Case studies: Engineer officer: James

James graduated with a degree in aeronautical engineering in 2007. He is currently an engineer officer in the Royal Air Force...

I've always known that I wanted to become an officer in the Royal Air Force (RAF). I was in the Air Training Corps at school and then progressed to the University Air Squadron (UAS) at university. I chose aeronautical engineering as a degree because it offered the chance to study aircraft configuration and design, aircraft systems and performance, aerodynamics, avionics and systems, propulsion, flight control and a whole range of other technical modules.

My course also included business and management components, such as modules in human resource management, financial management and marketing, which are all really useful for a career as an officer.

After initial discussions with my university liaison officer, I was invited to the selection centre at RAF Cranwell. This entailed four days of interviews, psychometric tests, exercises to test leadership, communication and problem solving, and medicals. It was really hard work but also really enjoyable. It was quite daunting knowing that my long-term dream rested on this intensive assessment, so I was delighted when I was informed that I had passed.

After graduating from university, I started my 30-week initial officer training (IOT) at , which is the world's first specialist military academy for air forces. My time there included fitness training, military training, leadership training, academic work, operational studies, exercises and operational scenarios. You also have the opportunity for lots of sport, and it's a really sociable time.

I am just about to go on my first tour as an engineer officer. Aerosystems deals with aircraft and missiles, so we are responsible for the weapons, avionics and propulsion systems of all kinds of aircraft. The opportunity to travel all over the world with my job is amazing.

Joining the RAF was a fantastic career decision. I will be working with state-of-the-art technology and I'll be fully supported as I work towards chartered engineer status. The highlights for me are working closely with like-minded colleagues, the challenges, the variety of the role, being responsible for those who report to me, and working in an environment that is intellectually and physically demanding. I've also had the opportunity to do adventurous training and parachuting, which was fantastic.

Longer term, I'd like to study part time for a relevant postgraduate qualification, and the RAF will sponsor this, as they are committed to training and career development.