Shane is a Deputy Project Manager based in Portsmouth.
'I was working for a subcontractor at Portsmouth dockyard around 2008, and the chance came up to become a full BAE Systems employee so I went for it. Straightaway I loved the teamwork and the culture of the dockyard, it felt like a big family, a really enjoyable place to work. My first major project once I joined was a three-year secondment to work in Saudi Arabia, reconditioning some of our ships. I was working alongside Bahrain and Saudi Arabia nationals, I was fascinated by the religion and the culture. It was an amazing experience to be working with people from such different backgrounds to my own, and it helped me develop some core values that I carry with me to this day.
It was difficult at times, as we were all missing friends and family, I learned how to build relationships, how to read people’s behaviours and how to respond appropriately in order to help them, not just encouraging people to have a stiff upper lip and carry on. Wellbeing is much more at the forefront of our business now and for me it started becoming something I was interested in on that first secondment.
I’m now one of the leads on the BAE Systems Employee Resource Group, ‘Embrace’, which focuses on diversity and inclusion. I do my best to educate people regarding different aspects of diversity and inclusion, helping them to have the emotional intelligence to understand how someone is slightly different to them or does things in a slightly different way.
We’ve run activities to highlight things such as International Women’s Day and Black History Month, we also look at mental health topics and try to remove some of the stigma. We’ve now got a calendar to help us plan our activities, to keep diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing on the agenda all year round. It’s important to me, I want to make a difference.
I’ve learned from every opportunity that the business has given me and made the most of them all. I’ve worked abroad, achieved a project management qualifications and done a degree, and had some fantastic coaches and mentors over the years. It’s a place where you get out as much as you put in. If you want to challenge yourself and push yourself there’s always someone to point you in the right direction, give you sound advice and help you fulfil your potential.'
Find your unique place
At BAE Systems we believe in the benefit of a diverse and inclusive team, and the creativity and innovation that it brings. We recognise and celebrate diversity and difference and want everyone to feel valued and empowered to thrive. Our team come from all sorts of backgrounds; they’re resilient, curious, hardworking, and all contributing to vital work that protects those who protect us all.
Hear from our inspiring people
Want to know more about what life is like at BAE Systems? Get the facts first hand from some of our current and former graduates.
Want to know more?
Want to understand more about job roles here at BAE Systems? Have a question about your application?
Our FAQs are a great place to start. But if you want a chat with our team we're always here to help.
Diversity, equity and inclusion
We want everyone here to feel valued and empowered to thrive. Who you are should never define what you can do. We believe when you bring together different people and different perspectives it inspires creativity and drives innovation. It helps us fulfil our purpose and it's integral to our culture. Everyone is heard and respected here.
Learning and development
If you’re curious, hungry for more responsibility, and prepared to step out of your comfort zone, there are endless opportunities to grow with us. At every stage of your career our first-class training, coaching and development programmes, role models and mentors will help you embrace your potential and take the next step.
Reward and benefits
Great work deserves benefits that go beyond your salary. Whether it's health, wellbeing, or financial security for you and your family – our flexible benefits help you focus on what's important to you.
Making an impact
Together we embrace every opportunity to have a positive impact. On the world around us, our communities, and each other.
Our mission
Our mission is to provide a vital advantage to help our customers protect what really matters. It brings us together and gives us purpose.
Our values
We share a set of values that define who we are and who we all want to be. They help us make the right decisions and take the right actions.
