Aerospace
Working as an engineer within the aerospace industry means you will generally be working in highly technical positions. These are generally split up into research and development, testing, production and maintenance. Working in research and development means candidates have to be a good problem solver looking at numerical information, designs and plans to overcome technical problems. Within this candidates also need to be able to use CAD (Computer Aided Design) to develop new components and vehicles. As research and development is used at an early stage within projects, you will be asked to give input on budgets and timescales for production.

Testing is heavily involved in research and development, allowing for products to pass all health and safety checks and also to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness. This will mean having a keen eye for detail and the ability to evaluate numerical data to check products match their individual specifications and legal legislation.Working in the production and maintenance sector will involve ensuring processes run smoothly and efficiently and looking at methods of improving these systems. You need to be aware of contractual obligations, design specification’s of products and health and safety regulations that will all have to be met. Working in maintenance ensures products are working effectively and in the correct manner.

Defence
As an operational officer candidates are expected to lead, manage and train subordinates to the highest level ensuring they are ready for action in fighting roles. Assessment of training and procedures will be required where strong analytical thinking is required. While in combat or on other missions you will have to look at strategies and plan the best possible solutions to varying dangerous situations. If you want to become a specialist or admin officer you will be generally office based and you will be ensuring that every service can proceed with their tasks. Once again there will be variation where you can work such as IT, finance, logistics and supplies.

Working as a technical officer you will be required to use your expert knowledge often in hands on roles, whether in development roles or out in the field helping to set up camps or manufacture living spaces where speed is of the essence. You will often be involved in project management and be a trouble shooter sorting out technical difficulties. Then there are always medical roles where doctors, nurses, dentists and vets are required. If you fancy practicing outside of hospital and are looking for more exciting and demanding position then this could be the way forward for you.

The MOD has a graduate scheme called fast stream that is split into two one for technical graduates and an administrative format. The first focuses on science and engineering graduates who will research design manufacture and partake in purchasing of weapon systems to bolster the effectiveness of the countries defences. Within the admin roles you will not only be working on policy, but as the MOD has executive powers, you will be actually involved in defence.