Passion ignites the fire, but dedication, discipline and grit keep you going. That, I believe, is the most important lesson I have learned over this past year. As a young Black woman navigating her way through the aerospace industry, and not just any Black woman, but one who is very intentional about making a lasting impact, growth never comes easily.
My journey began out of pure curiosity. No grand moment, just many random thoughts of curiosity and questions about how airplanes fly. Altogether, these have amounted to a three-pronged career across aerospace engineering, aviation writing and aerospace education advocacy.
All my life, I have lived under a flight path and this did not just ignite the dream, but has also kept it alive. A year ago, I would never have believed the level of progress I have made so far, nor would I have anticipated the number of setbacks I have received and my unexpected positive outlook afterwards.
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Another Lesson: Never Say NEVER!
I would not have believed a year ago that I would be actively pursuing a career in aerospace Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). Because, if there was any career path I was sure I was never going to be found in, it was NDT!
– For me, NDT does not have the thrill of getting your hands dirty in the hangar.
– It all started after completing my internship in aircraft maintenance. As the only section I didn’t get to work in was the Quality Assurance department, that became the goal for my next experience.
After a six-month career break fully focused on figuring the next step and developing my skills in aviation media, I was back in NDT.
– Not long after, I was on a plane to London for my official NDT qualification training.
– None of this could have happened without the mentorship of Omobukola Obikoya, who steered me towards the right path to obtain an NDT certification instead of what almost every other person thought I should pursue, a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering.
I would be lying if I said I was ecstatic about NDT. NDT was never my goal, but it gives me so much peace that I am sure this is the right path for me. Being ‘a minority of a minority’ gets even worse for me in aerospace NDT.
– I only know three Nigerian women in this niche, including myself.
– The other two NDT professionals are Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, so it should not be surprising that I am also working towards my license.
One major accomplishment I am quite proud of is to have completed my Basic Aircraft Technician Course with a distinction. This has always been on my to-do list since forever and after many failed attempts at enrolling for the program, I got fully sponsored by my organisation.
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A Broader Career Perspective
I have always been of the opinion that one should focus on one career path for success, but that has not been the case for me. Beyond engineering, my career is also being defined by aviation writing and advocacy.
– I had an unexpected switch from content creation in the aviation industry to aviation writing, which I believe is a more feasible career long-term.
– Still, a lot of things did not happen as I had hoped for. It took almost 6 months to get stable writing opportunities.
Yet, I have been able to make some incredible achievements, one of which is the opportunity to interview leading professionals in the industry. Most importantly, a Vice President at Airbus Germany, the first female Emirati captains at Emirates and a Quality Manager at Boeing, all within a year.
– Sharing their amazing experiences has proven to me that as women, young or old, we face very similar challenges climbing up the ladder in the industry and as a result of our personal experiences, we work towards a better future for other young women coming behind.
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Advocating for Young Professionals
That has been my most fulfilling career decision so far. I am creating a better future for young aerospace professionals through my advocacy organisation, Young Aerospace Professionals Initiative (YAPI).
– Like almost every other major career shift, this was also not preplanned. Instead, it was a natural response to my personal experience.
– At the point of giving up during my undergraduate years, my internship was a lifeline I gave myself to pursue what I believed could be my career.
YAPI was the result of the success of my very first work experience in the industry.
– What started out as a one-woman team has now grown to a community of almost 400 mentees, 5 mentors with over 20 years combined experiences, about $1,000 in funding alongside various partnerships with both local and international aerospace organisations.
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Looking back, I can say, ‘the skies chose me’.
And that’s why I call myself, The Airplane Girl.
Not because I have it all figured out, but because I am still becoming.
Name: Aanuoluwapo ‘Annie’ Ojewunmi
Professional Title: Founder And Program Director
Bio: Aanuoluwapo ‘Annie’ Ojewunmi is an aerospace NDT Inspector, aviation writer, and aerospace education advocate. She is the Founder of the Young Aerospace Professionals Initiative (YAPI), aimed at advancing inclusive aerospace education across Africa. Her interests span across aerospace engineering, aviation sustainability, propulsion, and empowering the next generation of aerospace professionals.
