Future in Flight: Jessy Basha

This week in our Future in Flight series, we’re introducing Jessy Basha, a fourth-year Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Victoria who joined our team this summer as a Methods Engineering Co-op. Working on the Methods team under the mentorship of her manager, Melissa Anderson, and team lead, Yang Zhao, Jessy has supported projects that contribute directly to the aircraft manufacturing process. Read on to learn more about her internship, what she’s learned this summer, and how the experience has reinforced her passion for a career in aerospace engineering.

1. Has your internship changed the way you approach your studies?

Absolutely. Before starting my internship, I already knew I wanted to specialize in aerospace engineering, but this experience made that decision much more concrete. Seeing how the concepts I learn in class are applied to real aircraft and manufacturing processes has given me a stronger sense of purpose in my studies. I now approach my courses with the mindset of building the skills I’ll need for a career in the aerospace industry.

2. What’s one career goal you’re working toward right now?

One of my biggest career goals is to build a long-term career in the aerospace industry. I’m working toward gaining as much hands-on engineering experience as possible, and I hope to earn a return offer from DHC after I graduate. My goal is to continue developing as a mechanical engineer while contributing to aircraft design and manufacturing.

3. What’s one thing you’ll look at differently every time you see an aircraft now?

I’ll definitely look at the engineering and manufacturing work behind every aircraft. After working with engineering drawings, digitalization, and manufacturing support, I have a much greater appreciation for the amount of planning, precision, and collaboration that goes into every component. Knowing how many people and processes are involved gives me an entirely new perspective every time I see an aircraft.

4. What’s one thing people are surprised to learn about you?

People are often surprised by how many different hobbies and interests I have outside of work. I’m an active member of the University of Victoria Satellite Design Club, where I help design the mechanical systems for a CubeSat, giving me the opportunity to apply my engineering skills to a real aerospace project outside the classroom. At the same time, I enjoy much quieter hobbies like knitting and reading, which help me relax and recharge. I enjoy having both technical and creative outlets because they challenge me in different ways and help me maintain a healthy balance between work and life.

5. What’s something you’ll miss most about DHC?

What I’ll miss most about De Havilland Canada is the environment and the opportunity to work on projects that directly contribute to building aircraft. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how the work I complete supports the manufacturing process and to watch an aircraft come together from the engineering drawings all the way to the final product. I’ll also miss working alongside such knowledgeable and supportive people who were always willing to share their experience and help me learn.