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Hi! My name is Om Dhadwal and I recently finished my second year studying Aviation Management which I started in September 2022.

My journey before joining BNU

I applied to BNU before because of the strong reputation the course has in the aviation sector, with graduates now working in a variety of areas in the aviation industry such as major airlines and airports both domestically and internationally as well as working with regulators etc. 

Also, Buckinghamshire New University is one of the first universities in the country to offer aviation undergraduate courses, meaning their courses are well-established and support students in making sure they're prepared for the workforce with the latest information and abilities. Furthermore, I got to meet lecturers, who made me feel extremely welcome and gave me a quick rundown of what life is like at BNU. I also got to know a few amiable Student Ambassadors who provided me with an insider's perspective on BNU.

Prior to joining BNU, I grew up in the Bahamas where I completed my High School Education completing my High School Diploma both for the school and under the Ministry of Education, I then moved to the UK and worked as a check in agent representing Easyjet for 6 months at Gatwick Airport which gave me a great insight into how the aviation industry works.

Once I got to BNU

During my first year, I had a warm welcome by the lecturers in the School of Aviation and Security during welcome week, with activities to get started within the course as well as cultural events by the university and events by the Student’s Union through the Big Deal. 

I joined societies such as the aviation society, the international student’s society and the Asian society as well as joining the volleyball team for competitive sport and for fun. My timetable meant that I would have a day full of lectures which then followed with seminars throughout the rest of the week, allowing me to have the one to one contact with my lectures which was really beneficial. During the beginning of the second semester I joined as a Student Ambassador meeting and working with students studying a range of courses from across the university. This sense of community was really enjoyable and I've definitely made some life-long friendships through being a Student Ambassador. 

Highlights also included being a group leader in one of my project and winning a LinkedIn competition with my friend which we both got a £50 gift card and visiting the TUI Head Office too was a great opportunity to be given a tour on the day to day operations and a hands on experience on how the airline deals with crisis management as well as having guest speaker come in from companies such as Smart Aviation. 

Outside of University, I did a four day virtual internship with bright network and I went to the bright network festival to interact and network with a huge number of employers.

My second year

During my second year at BNU, I became more involved with the university and . Firstly, I continued with my student ambassador work as well as having two roles within the Students' union such as School Officer and Student Development Ambassador for the School of Aviation and Security as well as a role as a Freshers Helper. During my roles, I represented the School’s student body by serving as a positive role model for my peers, by enhancing the student experience in supporting student development and personal growth.

Highlights of my second year was going to the British Airways insight days in areas of airport operations, sustainability and business as well as having a variety of guest speakers throughout second year. 

One of my biggest accomplishments for my second year was becoming a Student Trustee in the Students' Union by being nominated and being elected by the students as well as being nominated for two awards in the union awards which I won one of the categories.

Finishing my degree and beyond!

My plan after university is to look for graduate programmes within airlines as well as furthering my knowledge by obtaining a Masters degree.