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Alumnus shares his Brunel undergraduate and postgraduate journey

Alumnus shares his Brunel undergraduate and postgraduate journey

Published: 07 Jun 2023

Sachin Patel

Recognise your skill set, no matter what course you are doing, work out how you are translating that course to real life business.

Sachin, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Alumni

Aircraft Sales Director, Comlux

Engineering Management MSc - 2017

From UK

Previous Institution

Harlington Upper School - A-Levels

Tell us about your educational and/or career journey since you graduated from Brunel.

Holding both an Aerospace Engineering Bachelors & Management Master’s Degree from Brunel University London. Straight from university, i started my career in business aviation with large OEMs within the maintenance environment, where I gained vast experience in aircraft maintenance, and HNWI customer management. In 2021, I joined an independent aircraft brokerage in London, within Aircraft Sales. I thrive mostly on ensuring customer’s expectations are thoroughly met, and has handled numerous aircraft sales or acquisitions, from initial enquiry through to final aircraft delivery. Having gained the ability to combine both technical knowledge with sales skills is important in aircraft sales transactions. I recently moved from the United Kingdom to Dubai to work for Comlux as their Middle East Aircraft Sales Director.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

A typical day at work for me includes answering queries to prospective aircraft owners, looking at the overall business jet market, what is trading and at what price, as well as attending viewings all over the world to carry out inspections and handle contracts with the clients.

What’s been the highlight of your career journey so far?

The highlight of my career journey probably has to be seeing through my first aircraft deal. I managed to find a buyer, sell the aircraft, and fly back with them on the aircraft all within 3-5 weeks. This is extremely fast in our industry!

How would you say your Brunel experience has helped you to get where you are today?

Brunel has helped me get to where I am today as it allowed me to see how to turn education into a profession, and recognise what skills you are good at. I did not enjoy my bachelors as much as my master’s course as my masters was putting engineering to business use which helped me realize how i wanted to develop my career.

Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?

I chose to study at Brunel due to the fantastic aerospace engineering course that is available. I would recommend Brunel to others as it is an outstanding facility for Engineering, and is recognized around the world for its achievements.

What is your best memory of studying here?

My best memories of studying at Brunel is staying up till early hours of the morning in the Library before exams, those last hours do help!

If you could give one piece of advice to current Brunel students, what would that be?

Recognise your skillset, no matter what course you are doing, work out how you are translating that course to real life business.

What would be your top tip or key advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey after leaving Brunel?

Don’t jump at the first opportunity you get, it’s important to look out for the correct role within the correct industry at this time.

#IamBrunel