Benjamin Mohankumar

Why you decided to study Aerospace Engineering?
Initially, my heart was set on Architecture. Throughout high school and the AS-Year at college I believed my strengths fell into science, especially physics and chemistry, maths and design. Acknowledging this I believed that Architecture was a suitable degree choice as it allowed me pursue the subjects I excelled in. However, after several open days, including one at the University of Manchester, I felt that the lack of numerical application would not motivate me. The obvious equivalent which could support the mathematical element was in fact Civil Engineering as it allowed to stay within the construction industry. Despite this, after further open days I realised yet again that this was not the course for me, despite the high positions on University league tables. I chose to convert to Aerospace Engineering because I believe that the industry has lucrative potential and will continue to prosper when I embark on my career. This degree allows me to delve into unique and cutting edge topics focusing on aircraft and spacecraft. Now after finishing my first year, I have particular interest in spacecraft propulsion which I wish to pursue in my module choices in my 3rd and 4th year.

Experience gained
So far, I have completed no Aerospace Engineering industrial experience. However, I have qualified for a scholarship with Shell. I believe the basis of selection for the scholarship is on the personal statement, A-Level results and first semester results. I have been awarded an interview for a summer internship with Shell after my 3rd year here in Manchester. Experience with Shell will no doubt be very beneficial to future opportunities for working in industry.

Any difficulties
During the introductory weeks of my course I felt very overwhelmed by the social and academic sides to university life. As I had lived at home for 18 years I initially felt it very difficult to settle into a new environment. I was homesick as I adjusted to my new life here in Manchester. In hindsight, I believe the intensity of first year is beneficial because the workload keeps you busy and allows you to socialise and make friends with your course mates quickly and easily. Due to the relatively small number of students who study aerospace, the group becomes tight knit as students are consistently encouraged to work in groups to solve the academic problems which are encountered.

In first year I personally have found PASS to be exceedingly helpful both socially and academically.
Aerospace engineering is academically challenging. Beginning, obviously with the way which classes are taught in lecture theatres rather in classrooms. I have found it useful to jot down notes on the lecture slides to aid understanding when coming to revision (note: the lecture notes are to aid what the lecturer says during the lecture). When it comes to tutorial sheets and coursework, I feel that attempting them alone first is useful and then speak to lecturers, personal tutors and peers for help when problems are encountered.