Project Controller Review

I am a project controller working in the air service, a support unit to the Typhoon aircraft. Daily tasks include monitoring the progress of various projects, aiming to identify the viability of the project and identifying any issues early on. Should there be any issues, I would gather the relevant data and provide this to the Project Manager, working with them to find a solution to the problem. I also place orders for equipment and trigger budget to other departments in terms of labour or non-labour. Most of my interactions with stakeholders are internal: engineers, project managers, finance, procurement, other project controllers; compared with external: suppliers and customers.

I have learnt many skills needed for the business and my role. My business skills include: security and ITAR training for the compliance with our export policy; RAF awareness training to gain experience of our main customer and training on our server and data storage techniques, to name a few. The company have also provided my with free training courses on specific aspects of my role, to enable me to improve at it.

I really enjoy my programme. The integration of working to complete a degree as well as gaining 5 years of works experience in 5 completely different roles within the business is perfect for shaping me into an employee with huge potential. The staff I work with are friendly and helpful, creating an enjoyable but professional working atmosphere.

There are reward and recognition schemes at BAE Systems that compliment good work. Managers are also highly appreciative of work you do, no matter how big or small the task set was. They involve you in projects and meetings and take the time to explain processes and products you may not fully be aware of.

The programme is very well structured as the scheme managers clearly set out the format and expectations from Day 1. They highlight what they want from you and what they will do for you in support of competing the scheme. They also offer a personal touch and are approachable for any personal, not scheme related issues one may have. All tasks are given with plenty of notice and emailed, added to your calendar or discussed in person in order to add structure to your day.

As well as being there for any work related problems to assist with, they are also approachable for anything personal, completely unrelated to the business to provide support with. Tutors are always only a phone call or email away to solve any issues promptly.

BAE Systems and management offer great support on the scheme. They offer various extensive complimentary training courses they feel you would personally benefit from.

The salary at BAE Systems is adequate, covering all costs from work clothing attire to petrol for your car. They appreciate that we would need transport to work and through the salary, provide the funds to be able to purchase a car and insure it- meaning you can get around with ease and without relying on others.

There are many opportunities available, whether these be career progression or social. 5-a-side football and bike rides offer a good chance to keep fit and get to know others. Opportunities to viosit RAF bases also provide experience to get an insight on how our products are used by our customers, and allows you to form a good relationship with the customer.

Yes

It is a perfect combination of gaining qualifications, coupled with varied, extensive work experience to kick-start a career with one of the largest global companies in the world. A goos salary, various other perks and a warm working environment make it a enjoyable job with plenty of opportunities to leanrn/enhance skills to pregress.

Take your time on your application, research skills they are looking for and relate it to experience you have had that work on those skills. Talk to people within the company and do plenty of research on the company and current affairs. Come the interview day, relax, be yourself and answer questions thoroughly and don't be afraid to add some personality to your answers!