Scott's Chester Made Story: From graduation to global aviation

Personal by Design

The smaller campus and class size at Creative Campus, Kingsway meant that one-to-one time was incredibly frequent, and it was easier to build connections, which made my overall experience more personal and memorable.

Learning with Real-world Application

The BA Product Design course was excellent, as it combined learning with real-world application. It wasn’t just about learning skills but understanding how they apply in practical/real-life situations. This made the subject feel relevant and engaging, and it helped me develop skills I know I have carried over into my current job role.

Personal Development

My time at Chester helped me grow both academically and personally. I became more independent, more confident in my abilities, and more open to new challenges. Resilience and adaptability are two attributes I developed while studying at Chester, which I now see as some of my strongest qualities.

Gaining Experience in a Real-life Setting

One of the most impactful aspects of my time at the University of Chester was having the opportunity to work with actual companies and real products. This experience allowed me to apply what I had learnt in a practical/real-life setting. It made the work feel more meaningful and gave me a clearer understanding of how my skills translate into the professional world. It also helped build my confidence and prepared me for the expectations of working in a real industry environment.

Graduating in 2020: A Challenging Time

I graduated during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Like many graduates, I was eager to land a job in my field, but quickly discovered most roles required at least a year of experience, which I didn’t have.

Put Yourself Out There and Make Connections

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Visit local businesses, take your portfolio with you and start conversations – even if they’re not actively hiring. Making that personal connection can leave a lasting impression, and you never know when an opportunity might come up later.

That approach is actually how I got my role at Air Covers; it wasn’t through a traditional application process…

How I Found My Career During the Pandemic

So, I widened my search and found a role that wasn’t exactly what I’d envisioned. It involved workshop tasks, CNC machines and packing products. I knew it wasn’t my dream job, but I needed to build my experience and support myself financially.

Just before I left for the interview, I told my mum, “I’m not sure I want this… maybe I should wait for something else to come up.” She simply said, “Just go, you never know what could happen.” She was right.

A Chance Encounter That Changed Everything

I got to the interview early and noticed the company next door. Air Covers. Out of curiosity, I checked their website, and I was instantly impressed. I took my portfolio to the interview (just in case), and as I returned to my car afterwards, Sasha (Director at Air Covers) approached me. She had seen me leaving the interview and asked if I had any design experience. I told her I did and mentioned I’d just been reading about Air Covers online. This got them hooked, curiosity.

Next thing I knew, the Design Manager at the time came out, flicked through my portfolio, and invited me in for a quick tour and informal interview – completely unplanned.

Six Years Later…

Fast forward nearly six years, and here I am having recently stepped into the role of Design Manager at that very company.

Creative Engineering in Action

What I enjoy most is the combination of creativity and problem-solving. Every project brings a new challenge, whether it’s designing for different aircraft, harsh environmental conditions or specific client requirements. I enjoy working closely with engineers, manufacturers and clients to refine designs and deliver products that exceed expectations.

A Role That Takes Me Around the World

A big highlight of the role is the opportunity to travel internationally. Visiting aircraft and, even, going on board superyachts. No two days are the same at Air Covers, which I think is important as it keeps you engaged.

Protecting High-value Assets

Our work contributes to protecting high-value assets, and ensures readiness for aircraft. By designing durable, reliable covers, we help extend the lifespan of equipment, reduce maintenance costs and increase aircraft availability.

From Graduate to Leader

Since starting my career, I’m most proud of progressing from a graduate role into a Design Manager position within a relatively short time. Leading projects in a specialised field like aviation has been a big milestone for me. I’ve been able to take ideas from concept through to real-world application. Seeing something I’ve designed being used in operational environments – and trusted to protect critical equipment – is incredibly rewarding.

Advice for Future Graduates

Stay adaptable - your career path might not be exactly what you expect, but being open to opportunities can lead you to roles you hadn’t considered.