Future Leaders Graduate Review

My current role is within the Airport Lounges Team. We manage the strategy, commercial, and operational aspects of out airport lounges across the world. My main project has been focusing on the reopening of our airport lounges in a post - covid world once demand begins to come back to the airline

I have learned a broad range of new skills across the graduate program - both from my on the job learning and work placements within the company; and also the formal taught elements of the degree program taught by Ashridge. Skills have included leadership, strategy and financial decision making; and innovation.

The Future Leaders Graduate Program at British Airways has been a fantastic Graduate Program to be involved in. Over the program, I have worked on a big range of projects and had some unique experiences. One highlight was working as cabin crew on a repatriation flight from Havana at the start of the pandemic

The program is well structured. In year one, the focus is on gaining broad and customer facing experience - with placements as cabin crew and in Heathrow Terminal 5. Years two and three are more office based, and are about developing a higher level of experience, and developing and enhancing our strengths

The level of support from my manager has previously been outstanding, although this has deteriorated since the pandemic due to a change in structure and a lack of face to face meeting. My manager was always there for me, and provided a lot of career guidance, pushed me to take risks with my development, and was there for me if I had issues

I think the training provider (Hult Business School - Ashridge Executive Education) needs to improve its support. Whilst the admin team provide great support, especially with mitigating circumstances caused by the pandemic, the academic team are very distant from us. Having the chance for office hours like other universities, and making it easier to speak to the academic team would help.

I have gained some really good knowledge through my degree, but I feel the on - the - job learning has been more important - and it is ultimately my experience that has improved my performance, rather than just the qualification. But, it has been useful gaining some of the more technical knowledge through the degree.

I am not aware of any extra curricular activities I can get involved in through work. Whilst there is a gym, I have never used this. Especially since the pandemic, I have done very little with my colleagues outside of work - simply because it is not possible. Occasionally, pre-pandemic, I would meet up with others on the program, but this wasn't organised by BA.

Yes

British Airways has been a fantastic place to work. I have done some truly unique things, and because of that love my job. There is a strong focus on development, meaning I can steer my placement how I like. Having staff travel is also an incredible perk of the job.

The application process is relatively straight forward. Make sure you do your research on British Airways, its main competitors, and the wider industry. On top of that, make sure you practice interviews to be able to best showcase your skills and enthusiasm for the company. Finally, just go for it.