Meet Kaitlyn, a Project Management Graduate based in Filton, working across a collection of our submarines projects. Kaitlyn joined BAE Systems in September 2022, after previously working within research and development in a haematology lab after she initially graduated in 2020.
I’m a Project Management Graduate, and within this function I’m in business winning which is to do with the very early stages of the bid, so bid proposal pre-work, my job in governance is to make sure that the status of the bids is progressing against the mandates and lifecycle management that we have in place. This could be speaking to the bid managers for updates and see if they need support or it could be, we have several online tools, so making sure they’re maintained.
I get to look after a budget and this is what the bid managers use to go out and win the bid. I also help put together the slide packs and documents for our monthly bid status reviews with the bid managers. So it’s a lot of governance which I really enjoy. I came from quality control so there is a bit of overlap there from my previous role.
I find working with submarines really interesting, I absolutely love it. I recently had the chance to go up to Barrow to go on a boat tour and it was fascinating. Just standing on top of it, or even going inside – you can’t comprehend how they actually all put it together until you’re there.
I also like that they’re working on programmes further down the line, so you know you’re in a really secure job and there’ll always be work down the line.
I graduated in 2020 from the University of Sunderland with a degree in Biomedical Science, and then went into working within a lab, doing research and development in a haematology lab. I then moved into a quality control role in a pharmaceutical company. I did enjoy it, but as I worked in the lab more I found I was more involved in the project side of things I actually preferred this as opposed to technical lab side of things.
Although I didn’t have a huge project management background, and didn’t do a lot of it – it was enough to realise that this was the direction I wanted my career to go in.
I did initially look for more entry level positions at the company I was already at, however there wasn’t anything available. So I thought if I was going to commit to really changing my career, it would be good to do a graduate scheme and the BAE Systems one looked really good because offer a lot of good training, you get your APM qualification and I thought it’d be really good to build that foundation of knowledge, getting that breadth of experience and depth.
My experience with entry-level roles is that you can get a bit stuck and not necessarily have real responsibilities. Whereas with the graduate programme you’re in a role from day one, but you can also explore other areas to see where your interest really lies. For example, I would like to explore managing a bid at some point and I know this will be supported here.
It’s challenging, and I like that you’re given actual responsibility. I really enjoy learning, and finding ways to combat the different challenges that come with project management.
Everyone is also really supportive – I haven’t encountered one person where I’ve called them for help and they haven’t had time for.
I just really like being part of that graduate community. Not just socials, but you get to do stretch assignments, which are really useful because you get to see different parts of the business – for example I’m looking at one right now which is in commercial, so although my role isn’t here it does tie in quite well to my world so I’m going to look to do that to broaden my knowledge. You get to work with different people you wouldn’t usually interact with, and do different tasks and projects which are outside your normal working day.
I’ve been involved in 2 stretch assignments since I’ve been here. One of which was becoming a STEM ambassador, and for our recent recruitment period I went into schools and colleges to talk to their students around why they should consider BAE Systems early careers programmes as a good next step for them. We also hosted an open evening and reached about 500 students.
I’m also currently involved in one around looking how we can improve hybrid working for both early careers and new starters. So how can support those who need a bit more face to face support than people that have been here a while. We’ve come up with some potential solutions such as bringing in on-site technical buddies as an example, and we’re also looking at creating a forum.
I’m also really interested in joining any projects around sustainability as well, and I know BAE Systems have a lot of these going on around the company.
As a non-typical graduate, how have you found being part of the programme or did you have any concerns before joining?
I was initially concerned that as a graduate you would be given less responsibility, however that hasn’t been the case at all. You’re stepping into a legitimate role with real responsibilities and real tasks that are important and critical to the team you’re working in. I feel like just a normal employee.
For a social aspect, I wouldn’t say I’ve noticed a big difference. There’s a lot of social activities that’s organised for the graduates and I joined in with most of these when I first joined. However the biggest difference I would say is where I’m a little bit older, I’m at a different stage in my life so I don’t go join these as much now as I’m saving for a house. But I still go into the office 2-3 times a week, and still engage with the other graduates so it’s never been an issue.
If you’re not 100% happy doing what you’re doing and can’t see longevity in it – then why wait? I’d really recommend the graduate programme as it’s a good tool to help you explore a new career. You get in-depth training and a good foundation for your future career.
I think a lot of people may also think that going for an entry level role would give a higher salary than a graduate programme, however the salary here for grads is actually better than most entry level roles I looked at in my previous field of work. You’d definitely be surprised.
I would say as well, the interviewers are really good at looking at your transferable skills, so don’t be put off if you don’t have the experience. They work in a way that asks you to apply your own experience, even if you’re in a different field to the role you’re going for. It really allows candidates from any walk of life to have an opportunity.
