BAE Systems |

‘During my degree in material science and engineering, I did a summer placement with BAE Systems. I saw first-hand the incredible and unique engineering that went into naval ships and submarines. I’d wake up every day and see these massive aircraft carriers and warships from my room and be blown away by the size of them! At first, I was undecided on what to pursue after university, but that decision was an easy one to make after my summer placement.

I work as a materials engineer which allows me to work on the different types of submarine. My favourite part of the job is the lab-based work I get involved in, particularly corrosion testing. But I also do a lot of practical work on the submarines, such as materials testing verification which involves taking samples from the submarines and viewing them microscopically which is really high-tech stuff. You never get tired of going on the submarines, each time is just as surreal and exciting as the last. I’ve seen everything from the command-control centre to the crew’s sleeping quarters. I’ll never forget the first time I got to see the nuclear propulsion system of a submarine!

My favourite part of the job is the lab-based work … it’s really high-tech stuff. You never get tired of going on the submarines, each time is just as surreal and exciting as the last.

I joined BAE Systems as part of an intake of 40 like-minded people, which really helped with the transition from university. There were regular social events organised, so you get to know your peers quickly and form lasting friendships. I work in Barrow-in-Furness – it’s amazing to be so close to the great lakes of the Lake District, where I go walking and paddle-boarding with the friends I’ve made at BAE Systems. We also play badminton once a week so there’s always something to do and people to socialise with.

When I first joined BAE Systems, I started down in Portsmouth working on naval ships which was a great introduction and starting point for me. But after a while, I wanted a new challenge. All I had to do was have a career chat with my manager, and now here I am in Barrow-in-Furness working on submarines! It’s really easy to move around the company and BAE Systems are so supportive of the transition. Opportunities are aplenty here, I’m particularly excited about a trip to the United States we have planned for next year.'

I studied electrical and electronic engineering as an undergraduate, followed by a master’s in Sustainable Energy Entrepreneurship. When I saw the graduate programme advertised, there were specific electrical and electronic engineering roles available close to my home near Bristol, so the opportunity was perfect for me.

I've been at BAE Systems since autumn as a graduate electrical engineer, working in our submarine sector. I’ve been able to follow my passions of engineering and sustainability and apply my education to developing cutting-edge technology. I find it interesting that we’re working on something that’s so future-focussed and I’m excited to see how it might turn out. It gives me a real sense of pride to contribute to protecting the country alongside the submarines team and the Royal Navy.

I love the flexibility that I get within my team – I get to work the hours that suit me and work from home when I need to. Being in a team that respects and supports each other’s personal needs and commitments is really important to me. Having work-life balance is good for everyone’s wellbeing and helps me with travel and to live my life outside of work.

I love the flexibility that I get within my team … I’m a STEM ambassador which means I get to talk to school kids about STEM, help onboard new graduates, and hopefully inspire other young women to work in STEM.

Many of the work friendships I’ve made started with a two-week immersion at our Head Office, which was a great opportunity for all of the graduates to meet and get to know each other. It was clear from the beginning that there’s a very supportive culture at BAE Systems – we try our best for each other at work but also take the time to socialise. And the other engineers in my team are always there for me when I need help.

Hopefully in the future I’ll have the chance to travel to America or even Australia. There are extra-curricular opportunities too – I’m a STEM ambassador which means I get to talk to school kids about STEM, help onboard new graduates, and hopefully inspire other young women to work in STEM. Training within the team is excellent - already I’ve been to a week-long training event in Birmingham which was very interesting and helpful to my role and future career. There is also the opportunity to apply to work at different sites, so moving around to different towns and cities is made easy.

Everyone I’ve met has been so open and helpful, and the early careers team have made me feel so welcome.'

Why did you choose a BAE Systems Industrial Placement programme?

One of my main driving factors behind choosing BAE Systems involved my family. Most of my family, including siblings, parents and grandparents, all work in some form of civil service, so I had a keen interest in working in defence. I have also been interested in engineering from a young age, having helped my Dad build a supercharged trike based on the classic Volkswagen Beetle.

After doing a lot of research on companies, BAE Systems seemed like a no brainer. After originally missing out of doing a degree apprenticeship with the company, I started an Aeronautical Engineering degree, and then applied for their 12 month industrial placement. I started in June 2024.

What’s involved in the placement?

It’s a 12 month placement, which includes three, 4 month rotations. I’m currently in my first placement which is focused on aerodynamics. As part of this, I’ve been able to work on project specific work – contributing to data sets that make an impact on real-world applications which is really exciting.

As part of these placements you can also get involved in stretch projects, which allow you to work on different initiatives through the business to help develop you and give more real-world experience in different areas.

What about location?

I’m from Nottingham so wasn’t based near any of the BAE Systems sites. However, through a family friend I was able to secure lodgings in Preston.

My role also allows me to work flexibly, so I can be on site in Preston Tuesday to Thursday, and then travel back to Nottingham that evening and I’m able to work from home Friday and Monday, meaning I can spend time with family and friends on the weekend.

What’s the support been live on your placement?

It’s been really good. Even as early as four months before starting you get a list of people you can go to for help – including your functional managers – and you get assigned a buddy as well. Everybody is really happy and willing to help when it’s needed.

There’s also such a big push for early careers at the company, so there’s also graduates in my current team that I can go to for information and advice, and bounce ideas off of.

Has anything surprised you since joining? Did you have any expectations?

I did have really high expectations, but you never know what to full expect. One that did really surprise me was the environment. There’s a obviously a lot of security measures in place, and we’re doing incredibly serious work, however behind all that it’s actually a very relaxing place to work. Everyone is there to solve a problem and work towards the same objective, and it’s really good to bounce ideas off of people.

What’s next after your placement?

I’m doing an integrated masters, and I’ve currently done my first two years. After my year’s placement, I’ll go back and finish my third year. I hope to come back to BAE Systems after this to do a summer internship before completing my final year. After this I’d like to come back either as a graduate or a direct hire.

‘I graduated with a BE in electrical and electronic engineering from the University of Sheffield and started with BAE Systems straight out of uni, joining as a graduate electrical engineer.

I’m currently working in the submarine sector. It sounds like a cliché, but I really do learn something new all the time. All the different systems that I work on are at the forefront of innovation, and I get to learn about different standards of communication and technologies that aren’t used anywhere else but in submarines. My favourite thing about the job is that I get to cover such a broad range of work across the electrical engineering department, combining practical work with understanding the theory behind it. I really enjoy working with all the other people in my team – everyone I’ve worked with has always been supportive and there to help me.

I really do learn something new all the time. All the different systems that I work on are at the forefront of innovation... I get to cover such a broad range of work.

The work-life balance here is great. We do work hard as a team to get the job done, but there is flexibility in our working week. With flexi-hours we can finish at 12.30 on Fridays. And if I need to leave early to get something done in the afternoon, I can come in early and finish early. I have so much free time to use – which means I get to spend more time with family and friends and on my hobbies outside of work.

Loads of social activities are organised for us – not only is the social life great, but knowing my colleagues really well also helps us work together as a team. A lot of the grads I started with play different sports together every Tuesday and Wednesday, and I also play sport with the team in my office on Mondays.

We’re given lots of responsibility from the get-go - in my first few months, I was given the opportunity to work in different labs and on lots of different systems. There’s constant support and reassurance, and that’s really boosted my confidence and has ensured I’m able to progress and develop quickly.'

‘Before joining the BAE Systems graduate programme, I served in the Greek army for seven years as a helicopter flight engineer. At university I studied Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering completing my Master of Engineering.

My current role at BAE Systems is as a graduate naval architect. My team gets involved from the early concept stages of projects through to the design and build, so I get exposure to a wide range of activities. The job is exciting because I contribute to projects that will last for future generations, and it’s rewarding because I can actually see the products I’m working on. It’s fantastic when you walk on board a ship that you’re helping to build and you see the sheer size and scale of it.

The company offers amazing flexibility in terms of working hours. It’s very important for me to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Many positions here at BAE Systems offer hybrid working, with the ability to work from home (around business demand). This flexibility means that I can work hard to get the job done without sacrificing my hobbies and time with friends.

I contribute to projects that will last for future generations … it’s fantastic when you walk on board a ship that you’re helping to build and you see the sheer size and scale of it.

When I first started, I was encouraged to ask lots of questions and told to not be afraid to make mistakes. I was a little nervous, but was given so much help and advice, and the communication between colleagues is amazing. Everyone is very respectful and made to feel included, regardless of culture or background. Even busy senior colleagues find time to speak to me and listen to my opinions and thoughts. There are also social events which have allowed me to get to know my colleagues better, which is great for working culture.

There are so many opportunities here. We’re given stretch assignments outside our normal responsibilities – for example, going back to university to deliver career presentations, or attending industry conferences and seminars. Everyone’s offered a skilled and experienced dedicated mentor who you can speak to and get career advice from. The company also promotes the chartership with organisations such as the Royal Institution of Naval Architects, which is a major goal for me.

What I really like about working here, is that everyone is given an equal opportunity to learn new skills, develop themselves personally and professionally, and build a great career.'

‘I studied engineering at the University of Liverpool, and before joining the BAE Systems graduate programme, I did an internship elsewhere in construction. During that time, I was also a reserve officer for the Royal Navy, so joining BAE Systems allowed me to combine my interests and experiences, all in one place.

I’m a procurement officer working on naval ships. It’s really interesting to work with the latest technology advancements – with every generation of ship there are so many improvements and new pieces of kit. And I’m really proud to be supporting the Ministry of Defence playing my part in fulfilling the obligation we have to the public – it’s very important work.

In my team, we’re able to flex our hours, which for me, means I get to walk my dog and get some exercise during the day.

It's the best company I’ve worked for in terms of work-life balance. In my team, we’re able to flex our hours, which for me, means I get to walk my dog and get some exercise during the day. I think you get the best out of people when they’re not on a rigid schedule.

The camaraderie here is great, with loads of like-minded people working at the Portsmouth site, it feels very much like university. There are also lots of social opportunities – for example, last weekend, we went on a walking social and I got to bring my puppy along followed by a lovely lunch. There’s so much going on to get involved with – if you put an idea out there for a social, someone’s always going to say yes!

As part of the graduate programme, we have stretch assignments which allows you to explore initiatives outside your day-to-day role. I’m making the most of it and dipping my toes into different opportunities to build my skills and gain new experiences - for example, I lead ‘Immersion’ (onboarding of new graduates). I find this really interesting because I get to speak to people all over the business. I take new graduates to meet the Managing Director, get timetables set up, visit ships, and show them around the naval museums in Portsmouth. I’m also learning about project management – I don’t think I would have these opportunities working anywhere else.

If you’re looking for a graduate programme that gives you flexibility, both personally, and professionally, BAE Systems is definitely the place for you.'