ISTAT Jetrader - Autumn 2024 - 45

as halfway through the program, I
transferred into a pricing function as
part of my graduate program at work.
Jetrader: What is the most
challenging part of your profession?
SD: One challenge in this profession I
find is the lack of female representation
throughout various functions and levels
of the business. I studied engineering
in an almost all-male class group, but
it is encouraging for me to see that, in
this industry, good progress continues
to be made. We're certainly not there
yet, but initiatives such as ISTAT PDP
where class groups are diverse from
both a gender and job role/function
perspective are extremely important
for building and encouraging the future
of aviation.
Jetrader: Who has had the greatest
influence on your career?
SD: My dad. Since I was a child,
I've been fascinated by how things
work, and with my dad working in
the construction industry, we spent
countless hours building things
like go-karts and treehouses. The
decision to study engineering was
therefore a natural one for me.
Going to an all-girls secondary
school where subjects like physics
or applied maths weren't available
to me, my dad made sure I remained
encouraged to pursue my engineering
passion. Being self-employed, he
showed me the importance of hard
work, determination and resilience.
Witnessing this as I grew up, and
indeed still today, has instilled in me
the same work ethic and desire to be
OEM has been invaluable to me in my
subsequent positions.
Jetrader: What advice would you
give to someone just starting out in
the industry?
Initiatives such as ISTAT PDP where class groups
are diverse from both a gender and job role/function
perspective are extremely important for building and
encouraging the future of aviation.
just as passionate about my career and
chosen industry as he is.
Jetrader: What was your first job?
SD: I studied aeronautical engineering
at the University of Limerick, and as
part of our course, we undertook an
eight month work placement through
the Cooperative Education Programme.
I undertook my placement at Boeing
in Seattle where I worked as an
electrical subsystems engineer in new
airplane product development. My work
provided an unparalleled insight into the
design process of modern commercial
aircraft. Although I went on to work in
the leasing industry, the knowledge and
experience I gained from working at an
SD: Mentors have been an integral part
of my career development so far, and
I would advise anyone starting out in
the industry to seek out mentorship
opportunities. I have been fortunate
to have some incredible mentors
who have helped to shape my early
professional self.
I would also advise to make the
most of the various educational and
professional support that's out there,
whether that be through ISTAT or other
bodies and initiatives. I'm grateful to
have been a part of ISTAT PDP and
also completed the diploma in aviation
leasing and finance through the Irish
Law Society.
ADVERTISER INDEX
ACC Aviation ..................................27
accaviation.com
Aeronautical Engineers Inc. ........ BC
aeronautical-engineers.com
AvAir............................................... 18
avair.aero
CAVU Aerospace Inc. .....................43
cavuaerospace.com
CFM International .........................05
cfmaeroengines.com
Gilchrist Aviation Law .................. 15
gilchristaviation.com
Kellstrom Aerospace .................... 11
kellstromaerospace.com
Pratt & Whitney ........................... IFC
prattwhitney.com/sustainability
Shannon Engine Support ............ IBC
ses.aero
* AUTUMN 2024 * 4 5

http://www.accaviation.com http://www.kellstromaerospace.com http://www.cavuaerospace.com http://www.cfmaeroengines.com http://www.prattwhitney.com/sustainability http://www.aeronautical-engineers.com http://www.avair.aero http://www.gilchristaviation.com http://www.ses.aero

ISTAT Jetrader - Autumn 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of ISTAT Jetrader - Autumn 2024