Christina Lucas
Christina Lucas
I apply many of the skills I developed on my degree in my role as a Services Business Officer at Rolls Royce.
”Christina studied BSc (Hons) Mathematics and now works for Rolls Royce. She also won The JCB Award for Best Overall Performance in 2009.
Maths is vital in my role at Rolls Royce
When I finished my degree I began working as a contractor for Rolls Royce, providing analytical support for a reward review project. I really enjoyed working for the company so when a relevant permanent position came up, I applied.
I now work as a Services Business Officer working for the Civil Aerospace unit, a role in which I generate and project manage customer account business plans for service contracts. I apply mathematical techniques to monitor the performance of the business plans, using my communication skills to make recommendations to management and utilise my computing skills to perform analysis and business scenario modelling.
Studying at Derby
My course prepared me for my career by improving my computer, analytical and time management skills. On the Group Project module I worked within a team on a project specified by Bombardier. It was a great opportunity to receive advice and guidance from the project mentor on applying mathematics to a real life problem.
Preparing me for work
Having a degree was part of the essential application criteria at Rolls Royce. I had to attend an assessment day as part of the interview process, where I was able to apply many of the skills I have developed whilst studying. I used my problem solving and presentation skills to make recommendations for the case study, logical thinking for the abstract reasoning tests and I gave examples relating to where I had applied mathematical techniques to business scenarios.
In addition to my numerical skills, I have also developed good time management, prioritisation and communication skills, all of which have helped prepared me for my future career.
Winning the award
I was really pleased when I was awarded the JCB award. I have worked very hard to achieve my grades and it's great to receive such recognition from the university and a private company.
