November 18, 2024, by bbztlg

My Journey with Vortex Systems Ltd: gaining real-world experience in the UK

A placement at Vortex Systems Ltd provided researcher Madhu Chilagapati with the opportunity to enhance his skills. Here, he shares insights into his experiences and the impact of the placement on his development.

As someone with over a decade of experience in designing, manufacturing, and operations management, I never imagined how much my recent work with Vortex Systems would add to my professional journey.

First and foremost, the role provided me with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the UK market. Working with Vortex allowed me to collaborate with local teams and stakeholders, adapting my approach to better fit the market’s needs. In addition, I was given the opportunity to lead the company’s efforts towards enhancing quality standards to secure ISO certification. This was a critical initiative for Vortex, and I was responsible for developing procedures, policies, and conducting risk assessments that aligned with ISO standards. While I was already familiar with aerospace quality standards, working on ISO certification for Vortex meant applying my knowledge to a different industry and ensuring that all processes met UK regulatory requirements. This broadened my understanding of how to implement quality management systems across different sectors.

Another key opportunity was working directly with senior leadership, particularly the Operations Director, Mr. Richard Ogando. Traveling with him and the leadership team gave me insight into the company’s strategic direction and provided opportunities to contribute to high-level operational strategies. I was able to directly impact decision-making processes by offering recommendations to improve customer satisfaction, establish bespoke wing of vortex, operational efficiency and product quality, which was an invaluable experience in shaping my leadership and strategic planning skills.

Lastly, Vortex provided me with the flexibility to balance professional responsibilities with personal and academic commitments. This level of autonomy allowed me to manage my time effectively, develop my skills in remote work environments, and still deliver results that exceeded expectations. It was an opportunity to further hone my time management and self-discipline, essential skills in today’s increasingly flexible work environments.

These opportunities collectively enhanced my professional growth, adding new dimensions to my understanding of quality management, team leadership, and strategic execution. Vortex didn’t just offer me a project; they provided a platform to deepen my expertise, apply my skills in real-world settings, and feel like a valued contributor to their mission.

This wasn’t just a solo effort. Traveling with Mr. Richard Ogando, Operations Director, and his crew not only helped me gain insight into the company’s culture but also provided the professional guidance and support that I needed to seamlessly adjust to the work.  The presence of this collaborative environment at Vortex made the work fulfilling. The appreciation I received for my contributions—whether it was operational policy development or refining operational strategies—made me feel like I had been part of the team for years, not just months.

Vortex didn’t just value the work I was doing – they valued my overall experience, ensuring that I was able to thrive both personally and professionally. Looking back, this experience has added incredible value to my professional profile. In hindsight, working with Vortex gave me more than a project to manage—it gave me a sense of belonging and the satisfaction of knowing that my efforts helped uplift the company’s product offerings. If there’s one key takeaway from this experience, it’s that no matter how much experience you have, there’s always room to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully, especially when you’re in an environment that values your expertise.

To anyone embarking on a similar journey, I say this: embrace the challenges, collaborate with your team, and never underestimate the value of flexibility in both work and learning. It’s through these experiences that we truly grow, both as professionals and as individuals.

I am sincerely grateful to the University of Nottingham Business School and the Researcher Academy’s Postgraduate Placements team, with special thanks to Michelle Thind and Geraldine Tonks, for providing this opportunity and ensuring a seamless onboarding process.

Written by Madhu Chilagapati

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