College of Engineering
Michael Phelan
BEng
It takes a little more than good study habits to get a career in Aeronautical Engineering off the ground. Many employers also look for evidence of work experience when recruiting graduates. For Michael Phelan, a graduate in Aeronautical Engineering, his Cooperative Education placement with Boeing in Seattle was instrumental in getting him his present position with British Aerospace Systems in Bristol, England.
Michael chose Aeronautical Engineering because from an early age he had been interested in how things work. He was also aware that by choosing an engineering degree, he was opening up a wide range of career options. For example, an Aeronautical Engineer can work in most engineering companies, regardless of whether it is aviation orientated or not.
Michael's Cooperative Education experience exposed him to commercial aviation, helping him to form a career plan and path that interested him. Working for Boeing provided Michael with an opportunity to experience at first hand the aircraft design and manufacturing environment. He was involved in acquiring cabin emergency equipment and also helped in the design of different types of insulation for Boeing 737 and 777 airplanes. It was this exposure to the world of aeronautical engineering that steered him towards a career that rewards him with satisfaction and international travel. Not only did his Cooperative Education placement expose him to new career opportunities, but it also provided him with the experience he needed to get a job in a company such as British Aerospace.
"You will have all sorts of options when picking a course, and that is why it is important that you choose the thing that interests you the most. In my case an Engineering degree provided me with many opportunities, including the option to work outside of Ireland".