Career Heroes - Matthew Potts

Tell us more about you

I’m a Project Manager who works in Co. Tyrone. I studied Chemical Engineering at Queen’s University. I’m a bit of a geek who enjoys finding out how everything works, whether it’s software, technology, or other systems. In my free time I like to stay fit by running, cycling, and swimming.

What kind of work do you do?

Day to day I project manage the design, development, and contracts won by Cooneen Aviation. This means I’m involved in all aspects of the business from Technical, Operations, and Commercial.

On the technical side, I author and control all technical documentation such as test reports, manuals, qualifications, and also supply ballistic expertise when needed. In operations I ensure all milestones are met so the product is “ready to order” by the customer. I also organise and monitor product integration, assist in maintaining any quality accreditations, and I’m a dangerous goods advisor.

On the commercial side, I engage with end users/customers to acquire new business and look after product costings.

How did you become a Project Manager?

In secondary school, I enjoyed and excelled in Maths, Science, IT, and Technology. I went on to study Chemical Engineering at Queen's University and achieved a 2.1. After that, I began searching for a job.

I was contacted by a recruitment company that had a job description they wanted me to look at that was fairly local. It turned out to be for the role of Ballistic Design Engineer, which I had no experience in and didn't think I was suited for, but I was convinced to go for the interview. Fast forward two weeks and I was beginning my first full time job at a fairly large clothing company, designing body armour for Police and Military services around the world.

After five years of progressing in that role I was asked to be the Project Manager to help start up a new company in the Aviation Sector. This is where I have worked for almost 12 months and have thoroughly enjoyed it.

If you could do-over, What would you do differently?

I would probably focus less on getting specific academic qualifications and look for training in leadership, management, business, logistics, and operations. These are key aspects of most jobs and I only realised how important they are when I began to work.

I learned a lot on the job, asked lots of questions, and made many small mistakes before I felt confident enough to work in these areas. I see a lot of graduates join our company who are in the same situation I was in, where they have a degree but lack experience and training in other areas, which is flexible and useful.