Tom Kerton
"I look back on my geography degree course as instrumental in learning how to learn and think critically. This is something I try to do both at work as a commercial pilot and when making other decisions – looking for the evidence, rather than being influenced by emotion or previous experience."
While a student, I was also part of Bristol University Air Squadron, an RAF-run training programme for students. We combined flying training with weekly lectures, sports, trips away and social events. This was the biggest influence on my progression into commercial flying.
In my career leadership relies mostly on effective teamwork. Two pilots have to work together to come up with solutions. One is captain and the other co-pilot – so there’s an 'authority gradient'. But a good team works together within those boundaries to collectively take good decisions. Knowledge of aircraft systems and procedures allows me to have the necessary confidence.
Again, Bristol University helped me a lot in this area – mainly through team sport. I played water polo and rugby for the University first teams and also for the RAF under-21s. It taught me a great deal about how to operate successfully as a team member.
Being a Bristol student was a life-changing, shared experience – in a top rated university where we were truly part of the city.
