Page 45 - Careers in Mathematics

Aeronautical Engineer transportation services in a specific metropolitan using
various degrees of automation.

While a degree in Aeronautical Engineering provides a wide
I have always range of career opportunities, at the end of the day, it comes
loved mathe- down to what you want as an individual. For example, I kicked
matics. off my career as a junior engineer, performing stress analysis
Throughout on aircraft structures. I then got involved in research projects
Puseletso
my school of crewless aerial vehicles (UAV) which investigated
career it was controlling an uncrewed helicopter in the event of engine
my favourite failure. I then left the Aviation industry entirely and became a
Maseko
subject, and financial modeller for a management consulting firm. But I
I know that whatever academic and have gone full circle and am now back working in the aviation
career journey I would embark on industry and loving it.
later in life would have mathemat-
I work for the South African Civil Aviation Authority as a
ics at the core. When it came to Certification Engineer focusing on exemption applications and
choosing what to study at university,
regulatory development. The aviation industry can apply to be
Engineering seemed like the obvi- exempt from any regulation and my job is to evaluate such an
ous choice as I enjoyed solving
application to ensure it will not pose any serious or imminent
problems. The science behind aero-
risk to air safety and security.
nautics intrigued me even further.
Hence, I studied Aeronautical Engi- As you can imagine, I must keep up-to-date with trends and
neering. research in my field. I do so by frequently attending training
covering a wide range of topics, including aviation safety, civil
I obtained a Bachelor of Science in
aviation management, and learning on the job through my
Aeronautical Engineering, as well as involvement in various projects.
a Master of Science Engineering
from the University of the What I enjoy most about my job is that my days are always
Witwatersrand. I am currently varied, so I am continuously being challenged and stretched. I
enrolled for a PhD, researching enjoy drafting aviation regulations which ultimately have an
urban air mobility, which involves impact on the industry.
looking at passenger or cargo air
Outside of work, I live an active lifestyle and exercise as often
as I can. I also love attending comedy shows for a good laugh.

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