Strategic Business Development Project Manager Review

I am responsible for delivery of a suite of international, strategically important programmes relating to business development and bidding across the Aviation division. I manage stakeholders at all levels of the organisation from gathering sponsorship to delivering specifically requested projects. I am also heavily involved with development of the business strategy.

I am currently studying a part time degree apprenticeship and MSc in Business Management via Aston University. The nature of modules, though not all entirely new concepts to me, has challenged my approach to management and my way of thinking from the offset. New skills acquired through the module have allowed me to volunteer for additional responsibility through challenging and influencing change conversations.

I've been extremely impressed by Aston's delivery of the degree apprenticeship and MSc to date, despite the challenges of virtual learning. The support I receive from both lecturers and admin staff is outstanding. The support I am receiving from my Babcock colleagues, senior and peer, is also excellent. I enjoy the flexibility to manage my own study and off the job learning time, and furthermore, the content in the modules I've studied to date is relevant and engaging.

Despite having not made it onto campus yet, due to the pandemic, the frequency of 'contact days' is balanced and I believe works well. Though it can be a little tiresome looking at a screen for 7 hours a day, 2 days in a row, I believe it's more beneficial to teach the module in chunks of this length rather than split out further. As aforementioned, the admin and organisational support is excellent. Tanya Lomas at Aston, in particular, is a brilliant support.

The support I've received from my employer to date has been faultless. From encouragement to apply to the programme, through the application process, and in support with not only appreciating my need for 20% off the job learning time, but also offering advice and help with specific module-related topics.

Support from Aston has been outstanding, in particular from Tanya Lomas, who has provided unconditional support from onboarding through to daily support and questions on the programme, the structure, the VLE, or specific modules. Having Tanya as a 'one point of contact' has made everything so easy. The lecturers are also very supportive to specific questions or concerns, offering one on one advice as needed.

From the offset, I've been able to apply value add through practical learning back into my role. The module content learned to date challenges my way of thinking and approach to project management, which subsequently I have been able to take into the work environment, challenging norms and ways of delivering requirements.

Prior to the pandemic, there were limited office events relating to my role at Babcock. At Aston, whenever we have the opportunity to return to campus, I am sure there will be opportunity for my cohort to engage with social activities. Aston have been great at keeping us in the loop of university related engagement activities.

Yes

Babcock creates an environment of personal and professional development for any ambitious individual. There is always opportunity to be challenged outside of your core role objectives and the people, at all levels of the organisation, are extremely supportive and friendly. There is a lot of flexibility at Babcock to make your role work for you.

Be yourself; as a people business, we look for outgoing individuals not shy of a challenge, who thrive in environments of complexity and are adaptable and open to change. We are always looking for fresh perspectives and leadership behaviours in the earliest stages of ambitious graduates careers. Willingness to learn and commit, and dedication to the business and passion are valued.