Bristol to Boeing with an Advanced Composites MSc
David Trejo moved from Mexico to Bristol to study for an MSc in Advanced Composites. Find out how specialising in this area of engineering helped prepare him for his career in the aviation industry and led to his dream job working for Boeing.
What inspired you to choose the MSc in Advanced Composites?
As an aeronautical engineer I found my passion for structures and mechanics early on in my studies. However, it was only when I studied Composites Materials basic mechanical concepts and did my first calculus and projects on the subject, that I realised I was keen to take my knowledge to the next level.
Knowing my passion and understanding the basics of the subject allowed me to immediately appreciate the value of Bristol’s Advanced Composites programme when I first saw it. Attracted by the specifics of the programme, I applied, convinced that every hour invested on the programme would pay off.
Tell us about where you work. What do you do there?
I’m an aerospace engineer with over 12 years of experience designing, engineering, and manufacturing aircraft structures and aviation engines, leading technical teams, and administrating projects.
After graduating from Bristol with an MSc in Advanced Composites, I was able to quickly join the aerospace industry in Mexico and had the opportunity to lead engineering teams on the manufacturing of composites structures for the B787 programme of Boeing.
During this project, I familiarised myself with the airframer engineering and quality standards. After several years in the supply chain, I joined The Boeing Company in 2022, working with the North American supply chain to guarantee the best-in-class design, engineering, and manufacturing of aircraft systems and components to support the Boeing Production System that builds B737, B767, B777 and B787 models for commercial aviation.
How did your master’s degree prepare you for the role?
The strong foundations I built whilst studying Advanced Composites at Bristol helped me get into the composites manufacturing and engineering industry.
I was actually offered a Composites Engineer role after using pictures and data from my MSc in a presentation during an interview. This showed the panelists that I was prepared to undertake real challenges from day one, even when I had considerably less training and a much shorter learning curve than non-composites engineers. I was awarded this job which ultimately helped me on my way to Boeing.
What do you consider to be the most valuable learning or experience you gained from the programme for your personal or professional development?
Studying at the University of Bristol was one of the greatest experiences of my life!
The unique and charming atmosphere of the city of Bristol, combined with access to the state-of-the-art facilities and support from Bristol’s prestigious academics, gave me the best chance to shape my research and analytical skills and helped me reach my maximum potential.
The University of Bristol’s position as one of the best research and academic centres in the world also allowed me to do my research project in partnership with GKN Aerospace working with real challenges in the industry.
What would you say to someone thinking about studying Advanced Composites?
Where to study for your master’s degree is a decision that will change your life forever! I suggest you have a clear and narrow field of study with specific objectives. Look for an institution and programme that will match your interests as much as possible.
Programmes like the MSc Advanced Composites will take you from day one to the core of ‘know-how’ of the subject and you will be working at the leading edge of knowledge.
I can honestly say that studying a postgraduate programme at the University of Bristol enriched me deeply as a person and boosted my professional growth.
The course information and statements contained within this blog are correct at time of publication.