Karim Homsey

Area of work: Royal Air Force 
Qualifications: MEng aerospace engineering, University of Manchester

At university, I realised I couldn’t see myself being happy working on the same thing all the time: I wanted a career with variety and the opportunity to work with the latest technology. Having already been a member of the Air Training Corps, I was lucky to be awarded a flying scholarship and learned to fly. I kept in touch with my local Armed Forces Careers Office and applied to join the RAF towards the end of my degree.

Each of the forces will ask searching questions at interview – you need to show that you’re keen, know your own background inside out and have read up not only on the job, but around the job. It’s important to know what the organisation does as a whole, not just in relation to the role you’re applying for.

Testing combat aircraft

As an officer, you change roles every two years – if I’ve loved a role, I take some great memories with me, but if it’s not been as exciting a post, I’m aware I won’t be stuck there for ever and can soon enjoy a new challenge.

Last year, I was the engineer trials officer on the Typhoon Operational Evaluation Unit – a specialist unit tasked with testing and evaluating new equipment for the RAF’s latest fast-jet aircraft, the Eurofighter Typhoon. We were involved in developing its capabilities and range of weapons; I also arranged and went on detachments to undertake flight testing.

Providing support to live operations

I regularly visit units across the UK and have also been abroad to visit theatre (or live) operations.

I’m now a fleet management specialist in HQ Air Command. I’m responsible for the equipment needed to support aircraft flying and rectification. The specialist equipment can range from the size of a set-top box to the size of a caravan and I work with a team of suppliers and engineers to make sure that the right capability is in the right place at the right time.

If something’s in need of repair we decide whether we can get spares out to that location, the equipment needs to be replaced with new kit or existing kit from another location, or a contractor needs to be tasked to carry out maintenance. I regularly visit units across the UK and have also been abroad to visit theatre (or live) operations – it’s important to meet people face-to-face and get a feel for how we can meet their needs.

Building transferable skills

I’ve worked towards various qualifications, from my Initial Officer Training and specialist engineering training to courses about equipment or aircraft systems. You need to be flexible, motivated and team-orientated; in return you’ll develop valuable leadership, management and communication skills that put you ahead of the game when you do leave the service.

There’s a great social side to my job, with regular functions in the Officers’ Mess and social events within sections. I’ve played hockey at station level, been on a number of expeditions and help a local youth group with the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme. Keeping physically fit is an essential aspect of being in the service and we are encouraged to make time every week for sport.

Military life is all about people

The most significant thing I’ve learned is how important the people are. As a junior officer, you could be working within a small, specialist team or you could be commanding over 100 personnel. Even in a very technical role, it’s all about protecting and supporting the people out on operations around the world.