I Got Hired: Daniel

Posted on: 3 July 2026 by Richard Finch in Class of 2025

Daniel is now working as Graduate Engineer at Aertec Solutions Limited, applying the skills and confidence developed through their University of Liverpool experience.

Daniel Jackson is an Aerospace Engineering graduate from the Class of 2025. Their graduate journey highlights the value of persistence, curiosity and learning through real professional challenges.

What first caught your attention about this role, and what made you think, “This is for me”?

What first caught my attention about this role was the opportunity to be part of a company with such a strong reputation in the aerospace industry. As a Tier 1 strategic supplier to Airbus, Aertec clearly operates at a high level, delivering complex engineering solutions and working on impactful projects. That immediately stood out to me as an environment where quality, innovation, and collaboration are genuinely valued.

It made me think “this is for me” because of the people I’d be surrounded by. Being part of a team with such a high level of expertise presents a great opportunity to learn from experienced and talented engineers, which is something I’m really motivated by at this stage in my career as I look to develop and progress within aerospace engineering.

I was also drawn to the variety of work packages Aertec delivers for Airbus and various other customers. This means exposure to a wide range of projects and challenges, which is ideal for building on the skills I developed at university while continuing to grow new ones. That combination of learning, variety, and being part of a respected organisation made the role feel like a perfect fit for me.

Which experience along your journey has had the biggest impact on who you are professionally today?

The experience that has had the biggest impact on who I am professionally today was completing my individual projects in my third and fourth years at university. These projects gave me the opportunity to take full ownership, from initial planning through to final delivery, which really helped me develop my ability to manage a project independently.

Throughout this process, I had to overcome a range of challenges, manage my time effectively, and collaborate with others, including more experienced engineers, fellow students, and technical support staff. It pushed me to be proactive, organised, and solution-focused, skills that are essential in a professional engineering environment.

Achieving a high grade in these projects gave me confidence in my approach to problem-solving and project management. It reassured me that the way I plan, adapt, and deliver work is something I can carry forward into my career and continue to build on within the engineering industry.

What’s been the toughest part of your graduate journey - and what did it teach you?

The toughest part of my graduate journey has been adjusting to the step up from university to a professional engineering environment. Early on, I found myself comparing my knowledge to more experienced engineers, especially in meetings where technical discussions and terminology were unfamiliar. It could feel challenging at times not fully understanding everything being said, particularly as the language and processes often differ from what you’re used to at university.

Another challenge was being given my own project within a few months of joining. While it was a great opportunity, it definitely felt like being thrown in at the deep end, having to quickly get to grips with new processes, expectations, and ways of working.

What this experience has taught me is that a lot of the transition simply comes down to time, exposure, and asking the right questions. I’ve learned not to be discouraged by what I don’t know, but instead to actively seek clarification after meetings and use those moments as learning opportunities.

Ultimately, these challenges have been some of the most valuable parts of my journey. They’ve helped me build confidence, resilience, and a stronger understanding of the industry, and they make the moments where things click and you succeed feel even more rewarding.

If you could give future grads one piece of advice, what would it be?

If I could give future students and graduates one golden nugget of advice, it would be to prioritise maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It’s easy to become overwhelmed with assignments, revision, or work responsibilities, especially when you want to perform to the best of your ability. However, constantly pushing yourself without taking a step back can often be counterproductive.

I’ve found that you produce your best work when you’re in a good place both mentally and physically. Taking time away when things feel stressful, whether that’s stepping back from an assignment or switching off after a busy day, allows you to return with a clearer, more refreshed mindset.

Coming back to a problem with fresh eyes often leads to better ideas, stronger focus, and more effective results. In the long run, looking after your wellbeing isn’t just important for your health, it helps you perform at your best.

Welcome to our graduate community

As a University of Liverpool graduate you can continue to access support from the Careers and Employability team as you look for your first professional role or apply for further study.

Whether you need help finding and applying for job opportunities, want to explore possible career paths, or would just like to keep in touch – we are here to help you take advantage of exclusive opportunities, insightful resources, and inspiration from fellow #LivUniGrads. 

If you've secured a graduate job or have moved on to further study, we'd also love to hear how you're getting on.

Click here to find out more.

Graduate Outcomes Survey

The Graduate Outcomes survey exists to improve the experience of future students. All graduates are asked to share their perspectives 15 months after they finish their course, to build a national picture that UK universities and colleges use to innovate their services. League tables, Prospects and The Complete University Guide use our Graduate Outcomes data to help students make decisions about their future.