FAQs

From what schools does the Financial Leadership Development Program recruit?
See the How to Apply page for a listing of 2008 schools.

What if my school is not listed?
See the How to Apply page for a listing of 2008 schools.

What is the typical hiring process?
The typical recruiting process is to interview on campus with an FLDP representative. Selected candidates will then be brought to one of the BAE Systems' facilities for a Q&A session and three interviews with managers. Job offers will be extended to the selected candidates.

What does the FLDP program offer?
The FLDP offers the unusual opportunity to gain exposure and insight into many different job functions and locations through three, one-year rotations. In addition to simply being a rotational program, the FLDP offers participants classes and training sessions to develop presentation, teamwork and financial skills. The FLDP also gives participants exposure to various levels of management throughout the entire organization through a mixture of lunches and conferences. The culmination of these activities is the Leadership Development Conference that brings participants from all three years of the Financial, Engineering, Human Resources, and Operations leadership programs together to build leadership and teamwork abilities. The FLDP also requires participants to obtain a Masters Degree in a related field after the normal workday.

What are some of the typical rotations?

Program Control — A job where budget, program execution, and trend analysis are used to ensure smooth performance of a contract.

Contracts — A job where a participant is the central point of contract to a customer and must handle the information exchange as well as compliance with government acquisition guidelines.

Financial Analyst — A job where the participant is exposed to preparing operating plans, profit/loss positions and develop financial expense and analysis.

Am I bound by the rotations listed?
No! The rotations listed are typical rotations that have been filled by participants in the past. Rotations are based upon the needs of the business and can change on an annual basis.

What are the requirements for applying to the FLDP?
General requirements for acceptance are:

• GPA of 3.0 required
• Bachelor degree with a business-oriented nature
• Demonstration of strong leadership potential
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Candidate must be able to relocate

What is the Leadership Development Conference?
The Leadership Development Conference is an annual program that takes members from all of the rotational programs and builds core skills. In the first year, participants are taught to understand their individual learning styles and effectiveness. The second year focuses on becoming a better leader and developing those characteristics learned in the first year. The third year is focused on situational leadership and conflict management. The activities in the conference are a combination of classroom work, outdoor activities, and team based projects.

Will I get additional exposure to management?
Absolutely! The FLDP provides various meetings and lunches with management to provide the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the business areas directly from the people who run them.

Will I have to move?
It is probable the FLDP participant will have a one year rotation away from their home site. The relocation to the site is company funded.

What about obtaining an MBA?
BAE Systems reimburses up to 100% of the cost of tuition and textbooks for the FLDP participant's pursuit of a finance related Masters degree. The only requirement is that the school must be approved by local management, and at some sites be AACSB accredited. The coursework for the degree must be fulfilled on the participant’s personal time.