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Interview with Krystina Pearson-Rampeearee
AEROSPACE Engineer
My name is Krystina and I am a Chartered Engineer in Liverpool working as a Senior Flight Systems Engineer. I studied Aerospace Systems Engineering at university, after being inspired by an airshow when I was in school, and became the first engineer in my family. As a Flight Systems Engineer, I am involved in the whole life of equipment within a system; from development, to going on aircraft, to support once in service. A Flight Systems Engineer role is a collaborative, multidisciplinary role and I enjoy all the different aspects I get to be involved in. I volunteer as a STEM Ambassador and mentor and also set up my own business, AviateHer, selling accessories to promote diversity in STEM. As there was a lack of visible females when I was studying and early on in my career, I am passionate about encouraging and inspiring more young girls to consider STEM careers and push past those gender stereotypes! (Check it out! https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/AviateHer)
What industry do you work/plan to work in?
I have been working in Aerospace for nine years now. In my current role as a Flight Systems Engineer I have had the opportunity to work on various platforms for six years in the Defence industry and prior to that I was a Technical Design Engineer in the Civil Aviation industry.
What is your major? How did you decide this was right for you?
I studied Physics, Maths and Chemistry for my A levels at school and completed a Masters degree in Aerospace Systems Engineering at the University of the West of England. I was interested in Mechanical Engineering when I was younger, mainly because I didn’t know about the vast number of engineering disciplines, but I was inspired to choose Aerospace after visiting an airshow with my family. I was so in awe of the jets that I saw and knew right away I wanted to pursue a career in the Aerospace industry. At the time when I was looking at my options, apprenticeships were not highlighted as an alternative option to university therefore a degree qualification seemed to be the natural next step to take following school.
What was your educational experience like as a STEM major?
I had obtained average grades in school however I still pushed on and worked hard. I’m not going to sugarcoat it, my Masters experience was tough! I loved what I was doing though which made it enjoyable and worthwhile!
What has been your best and most challenging experience in the STEM field?
It was challenging finding a job following university as I didn’t have a lot of real world experience, but I persevered, kept applying for jobs in the industry and it paid off in the end! I recently achieved Professional Registration as a Chartered Engineer which was a career highlight, especially as I had only returned from maternity leave the year before. This made it even more special!
Did you notice a gender disparity within your college classes?
There was a disparity in my Physics class in school yet the gender disparity was blatant when I was started at university as one of only two women on my course. Going from my school experience to this was jarring, especially in the first few weeks. This did not overshadow my experience at university though, my coursemates became my teammates, gender was not an issue.
Do you have any advice for young women (in middle/high school) that plan to
major in STEM?
My advice to any young women would be to not let any gender stereotypes hold you back. There is room for everyone in STEM. Say yes to opportunities you are given and get any industry experience that you can. This will give you an insight into the career you want and it will also look great on your CV. Make sure you have mentors throughout your career journey and network!
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