Project Manager at BAE Systems Review

My current role is as a support Project Manager for an Austrian support contract. This job involves daily stakeholder management across multiple functions to bring together solutions for current issues around the contract. A lot of progress checking is done on my half for pieces of work done by other teams in different parts of the business, ensuring that it is keeping on track and in budget. With my current role I have some interaction with management in Germany and have opportunity to fly out to interact with them face to face

In terms of qualifications I am working towards a foundation degree in Project Management, which will be followed by an honours degree in the same field. I recently undertook my professional qualification through the APM which the company funded. I have been on many training courses within the company on topics such as finance, contracting, ambassador work, leadership, computer programmes - all courses that can help add value to my role.

I enjoy the work I am doing now as it is a hands on role with a good team and interesting work. However as I move roles every year the level of satisfaction from each role will differ. For a young person coming into BAE out of college the culture is not good as it has a slow paced culture with very little "work hard play hard" culture like some other companies offering similar programmes do. I enjoy the programme and enjoy the work I currently do, but I do not enjoy the BAE culture.

As a second year I have very little experience in comparison to my team who have been here for most of their careers, so my responsibility is justifiably lower than there's. I think that the more you ask for responsibility and the more hunger you show then your manager will reward this and recognition ill follow.

I think the programme is structured excellently with a good yearly rotation of work to fill any missing gaps in competency. There are plenty of training opportunities internally with plenty of room to grow as a professional. The only issue around the structure is the studying for the degree aspect as the level of teaching at the university centre can be poor at times. However this has been given attention and actions have been taken to make it better.

We are offered limited support with our training provider at the university centre as we are only there one day a week. In the past there have been some major issues in that the training provider was not performing well and it was affecting the students performance. However this has been realised and changes are in place to bring this to a better standard.

I receive a great deal of support from people within work on issues ranging from career progression to general advice. The scheme management are incredibly helpful with offering guidance on possible future roles and will do everything they can to meet your needs. Overall I couldn't be happier with the support from BAE that I receive.

The salary is one of, if not the best, in the country for this kind of programme. As an 18 year old still living at home with no mortgage or living costs the salary is incredibly good. Location for me is perfect as it is only a 15 minute drive to work, but the opportunity is there should I wish to work away.

The company culture isn't one which encourages a social aspect and hold company events, unless of course you have been here 21 or 42 years in which case you get a meal paid for. Since starting the only events I have been to have either been arranged by myself or another member of my year group. There have been a few events internally we have been asked to help out with but these are just for other members of staff

Yes

I would highly recommend the scheme and the company due to the fact of the culture, perks of the scheme and the overall atmosphere of working here. I think that the idea behind the scheme is well though the out and for someone not planning to go to university and having just come out of school or college it's a great way to boost your cv with work experience as well as getting all your education from it too.

Make sure that you have mentioned all the buzzwords in the job advertisement and making sure you have examples of these qualities would be the biggest piece of advice I would also give. Ensure that you understand about the company, the products and what we actually make. Enjoy the experience you go through and have fun with it too. Talk about yourself and make sure you ask questions too.