Rising Up in Aerospace: A Conversation with Sonia Thomas

The aerospace industry is dynamic, offering numerous growth opportunities and a constant influx of new challenges. We recently sat down with Sonia to explore her career, how she progressed in aerospace, and her recent transition to a new role. Her story offers valuable insights for aspiring aerospace professionals.

"Tell us about your career so far"

Sonia started her aerospace career in 1998 when she joined Safran Landing Systems as an office junior. Over the years, she progressed from Quality Assurance Administrator to Customer Service Representative, Key Account Manager, and Customer Support Manager. She now works at Broadway Engineering in Bristol as a Commercial Manager.

"What qualifications helped you to progress?"

“I started working one day a week while studying for an NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration,” Sonia shared. Upon completion, she pursued an HNC (Higher National Certificate) in Business Management, which she studied in the evenings while working full-time. She highlighted the importance of in-house training, including a professional award from the Institute of Customer Services and sector-specific human factors and error management training.

"What influenced your decision to go for a new job opportunity?"

Sonia had a varied career at Safran, moving up the ranks to become head of the department. She explained, “I was at a crossroads; my options were to stay and coast for the next 20 years or challenge myself with something new.” Sonia chose the challenging route, taking on a new position in manufacturing at Broadway, a completely new sector for her.

"What stands out about your new role?"

“My new role has been a challenge, stepping out of my comfort zone and working with a new product,” Sonia said. She addressed the challenges of her new role and mentioned that she enjoyed building her team from scratch, which has been very rewarding for her.

"What made your job transition easier?"

Daniel Owen's engineering team approached Sonia for the role at Broadway Engineering. “The interactions with Daniel Owen were very accommodating and easy,” she noted. Sonia felt listened to, which was crucial during such a significant change after 25 years with one company. “Daniel Owen listened to my concerns and anxieties,” she added, appreciating the support and patience that helped her make the right decision.

"Supporting Your Aerospace Engineering Career"

At Daniel Owen, we are dedicated to assisting engineering professionals to navigate their careers confidently, easing job transitions, and ensuring a stress-free process. Whether you’re just starting or looking to move to a new role, our team is here to support you.

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Watch the full interview video: