I went through a comprehensive recruitment process for the Commerical Graduate Scheme. The breakdown of various stages was:
1. Phone call: This was the initial step, where I had a brief conversation to discuss background, qualifications, interests in the role and what I knew about the company and industry- important!
2. Competency Based Interview: This step was to assess my experiences and behaviours in relation to the job requirements. I had to provide examples of how I’ve demonstrated certain skills in experience.
3. Presentation: I was given a topic on the defence industry and had to present for 20 minutes to key stakeholders within Raytheon and then follow up with a Q&A. This step is to access communication skills, and the ability to analyse and present information and how well are you able to articulate your thoughts.
4. Group Activity: The final step was a group activity. We got given a scenario 1 hour before the start time. In that time, we had to review the case study ready for the task with the other applicants.
My time on the Commerical Graduate Programme has been incredibly valuable and fulfilling from the start. I have had the opportunity to complete four graduate rotations across Weapons and Sensors and Cyber, Space, and Training businesses.
This allowed me to gain exposure to various aspects of the business and broaden my commercial skill and knowledge set working on a variety of product and service-based contracts and interacting with different stakeholders internally and externally.
The fact I got involved directly with active contracts is testament to the trust, quality of training and responsibility Raytheon have in graduates. Being able to participate to the business and add real value is really rewarding.
The people within Raytheon are fantastic, they are so supportive and really help you settle in to feel part of the team. Also, I got assigned a Buddy at the start who are get person to get to know as they help with all those little questions! There are regular meetings for new starters, and you will get to know your graduate cohort well through the Development Modules and a 5-day residential trip.
As well as the graduate scheme enhancing my commercial knowledge, I have grown so much as an individual, Raytheon really do invest time in people who show interest in developing professionally. Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the Scheme and felt its put in me in a good position to carry on my career within Raytheon.
The Graduate Scheme has provided me so many benefits that has greatly enhanced my career prospects and professional development. Some of the key benefits I found include:
1. Structured Training and Development: The Graduate Scheme offered a structured training programme that allowed me to integrate myself into the business effectively. I sat down with my manager at the start of each rotation to discuss my areas of development and to understand what opportunities I can be involved with to ensure my growth areas are achieved.
2. Career Progression: The Graduate Scheme offered me the chance to rotate through different areas of the business. This helped enhance my knowledge of the commercial world as each business area has very different engineering capabilities which therefore offer different contract and commercial approaches.
3. Mentorship and Guidance: On the Graduate Scheme, I got access to mentors and senior leaders within Raytheon. This mentoring provided me with valuable support and guidance and insights into the industry, helping me make informed decisions about my career path.
4. Challenging Projects: I got involved in real world scenarios from day one. This hands-on approach allowed me to gain a lot of experience in a short amount of time and I know feel confident coming out of the graduate scheme into the next level role.
5. Professional Development: Beyond the technical skills, the graduate focus on developing soft skills such as communication, teamwork, presentation, networking through various Modules.
My useful tips for a successful application include:
Firstly, research Raytheon and the industry inside out. This is so important as the very first interview test is to see if you have a genuine interest within the area you are applying for. This knowledge is important to help tailor your responses during the interview.
Prepare answers that showcase your skills and experience and how they would link back to the role you are applying for.
Plan questions to ask at the end of the interview each stage. This will demonstrate key interest and help you understand more about the company and decide if the job is for you; as well as if they interviewers think you are right for the job.
Follow up after interviews. Send a thank you email expressing gratitude for the opportunity- these little things are noted and go a long way!
Lastly, be authentic. As you will probably be early off in our career, you are not going to have wealth of experience, therefore they will really look into your personality and how they see you fit within into the company.
