it was through Cranfield that I gained the knowledge and skills required to perform well in my current position, skills that I am now putting to use each day. Even today, I often refer back to my Cranfield notes!

Given the prominence of Cranfield in the aviation sector, a week rarely goes by during which Cranfield does not feature in a conversation of some kind with work colleagues or friends. It is only as time goes on that you begin to appreciate the true depth and power of the Cranfield Alumni network – the number of people in the industry with a connection to Cranfield in one form or another is really quite amazing. Despite only recently graduating from Cranfield, I’ve already exchanged thoughts and advice relating to job opportunities and topical issues with many Cranfield Alumni, many of whom I have yet to meet in person. It’s a uniquely close community.

What aspect of your time at Cranfield did you find most useful, inspiring or enjoyable?

The family-like atmosphere at Cranfield was the aspect I most enjoyed when studying there. As we all lived on or close to campus and spent long days in university (or long nights in the CSA!), we developed into a very close-knit group. Unlike at undergraduate level where the class sizes often run into the hundreds, we all knew each other personally and developed very close friendships. This family-like atmosphere also extended to the academic staff, all of whom were always happy to lend advice and support.

Another unique aspect of Cranfield was its ability to attract very high-profile aviation professionals to the university for the year-long series of guest lectures. These guest lectures were eagerly-awaited by everyone (including the academic staff!) and they provided excellent insights into the world of industry. Looking back, I can say that my desire to apply for my current role first stemmed from one of these guest lectures.

Do you have any advice for students considering postgraduate study?

Personally, the big question for me in respect of postgraduate study was one of “when” rather than “if”. My advice in this respect would be: if you’re certain that you’d like to pursue a career in a specific sector, then try to complete your postgraduate course as soon as you can. It’s a wonderful experience and one which you will never regret, and it may not be as easy to return to study at a later date. For those less certain about which path to take, then maybe hold off a while. Given the commitment and dedication that a postgraduate programme demands, it would be a shame not to be able to put it to use.