For many years, our close relationship with government and the armed forces has been core to our success as a company. As well as a long and proud history of hiring ex-military personnel, we also regularly provide secondment opportunities for those working in technology roles across the military.
The secondment programme provides many benefits for us as an organisation, the military, and the individuals involved. Most notably, these include skill development and the ability to share knowledge that ultimately helps protect UK society.
But you don’t have to just take my word for it. Why not hear from someone who’s actually been through the process? I recently caught up with Joseph Lanzon – on secondment from the RAF – to find out more about his experiences of working at BAE Systems and his key learnings.
Overview of your background and current role in the RAF
“My journey with the Royal Air Force (RAF) has been diverse, covering fields such as telecommunications, covert technical counter espionage, and DevOps – supplemented by a significant amount of self-learning that the RAF encourages. Currently, my role is within DevOps, where I am immersed in a dynamic confluence of strategic IT planning operations.”
How did you find out about the secondment?
“The pathway to software development opened for me through the Military system called the JHub coding scheme. This program also serves as a portal to various opportunities in the coding and tech domain. In late 2022, I was informed via email about a 10-week BAE Systems training course.
“After I discovered I was the successful applicant, I was elated to learn that the senior leadership team at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence reviewed my CV and transformed this training opportunity into a more tailored secondment. As well as enhancing my experience, this decision also highlighted a growing interest in welcoming more secondees from the Ministry of Defence (MOD).”
Is there anything that you wish you had known before?
“Reflecting on my journey, my prior experience and learnings seemed to harmonise well with the secondment. While the knowledge I gained was broadened, I sometimes wish I had more exposure to collaborative coding environments. Although I have previously been involved in coding projects within the MoD, our small size usually meant individual contributions towards a shared goal rather than intensive collaborative efforts.”
What have you been focusing on while at BAE Systems?
“At BAE Systems, my focus has primarily been on software development within an AGILE framework. This has involved everything from software development to Git usage and testing – all within four-week sprints. My current role within the organisation is a Front-End developer working within the CBA team.
“I’m constantly amazed by the team’s knowledge and kindness. On one occasion, during a sprint planning phase, personnel were brainstorming ideas and managing issues before they had even occurred. This forward thinking and collaborative mentality not only helps to ensure a smooth progression for projects, but also prevents major issues before they occur.”
What have you gained from the secondment?
“This secondment has been instrumental in refining both my technical and soft skills. BAE Systems’ approach has provided vital insights into effective project management and teamwork. While I have honed my coding abilities, I have also gained insights into the importance of collaboration, and the nuances of the AGILE framework.
“One such example would be during the sprint planning phase, where members of my team would get together and assign points to tasks. This seemingly simple exercise highlighted the importance of teamwork. It's not about individual brilliance, but about how everyone’s strengths and weaknesses – when combined – can lead to an outcome that's greater than any individual’s ability. It showed me the value of collective estimation, where everyone’s perspective contributes to a more accurate and realistic project timeline.
“The essence of teamwork I’ve experienced at both BAE Systems and in the military reminds me of this quote from Martha Goedert: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned?
“Undoubtedly, the importance of teamwork in the realm of software development stands out as the most valuable lesson. In an environment as dynamic as BAE Systems, every cog in the machine is essential, and the project's success hinges on effective collaboration and communication. I’ll certainly be taking these learnings – along with my enriched technical knowledge – back with me to the RAF.”
How do you think your experience at BAE Systems will benefit your career in the RAF?
“The skills and experiences acquired at BAE Systems are bound to be a significant asset in my future RAF career. Beyond the broadened technical knowledge, the exposure to collaborative environments will help me contribute more holistically to RAF projects. The entire experience has positioned me to be a more efficient, team-oriented IT professional within the RAF and beyond – which will benefit myself as well as the broader organisation.”
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