Ben E.
About me
| Ben E. | |
| Politics, Economics and Philosophy | |
| Philosophy, Politics and Economics | |
| Undergraduate | |
| 2010 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Project Management Graduate | |
| BAE Systems - Maritime | |
| United Kingdom | |
| 2011 |
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A day in the life of a Project Management Graduate in the United Kingdom
Where I hope to be in 5 years
Graduates are seen as the future of the company (indeed, the Managing Director of my business unit - Submarines - is an ex-grad himself!) and therefore given all the support they need to progress: the only thing that dictates the speed is the willingness of a grad to put the effort in. I am not yet off the graduate scheme but it's all looking hopeful so far!
My advice to students considering work
In my opinion the key to a successful application is not just to have the skills that allow one to be successful but to have proof that you have used and applied them in the real world. List every quality that you feel will make a company want you to work for them and find proof that you have shown it. If you haven't got an activity that proves a particular quality, go out and do it! Get involved in projects, join teams, get a job during term time or holidays, get summer placements, organise something, anything! It's all good!
My advice about working in my industry
Although engineering in Britain has obviously had a hard time in the last half-century, especially with rising competition from abroad, I don't think there has been a better time to apply. Companies are starting to get to grips with the challenges and opportunities presented by the modern world so this is the perfect time for the graduate future leaders to get their foot on the promotional ladder.
What I do
Within the 2 year scheme, graduates are given the freedom to choose 3-6 month placements around your home business unit (in my case Submarines) as well as an external placement. So far I have worked on two different placements in Successor, the replacement to the Trident submarines, and am currently working Adjacent Business, which works to maximise the utilisation of IPR and capacity owned by the company.
Skills I use and how I developed them
Both engineering and non-engineering roles in the BAE Systems graduate scheme now require a 2:1, but the subject itself is not relevant when applying to non-engineering roles.
What I like most
As a long-standing graduate scheme, managers tend to be very well aware of how to use grads to their full potential. This means a challenging environment with the right amount of responsibility, leading to a very fulfilling job! The freedom to forge your own way in the company is also perfectly balanced with support of a wide range of mentors, managers and buddies.
What I like least
I know this sounds like a shameless company plug but there is genuinely nothing that I can really complain about!
Next steps...
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