Meet Jen, a Commercial Graduate

Location: Walsall

Sector/Business unit: Land

My graduate programme, why I chose it, and why I chose Babcock:

I am on the Commercial Graduate Programme. I chose this programme because of the incredible variety of work it offers – no two days are the same, and the opportunities to learn are endless. After finishing university, I wasn’t entirely sure what direction I wanted to take. Discovering this role felt like everything fell into place. It gave me the chance to explore different areas of the business, build new skills, and figure out what I’m truly passionate about.

Every day brings something new and exciting, but one thing that remains constant is the high standard of work. Being part of this programme has given me the opportunity to contribute to something truly impactful – helping to make the world a safer and more secure place. I find real fulfilment in my role, and as an added benefit, I’m working towards my Commercial and Contract Management Certification, fully supported by Babcock.

I chose Babcock because of its clear and meaningful purpose. The work being done here is genuinely impactful, and it’s inspiring to be part of a company dedicated to making the world a safer and more secure place – it gives real meaning to what we do every day.

The support available through mentors and buddy systems creates a positive and collaborative working culture, and I’ve built strong friendships through the programme. Graduates are actively encouraged to connect across different roles, which helps broaden your perspective and build a strong network. On top of that, the opportunity to rotate across locations and sectors is incredibly exciting – it’s a great way to discover where you thrive and grow both professionally and personally.

My favourite part of the programme:

My favourite part of the programme so far has been the people I’ve met – from the incredible support of Emerging Talent, my mentor, and my buddy, to the welcoming teams I’ve had the chance to work with. Everyone has been so encouraging, supportive, and ready to help. No question is too silly, and people are more than happy to involve you in all kinds of work.

Conversations can lead to fantastic opportunities. For example, I was speaking to my mentor one day about his role and how it sounded intriguing, so he offered me the opportunity to sit in on a meeting with the Directors as a learning and networking experience.

My most rewarding project/experience:

One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had so far was stepping outside the typical scope of my role. I was asked to plan a Family Day event for employees and their families working in vehicle engineering in Walsall – with just two months to bring it all together. The aim was to celebrate and showcase the incredible work our teams do every day, and seeing the smiles, gratitude, and genuine joy from everyone who attended made it truly worthwhile.

I had the opportunity to meet people in the workshop I might never have interacted with otherwise, and it gave me a real sense of connection and belonging. On top of that, the experience helped me develop valuable project management skills that I’ll carry with me throughout my career.

My work-life balance:

One of the things I’ve really appreciated about working at Babcock is the focus on work–life balance. The company supports agile working, which means there’s flexibility to find a way of working that suits both your needs and the needs of the business. For me, that’s meant a mix of home and office working across my placements, which has helped me stay productive while maintaining a healthy routine.

The graduate programme also encourages us to connect with others across different roles, and the central Health and Wellbeing team regularly organises events where we can meet in a more relaxed setting outside of work. I’ve felt genuinely supported throughout my journey – from the Emerging Talent team and my line managers to my mentor and buddy. Being part of the Graduate Development Programme has also helped reinforce good habits and practices when it comes to maintaining a balanced and fulfilling work life.

My development:

I feel well supported in my development day to day. My team encourages me to take on a variety of tasks that challenge my thinking, spark creativity, and strengthen my commercial mindset. There’s always something new to learn, and I’m constantly building on my skills.

The Emerging Talent team also plays a big part in helping us grow, offering graduate sessions focused on personal and professional development. One recent session focused on managing stress and avoiding burnout, and it gave us practical tools and strategies that I’ve found really useful.

Alongside my role, I’m also working towards my Contract Management Certification. It’s a great way to deepen my understanding and continue developing my commercial expertise.