Turning a passion into a career
My experience at university naturally drove me towards a career in the defence industry. Studying naval architecture, spending four years with the University Royal Naval Unit Glasgow and having a personal love of sailing all helped shape my career ambitions.
BAE Systems and the Clyde shipyards are well-known for the work they do, and I'd already been fortunate enough to visit the sites during my degree. So when an opportunity came up to join as a graduate naval architect, I didn't have to think twice.
Learning through the programme
My role in whole ship Integration involved resolving design issues that affected the wider platform, giving me responsibility from day one.
One of the highlights of the programme was completing a three-month placement with the design implementation team - which gave me the opportunity to get hands-on with ships in production and gain a deeper understanding of the shipbuilding process.
The graduate programme places a huge emphasis on development. Alongside my day-to-day role, I completed engineering passport training, took part in stretch projects and received support towards professional chartership, including a dedicated mentor and funded professional membership.
The graduate programme provided a huge focus on development throughout and gave me opportunities to build both my technical and professional skills.JamieNaval Architect, UK
Growing through community
One thing that has surprised me is the number of opportunities available beyond my day-to-day role.
I've been involved in stretch projects, including helping organise a national graduate workshop, delivering an international conference attended by more than 800 delegates. I've also joined Employee Connection Groups such as ForcesNet and the Inspiring Women Network, which have broadened my understanding of how we support colleagues across the business.
The BAE Systems community extends far beyond a single site. Through my work, I've met colleagues across the UK and internationally, from Australia and the United States to Canada, where I now regularly collaborate with customers on our export programme.
Looking ahead
Having completed the graduate scheme, my focus is now on broadening my experience as I work towards chartership.
The project I’m currently supporting allows me to gain experience in a different stage of the engineering lifecycle and continue to develop my understanding of engineering design.
What excites me most is the variety of opportunities still ahead. The more people I meet and projects I experience, the more I realise how many different career paths are available within BAE Systems.
This is my BAE Systems story. Find yours by joining today.
Our colleagues share their personal stories on what drives them and why they chose BAE Systems.