Meet Cody Jennings | Aerospace Engineer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cody Jennings and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cody, what’s your definition for success?
Success is a byproduct.

It is not something that happens instantaneously or overnight. Success is the byproduct of hard work and dedication to a craft. Whether that craft is creating a 5 star meal or designing the next generation of aircraft, there is always something to strive for and create. When you give your all and never give up on your dreams, the byproduct will be success. You should never give up, you keep moving forward and you take the good with the bad.

Believing in yourself is another major factor to success. You may not have people in your corner at times. You will be told you cannot do something or you are not good enough. Sometimes, we are all we have. We have to be able to believe in ourselves and the process. You believe in you and take it step by step and soon, those small steps add up and the journey is complete and success will soon follow.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I went to school to become an Aerospace Engineer. Since I was little, I wanted to design, build, and fly aircraft. I saw them as majestic and all around amazing. I knew that I had to follow that path! I look up to so many people in aviation history that helped to build the foundations of aviation and engineering as a whole. I also look up to many engineers on YouTube that inspire others. Mark Rober and Destin Sandlin from “SmarterEveryDay” to name a few! It would be absolutely amazing to meet them one day!

College was never easy for me. Just like others, I had my fair share of failures, but I persevered. I had the support of family, friends and mentors that encouraged me to keep going. I worked hard, gave long hours to classwork and applied extra effort to understand what I did not. I stayed the course, believed in myself and worked to find ways to excel in all I did. I learned not to be afraid to ask for help or just ask questions in general. We do not know everything. We are human. We all need help in someway and at some point in our lives.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I currently live in Savannah, GA and I believe it has the best mix of culture, history and things to do! Stroll through many of the historic cemeteries and museums, tour the art galleries that line historic River Street and enjoy a drink at one of many rooftop bars as you watch ships come in and out of port. There are more than 20 historic squares and numerous beautiful streets that reveal amazing stories that bring Savannah to life.

If you are feeling adventurous and want some amazing scenery and seafood, Hilton Head and Tybee Island are just a hop away! From the many seafood stops, harbors, beaches and the amazing Tybee Island Lighthouse; there is no shortage of activities! You will surely find something to do and see when visiting!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I attribute my current success to many different people and groups in my life. My parents supported me and gave me the push and drive to keep going when I thought that all I could do was fail. Along the way, I had instructors, mentors and colleagues that helped shape my mindset on the world and how to build myself into the man and professional I am today.

I married the love of my life and she supports me in all my endeavors and dreams. She has been there through all the good and bad. We moved states for work and she was right there by my side, every step of the way. My wife is the strongest, most generous person I know.

As I start the foundation of my career, I find myself asking more questions and listening more intently. I look up to the successes of engineers that came before me and work to build on their footsteps. A strong foundation is pivotal to build upon in your career and in your mindset. There is always room to grow and improve.

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