Kumbirai T Chibanda was recently conferred an MEng in Flight Test Engineering at SETU, graduating with a first-class honours degree.
A graduate with a Masters of Engineering in Flight Test Engineering at SETU says she hopes her achievements inspire other young people, especially girls, to pursue careers in the aviation sector.
Kumbirai T Chibanda did her undergraduate degree in Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Zimbabwe. She applied to SETU for her Masters as an international student, because it was the only university in Ireland that offered what she was looking for:
“It allowed me to not only further my studies, but to specialise in airworthiness, certification and quality assurance, an area into which I wish to pivot in the near future.
"I joined SETU last year as an international student, and found the staff incredibly supportive, from the lecturers to lab technicians, and in my case the international office as well. They are quite easy to approach and always willing to help,” Kumbirai added.
My masters taught me how to look at chaotic data and find the exact answers needed, to stay calm under pressure, and how to communicate across teams. As a Flight Test Engineer, I have to translate complex maths into plain, actionable language for pilots, mechanics, and management alike.
Highlights
Kumbirai found the highlights of her Masters to be an introductory flight at the start of the programme as well as partaking in practical flight sessions.
“I got an opportunity to apply all the theory I learnt in class to an actual flight test program, from the initial test plan, execution and the final report and conclusions. That is what really made everything stick for me.
“My masters taught me how to look at chaotic data and find the exact answers needed, to stay calm under pressure, and how to communicate across teams. As a flight test engineer, I have to translate complex maths into plain, actionable language for pilots, mechanics, and management alike,” Kumbirai added.
Proud
Kumbirai said her proudest moment through her time at SETU was completing the programme with a first-class honours degree, and participating in the CourseCast podcast, an SETU podcast series about the courses available at the University.
Hopes for the future
Kumbirai said she wants her experience to encourage others, particularly girls, to follow the same path:
“I want to use my voice and the connections I build along the way to inspire and empower others on this same path in aviation, especially young girls. Career-wise, I am looking to land a role that hones my skills, with the ultimate goal of working my way up as a flight test engineer to one of the major companies making waves in the industry.”
