In a wide-ranging interview with City News, Andreea offers insights into her quest for academic and professional excellence.
By Mr John Stevenson (Senior Communications Officer), Published
On 7th November 2022, City’s School of Science and Technology will honour three of its most outstanding alumni at the inaugural STEM Alumni Awards ceremony.
The Excellence in STEM Achievement Alumni Award is shared by Andreea Cristoloveanu (MEng Aeronautical Engineering, First Class Honours, 2016) and Linus Benjamin Bauer (MSc Air Transport Management, Distinction, 2019), while Sir Julian Young (BSc Air Transport Engineering, Upper Second Class Honours, 1985), receives the Distinguished STEM Alumni Award.
Andreea, a Heathrow Airport Delivery Manager at British Airways (BA), is excited to be an inaugural Excellence in STEM Achievement Alumni Award winner.
She has literally elevated herself from a challenging undergraduate programme in aeronautical engineering to the heights of operational delivery at one of the world’s busiest airports.
In a wide-ranging interview with City News, Andreea offered many insights into her quest for academic and professional excellence.
City News: What drew you to engineering as a field of study or a future profession?
Andreea Cristoloveanu: I have always enjoyed learning how things work and been passionate about using mathematics, science and technology to creatively solve complex, real-world problems. Engineering studies equip students with an array of transferable skills, from logical thinking to critical analysis and decision making, training the mind to follow the numbers.
CN: Why did you decide to study at City?
AC: I chose City for its tradition of providing high-quality education for over 150 years, its Central London location, its long-established links with the aerospace and commercial aviation industry and its state-of-the-art engineering research facilities.
CN: Why aeronautical engineering?
AC: I have always been fascinated by the air transport industry and the technology surrounding the design, construction, testing and operation of aeroplanes. A degree in aeronautical engineering opens doors towards a multitude of career paths within one of the fastest-paced and fastest-growing industries in the world.
CN: Did City meet your expectations?
AC: Absolutely! The support received from lecturers, tutors and work-based learning advisors was unparalleled. I could not have wished for a better university experience!
CN: What were the highlights and challenges of your degree at City?
AC: Being awarded the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) ‘Alan Snudden’ Award in 2013 and the ‘University Prize’ in 2016 have definitely been highlights of my degree at City. Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed learning new topics, but my most memorable experience would have to be the day I got to fly in a glider! In terms of challenges, exam periods could be intense at times, but with the right level of support from lecturers I was as prepared as I could be.
CN: How have you assisted our City Alumni team and contributed to a greater awareness of STEM at City?
AC: Since graduating in 2016, I have maintained active links with the School of Science and Technology (SST) and the Professional Liaison Unit (PLU). I have attended student presentations and career events, where I was able to share learnings and successes from both my university time and professional career, being determined to ensure students are well-prepared to enter the industry upon graduation. Through my role of Campus Ambassador, I promoted a greater awareness of British Airways’ graduate programmes and business placement opportunities.
CN: How has City helped your professional development?
AC: City laid the foundation for my career within the air transport industry by equipping me with the skills required to tackle complex problems. I was encouraged to apply for a placement year with British Airways and I received a tremendous amount of support with the application process. The coaching sessions with the work-based learning advisors were invaluable – I received guidance on everything from CV writing to interview presentation. Throughout my placement year, my personal tutor ensured that I get the most out of my experience, which then helped me secure a place on the Graduate Programme.