Meet Namratha Penneru. At 12, she fell in love with aviation when she saw a plane soar overhead. Despite societal norms in India, she pursued aeronautical engineering, excelling academically.
Her journey took her to the UK for a Master’s in Air Transport. After a challenging job search, she became a Client Success Executive at IBA, building strong client relationships and expanding her aviation expertise.
Namratha's story is one of passion and perseverance, inspiring others to follow their dreams and keep learning.
Tell us about your journey into the Aviation industry
I was 12 when I heard the sound of engines roaring overhead and ran outside to see an aeroplane soaring through the sky. I remember being instantly amazed by this marvel of engineering, and that was when my interest in aviation began. My name is Namratha Penneru, and this is my journey, fueled by passion, determination, and an unwavering spirit.
Entering a male-dominated field like aeronautical engineering was not easy as a young girl with dreams. Growing up in India, societal norms and expectations often suggested that aviation was not a suitable career path for women. However, my stubborn love for aircraft and with the support of my family, I decided to pursue my dream against all odds.
On my first day in class, when asked why I chose to become an aeronautical engineer, my answer was simple: passion! I excelled academically, quickly grasping concepts faster than many of my peers. This dedication led to me receiving an academic achievement award with distinction, a testament to my commitment to my chosen field. Subjects like Flight Dynamics, Metrology, Metallurgy, Thermodynamics, and Propulsion became my strong suits, further fueling my enthusiasm and drive to succeed as an aeronautical engineer.
I made it a priority to attend every conference and seminar to broaden my knowledge by listening to experts in the field. Actively engaging by asking questions and gaining hands-on experience in building drones and RC aircraft ensured that my mind was always in the "ON" mode. For my final year project, my team and I chose to complete a dissertation on the development and fabrication of a morphing wing—a relatively new concept where we also incorporated 3D printing techniques.
During my four-year academic journey, I had the opportunity to undertake two internships—one at a startup and another at a well-established institute. These experiences allowed me to build valuable networks and contribute to aircraft component design and manufacturing processes. Although only one internship was required to graduate, my passion drove me to seek out more opportunities to learn and grow.
My world came crashing down when the pandemic hit, and I graduated just as everyone was losing their aeronautical engineer jobs. I did not stop dreaming and decided to use this opportunity to pursue a Master’s in Air Transport in the United Kingdom. I was fortunate to receive a scholarship and was the only female in my class. I embraced my role as the go-to person for questions, was elected course representative, and honed my leadership and collaboration skills.
After navigating the challenges of the pandemic and working various odd jobs for over a year, I finally seized a remarkable opportunity at IBA as a Client Success Executive—a true dream come true! Walking into an office adorned with over 50 mini-aircraft models was an inspiring sight.
In my role, I dedicate each day to building and maintaining strong, professional relationships with clients, ensuring their trust and confidence in our services. I actively seek their feedback, answer their queries, and assist them with aviation analytics. Interacting with clients daily is a joy, and as a newcomer to the industry, I am constantly learning and growing.
Additionally, I have the privilege of attending conferences, air shows, and industry discussions, where I meet experts with over 25 years of experience in aviation. This exposure provides invaluable insights and opportunities for professional development, making my journey in this industry even more exciting and fulfilling.
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What advice would you give to aspiring aviation professionals?
My journey has taught me valuable lessons that I hope will inspire and guide other aspiring aviation professionals, especially those from similar backgrounds. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Follow Your Passion: Regardless of where you come from, your gender, or societal expectations and stereotypes, if you are passionate and stay true to your dream, it will reward you. Passion is the force that helps you overcome every obstacle, even when you are at your lowest.
- Seek Hands-On Experience: Academics are important, but nothing compares to practical experience. Gain this through internships, networking events, and conferences. Do not shy away from these opportunities, as the most valuable lessons are learned from experienced professionals.
- Embrace Continuous Learning and Mistakes: The aviation industry is ever-changing and dynamic, with new regulations and technologies emerging regularly. Stay hungry for knowledge. You don’t have to master every single concept in aviation, but make sure you master at least one. Have your own opinions and learn from your mistakes.
I am no expert, but I am part of the world I once only dreamed of. Despite several challenges, I am committed to personal growth while also inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals. I believe that with passion, perseverance, and the right guidance, you can soar to new heights!
I have broken barriers and strive every day to make my mark in aviation. Follow what you love, and never stop learning. Curiosity is your compass, and determination is your engine.
Remember, the skies are calling.
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