Dylan Packham

Did you come to uni from sixth-form college, or via another route?

I came via a degree apprenticeship. I studied at Solent while working at Airbus Defence and Space as a telecoms payload systems engineer. Before that, I did Maths, Physics, and Computer Science A-Levels at college.

Why did you pick Solent?

I chose Solent because it let me study electronic engineering while gaining real industry experience through my apprenticeship. Every engineer I asked recommended electronic engineering for a broader grounding, and Solent built a timetable that actually worked for apprentices like me.

What did you like best about being a Solent student?

Meeting incredible people in my cohort was the highlight. Everyone's determination inspired me. Being an electronics student meant long evenings in the lab and library, but always alongside others, so there was real community. I'll take away those connections and the in-depth knowledge I gained.

How was the support from your lecturers?

My lecturers were brilliant. They're knowledgeable, keen to see you develop, and always happy to help with technical questions, project ideas, or general advice. Their support meant a lot, especially in my final year.

Did your studies help prepare you for a career in the industry?

Definitely. My studies helped me mature as an engineer and as a person. Facing constant challenges and working through them prepared me for the industry, and the apprenticeship let me connect what I learned at uni directly to real engineering projects.

Tell us a little about your career so far.

I started my degree apprenticeship with Airbus Defence and Space while studying electronic engineering at Solent. I worked on telecoms satellite payloads as a systems engineer, developing skills across RF engineering including satellite comms, link budgets, frequency planning, and test systems.

What are you doing now, and what does a typical day involve?

My days involve payload systems engineering in the defence and space industry: technical analysis, reviewing satellite system performance, engineering documentation, link budget and frequency planning work, and collaborating with engineers across different disciplines and departments.

What do you wish you'd known then that you know now?

I wish I'd known you're not expected to know everything, and imposter syndrome is actually a sign of a good engineer. I tell new students and apprentices: feeling like you don't know it all means you're asking the right questions and on the right track.

What’s your career highlight so far?

My final-year dissertation stands out — a low-cost dual-axis SDR radio telescope combining RF engineering, software-defined radio, mechanical design, electronics, and control systems. Presenting it, winning Third Prize in the Automate BEST Innovation Award, and being interviewed by local media were proud moments.

What tips would you give to someone wanting a career in your industry?

Be open-minded. Ask loads of questions, research what interests you, and don't fear getting things wrong. Keep a log of everything you learn, you'll thank yourself later. Feeling overwhelmed is normal, and it usually just means you're asking the right number of questions