Name: Mélanie
University: Cranfield University (UK) ENSIAME (FR)
Graduation Year: 2015
Qualification: MEng Mechanical Engineering MSc Aerospace Vehicle Design
Date of joining MTC Graduate Programme: September 2015
What first sparked your interest in the MTC and why did you apply?
I was amazed at the reputation of the MTC even though it is a relatively new business. They have partnerships with very powerful companies in the industry. The main reason I applied was to be part of something bigger than one company, adding value to different departments and industrial fields. I like to be open-minded in my personal life, so do I in my graduate position at the MTC.
What were your first impressions of the MTC Graduate Programme?
In the first few weeks we were based at the Lloyds Bank Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre on the MTC campus in Coventry, where graduates undertake training in report writing, technical drawing, and conventional machining. This helps us, as new starters, to understand the MTC’s expectations of us in terms of providing high quality work for our customers. Having the opportunity to choose our rotations is a really great thing, as you can set your professional targets by yourself.
Describe a typical day for you on the MTC Graduate Programme?
I support the management of a Rolls-Royce-led collaborative programme where MTC runs about 30 different projects. The programme has specific deadlines and budgets, and I ensure communication between Rolls-Royce and MTC is fluent and clear.
What’s been the biggest challenge?
A rotation in Programme Management requires a lot of independent and proactive work. It needs organisation and interpersonal skills. You get to know a lot of people in a really short amount of time and it helps you settle in very quickly as a first rotation.
How has the Graduate Programme been beneficial to your career?
As a non-native English speaker, I improved my language skills and I also had the opportunity to discover a broad range of technologies, which can only be beneficial to my career. The graduate programme sets general industrial basics which allows me to go from one department to another without any problems.
Would you recommend the programme to others, and what advice would you offer to those looking to apply to the MTC Graduate Programme?
I would definitely recommend this programme to future graduates who have very high expectations for their first position, as the MTC challenges you every day to give the best of yourself. It is particularly useful for students who still want to discover different industrial fields and new technologies.
