Meet Jennifer, a Project Management Graduate

Location: Rosyth, Scotland

Sector/Business unit: Marine

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

I chose Babcock’s graduate programme because it offers a perfect mix of professional development and meaningful work, while giving you the opportunity to grow in a fast-paced, high-impact industry. The structured pathway towards professional accreditation really stood out to me – it showed that Babcock is serious about investing in its people and helping them build long-term, meaningful careers.
What drew me to Babcock was its global presence and the breadth of its operations. Being part of a company that supports critical assets across the defence industry means I get to work on a wide range of projects, each with its own unique challenges. I really value that variety, as it pushes me to stay curious, flexible, and continuously improve.

Project management plays a central role in delivering Babcock’s large-scale, high-impact programmes. The opportunity to develop core project management skills – such as planning, risk management, stakeholder communication, and delivery assurance – within such a critical industry is incredibly valuable. I’m excited by the idea of contributing to projects that have real-world significance, while learning from experienced professionals who are experts in navigating complexity and driving results. It’s the kind of environment where I know I’ll be challenged, supported, and constantly learning. Babcock’s graduate programme felt like exactly the right place to start that journey.

My favourite part of the programme:

My favourite part of the programme has been the exposure to different areas of the business through a variety of placements. The chance to rotate across sectors has given me a broader understanding of how the organisation operates and allowed me to develop a wide range of skills. Each placement brought new challenges and learning opportunities, which kept the experience fresh and engaging.
I’ve particularly enjoyed working alongside industry leaders – being able to learn directly from experienced professionals has been incredibly valuable. Their guidance and insight have helped shape my development and given me a clearer vision for my future career path.

My most rewarding project/experience:

One of the most rewarding aspects of working on the Miecznik frigates programme was knowing I was contributing to a project with long-term strategic importance – not just for the company, but for international defence capability. Supporting the future of the programme gave me a real sense of purpose.

Additionally, being involved in Poland’s early careers programme was incredibly fulfilling. I had the chance to support and mentor new talent, share my experiences, and help others grow. It was inspiring to be part of a culture that values development and innovation, and to know I was playing a role in building the next generation of professionals.

Working with the Marine Senior Leadership Team and gaining exposure to the Executive Leadership Team at Group level was also incredibly rewarding. Being trusted to deliver high-level strategic projects that will shape how we operate in the future gave me a real sense of impact and responsibility.

It was a unique opportunity to see how decisions are made at the top and to contribute to initiatives that align with long-term business goals. The experience deepened my understanding of strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration. It was especially fulfilling to know that my work would have a lasting influence on the company’s direction and efficiency.

My work-life balance:

I’ve really appreciated Babcock’s commitment to work-life balance. They offer flexible working arrangements and supportive leave policies. I’ve also benefited from their inclusive culture and development programmes – such as mentoring and employee networks – which help create a positive and balanced working environment.

My development:

Completing my APM (Association for Project Management) qualifications, working alongside industry leaders, and engaging in extracurricular activities has significantly enhanced my professional development at Babcock. The APM training provided a strong foundation in project management principles, enabling me to contribute effectively to project planning and execution.

Collaborating with experienced professionals exposed me to high-level strategic thinking and best practices, which I was able to apply in real-time scenarios.

Additionally, my involvement in extracurricular activities outside of placements helped me develop essential soft skills such as leadership, communication, and adaptability. These experiences not only enriched my perspective but also demonstrated my commitment to continuous learning and personal growth.

Collectively, these opportunities have allowed me to bring a well-rounded, proactive, and resilient approach to my role – aligning with the company’s values and contributing positively to team dynamics and project outcomes.