My name is Arjan Panesar, and I am the new MDBA Secondee, replacing Chiedza Lunga. I would like to introduce myself and explain how I ended up in the UK Defence industry.
Background
My father works for MBDA as an engineer and he encouraged me to consider MDBA as a company to work for, where I could develop a range of advanced skills and pursue a diverse career. I applied and was fortunate enough to be a part of the MBDA summer placement scheme in the first year of my degree, within the Software department. After I graduated with a degree in Computer Science, MBDA offered a position on their Graduate Scheme. I accepted this and became part of the Software department.
First placement at MBDA
I started off my first placement in the Functional testing branch of software (where the embedded missile software is tested). Specifically, I was on a team working on the FLAADS Land and Maritime programmes (Future Local Area Air Defence System). I was coding in many different languages such as Ada, C++, Bash, and C shell.
Luckily, I joined around the time COVID measures were easing up, therefore the effects of COVID on my placement were minimal and I was usually on-site every day, which enabled me to meet a wide range of colleagues and learn the ropes quicker.
Deciding to come to ADS
For my second placement I wanted to experience something different, so, when Chi circulated an opportunity to work for ADS it looked like it could be an extremely rewarding second placement. I have a general interest in politics, and I want to see what the political landscape was like surrounding defence. On top of this, it looked like a unique experience that would provide insight and equip me with knowledge and experiences to progress my career in defence.
Hobbies/Interests
I always had an interest in technology but doing a computer science degree opened my eyes more widely to the sector in general. For example, when I attended the recent Security and Policing event, I found myself gravitating towards the companies that dealt with AI, big data, and cyber security.
I enjoy playing sport (basketball and badminton are my go-to) and am a gym rat.
