Progress to Postgrad: David

Posted on: 29 July 2026 by Richard Finch in Class of 2025

David Geraghty graduated in 2025 with a degree in Aerospace Engineering and went on to study Advanced Aeronautical Engineering at Imperial College London. Building on the strong engineering foundations developed during their time at the University of Liverpool, they furthered their specialist knowledge and pursued their interest in the future of aerospace innovation.

What motivated you to pursue postgraduate study, and when did you realise it was the right path for you? 

The opportunity to further develop specialist skills and knowledge applicable to the world of engineering is a natural motivation. Studying at undergrad provided solid foundations for the field; and seeing how engineering developments can shape the industry confirmed that pursuing further study at postgraduate level was right for me. 

What were the biggest challenges you faced during the transition from undergraduate to postgraduate study, and how did you overcome them? 

The biggest challenge largely came from switching institutions. At undergraduate, you become accustomed to the procedures and processes that guide your progress through the years, but those procedures, and the day-to-day handling of tasks and obligations were completely different at the new institution. It is therefore imperative that you can adjust quickly to handle that transition and fully delve into your new studies. 

Is there anything you are doing outside of your studies that has supported your development whilst studying? 

The extra time afforded by a specific term for the research project has allowed me to re-take up kickboxing. It has been several years since I last trained in the kickboxing gym, but doing so here has enabled a better balance between academic commitments and physical wellbeing. 

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

The ideal path for everyone after graduating is not always the same. You shouldn’t look to emulate the apparent success of a previous graduate if their path to success is not compatible with your own goals. Therefore, when considering your own options, it is very important that you weigh up your priorities, and decide what success looks like for you, not anyone else. So don’t forget to strike a balance in your decision making, between your academic, professional, and personal goals. 

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.