Animation and Games Design student takes flight with aviation career

Current aviation professional M’hamed Zakaria Benourida shares his experience of studying at Capital City College and details how transferable skills from his course supported him in developing a career in aviation.

Ever wondered what our students go on to do? So do we! We caught up with former Capital City College (CCC) student M’hamed Zakaria Benourida, who used skills developed during his course such as problem-solving, collaboration and creative thinking to support his move into a career in aviation.

M’hamed joined CCC after completing his GCSEs to complete the Level 3 Diploma in Animation and Games Design at our Mosaic@Soho campus.

Why did you choose to do the Level 3 Diploma in Animation and Games Design at CCC?

I chose CCC because of its strong reputation for supporting students and providing excellent resources for creative courses. I chose this course because of my passion for gaming. Although I’d never done anything like it before, I was excited by the prospect of learning how to design and develop games.

What did you like best about your course?

I really enjoyed the creative freedom the course offered, allowing me to develop my own game ideas. It was fulfilling to see concepts evolve into playable games.

What did you like best about the college?

The support system was exceptional. Whenever I struggled to understand something, there was always someone to help. I also appreciated the extracurricular activities which enriched my college experience. The highlight was the sense of community and collaboration with fellow students and the opportunity to showcase our projects.

Did you face any challenges during your course? If so, how did you overcome them?

One challenge was adapting to the technical aspects of game development, as I’d never done it before. I overcame this by seeking help from tutors and collaborating with classmates to improve my skills.

“The college provided continuous academic support and career guidance, which helped me build confidence in pursuing new opportunities.”

How did the college support you during your course and as you moved into your next step?

The college provided continuous academic support and career guidance, which helped me build confidence in pursuing new opportunities.

What advice would you give to anyone considering your course?

Be open to learning and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Dive into projects with enthusiasm, and make the most of the resources and support available.

What are you doing now?

After college, I chose a different path and pursued a career in aviation. I obtained my pilot’s licence in July last year and I’m currently working towards my Flight Instructor’s Licence. I work for British Airways, having started as a Customer Experience Representative, I moved into Reservations and Ticketing, and recently began a new role as an Integrated Operations Control Flight Dispatcher. In my current role, I create flight plans for both long-haul and short-haul services, ensuring operational efficiency and safety.

Has your college course supported you in your current career?

While the course was not directly related to aviation, the problem-solving skills, creativity, and teamwork I developed have been invaluable in my professional journey.

What’s next for you?

I am focused on completing my Flight Instructor’s Licence to advance further in my aviation career.My ultimate goal is to become a commercial airline captain. However, I still enjoy playing and developing games in my free time, keeping my passion for game design alive.

M’hamed’s course was one of our many Digital Media and Creative Computing Courses, offering state-of-the-art facilities and industry-informed training to students at all levels.

Want to follow in M’hamed’s footsteps? Check out our course in Level 3 Diploma in Animation and Games Design at CCC and see if games design is the next step for your career.

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