Niamh O’Dwyer from Tipperary graduated from the Masters in Aeronautical Engineering programme in the School of Engineering in 2021. Now working as a Technical Manager in Aergo Capital an Irish aircraft leasing company, we caught up with her to ask her about the course, her student experience, and what advice she might have for people completing their Leaving Certificate.
Why did you choose to study the MEng in Aeronautical Engineering?
What drew me to Aeronautical Engineering at UL was an interest in aviation, particularly the technical aspects, so Aeronautical ticked all the boxes for me. I was also interested in studying at UL because of the great campus and its proximity to home.
What did you enjoy most about the course?
The course was challenging but manageable as long as you stay on the ball, I and many of my classmates were able to work part time throughout. In the initial phase, you are taught the fundamental concepts, such as maths, chemistry, electrical, fluid and solid mechanics, and aerodynamics. Of these, I really enjoyed the mechanics and aerodynamics based modules. Post co-op placement (end of second year), you get deeper into applying those fundamentals in modules such as flight mechanics, aircraft structures, and the famous (or infamous!) design build and fly module.
What opportunities has the course presented you with?
I got great value out of the course. It allowed me to explore in minute detail a subject that was really interesting and exciting to me, while making great connections, both professional and personal. The technical aspects of the course were sometimes quite dense, but extremely rewarding. Connections made during my co-op placement directly helped me to get my first graduate aviation job, working for a start up technical services company based in Shannon.
What do you enjoy about UL and what is student life like here?
I enjoyed the whole experience, from the day to day campus experience, the social aspect, the late nights with my classmates the night before a big exam or deadline. The community on campus is brilliant, with plenty of food options, bars, lots of events throughout the year, and when the sun comes out the buzz on campus is unreal! The environment is lovely, you’d nearly take for granted how nice a place UL is just to walk around (or walk between classes). In addition to all that, the facilities are great, the library was recently extended and it’s a fabulous place to go and study, the gym and pool is at your doorstep. In addition to that, Limerick is just minutes away.
Where did you complete your Cooperative Education Experience?
I did my co-op in the technical department in GECAS in Shannon (now AerCap), a large aircraft leasing company. Co-op was a valuable opportunity to get a taste for working life and to make some industry connections. I got my first graduate job through a connection that I made on co-op.
What advice would give to students completing the Leaving Certificate?
My advice would be don’t beat yourself up if you don’t have a definitive plan yet. Things have a way of not always going how you expect them to, even if you do loads of planning and research. Once you’ve identified something that interests you, dig deeper into it, research what kind of jobs it could lead to, talk to people who’ve done it, learn what the day-to-day is like, and consider the alternatives. All of that will give you insights that will help inform your future path. And the road doesn’t end at the CAO choices (or otherwise), your career will be a continual process of learning, changing and evolving, enjoy it.