The Sky’s the Limit : My FDM Career Journey

FDM consultant Amy Irwin is taking the leap and heading sky high – literally! She is relocating from her home in Glasgow to Newcastle for her placement with one of the largest carrier airlines in the United Kingdom. Read on to hear about Amy’s journey and why she looked to FDM to kick-start her tech career.

Before joining FDM, what were you doing? 

I joined FDM in December 2019, a year and a half after graduating from Glasgow Caledonian University with a 2:1 in International Business and Tourism Management. I also have an HND in Travel and Tourism from City of Glasgow College. I had been working in customer service roles and thought it was time to put the hard work from my degree to good use, which is why I applied to FDM and joined the BA/PSO stream. 

How well did you take to the training? 

The training was difficult at times, but it was also enjoyable and rewarding. Having a close-knit training group made the training more enjoyable as we were all able to help and support each other, and we’re all still close today. The trainers were all a great help and very supportive throughout the training process, and even while beached, they continued to provide support and encouragement. I’d highly encourage trainees to ask their trainers for advice and mock interviews if they have an opportunity coming up.  

Tell me about your placement 

I’m starting a role as a Business Analyst with a leading aviation company in Newcastle where I’ll be working on a change transformation project. This client interested me when I joined FDM as my education is all tourism based. I’m so glad I have the opportunity to work for one of the top aviation companies in the country, even if it happens to be a completely different path than what I imagined when starting my college course six years ago!

How do you feel about leaving the academy to go out onsite? 

I’ve been out on-site once before, but I’m excited to start a new placement. I am a bit nervous about moving away from home, but I’m sure the experience will change that.  

What advice do you have for anybody looking to join the academy? 

​Be yourself during your interview – show off your personality as well as your skills. When you start training, make friends and socialise with the people in your group – they’re all in the same boat as you and it will make your time in the academy very enjoyable.

I’d love to see more women join FDM, as Women in Tech is such an important movement. I’m most inspired by seeing successful women in the tech industry. The tech industry has long been male-dominated, so it’s great to see more girls at the assessment days in the Glasgow academy.  

See what FDM’s Career Programme can do for graduates, Ex-Forces, returners and you.