By: Thao Ho, Recruitment Marketing Intern

As a college student, I’m always asking myself “what’s next?” Interning at BAE Systems has taught me that I’m only at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the opportunities that our company offers to early career members. I’m Thao Ho, a Recruitment Marketing intern, and I recently had the opportunity to talk to current participants from our Leadership Development Program (LDP).

The program is designed to accelerate the career of highly motivated recent graduates and develop essential leadership skills. This three-year assignment offers challenging and rewarding rotational assignments and opportunities to explore and gain experience in several functions within the chosen program. Participants receive valuable training, advanced education assistance, leadership opportunities and exposure, and mentorship to help prepare and build confidence as future leaders.

I asked LDP participants from various sites across the country to share their experiences to gain valuable insight into the different opportunities that are available.

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Jenna Bolster, 2nd year Operations Leadership Development Program (OLDP), Digital Reassembly, York

Q: What led you to join BAE Systems?

A: I was interested in defense and developing vehicles, and I felt that the culture was a good fit for me from the interview process. During my first rotation, I contributed to the team in various ways, pulling together reports to improve our quality standing and actions needed.

Q: What are your biggest takeaways from the LDP?

A: When you start working, you learn a lot about yourself and your work ethic. My communication and problem solving skills have grown through meeting people and building my network. I feel like I can reach out to anyone for help. From day one, my mentor has been there to give advice and lean on for guidance. COVID-19 created challenges with being remote, but it made me step out of comfort zone and reach out to people I normally wouldn’t have. You can't be afraid to ask questions.

Q: Do you have any advice for someone who is considering applying to the LDP?

A: Do it! Be yourself. The company knows you are learning and looking for the experience to develop.

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Christian Nault, 2nd year OLDP, Supply Quality Department, Sterling Heights

Q: What are your biggest takeaways from the LDP?

A: Challenge equals growth. You are expected to hit the ground running and excel at what you do. The company is investing in me, so I am going to do my best. I’m balancing multiple projects, and working towards a master's degree, so there’s a lot of work to be done, but it has built my confidence in knowing I can accomplish everything. I’ve grown professionally and personally more than I could have ever imagined. Face the challenge head on even though it’s tough, and it will be worth it.

Q: How would you like to see your career progress in the near future and long-term future?

A: My focus now is to continue to get as much exposure to the company as possible. One of the biggest draws for me to the program was having the opportunity to experience the different parts of the business to see what I like and, more importantly, what I don’t. I would love to be in a leadership position down the road where I could put some what I have learned from the program to use.

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Sydney Crady, 3rd year Engineering Leadership Development Program (ELDP), Survivability Engineering, Sterling Heights

Q: What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying to the LDP?

A: Remember that all the rotations have value. Soak up the knowledge, work on building skills and your network, even if the rotation doesn’t fall in line with your degree. Utilize your mentors and advisors when making rotation selections and to help with defining your path and building your career. Your mentors will constantly encourage you to look at the big picture, not have your head down. I’m asked for my opinion and encouraged to question why things are being done.

Q: What are some of your short-term and long-term career goals?

A: My short-term goal is to join a design team I’m passionate about and finish up my master’s degree. My long-term goal is to transition out of design engineering and into systems engineering, which is the stepping stone to program engineering.

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Frank Spicuzza, 2nd year ELDP, Systems Engineering, Minneapolis

Q: Did the program meet your expectations? How would you like to see your career progress in the future?

A: The program is based on acquiring a diverse set of skills and it was in line with my expectations. My mentors are invaluable resources. I hope to learn from this program, build a diverse background, and facilitate the advent of new technology. I want to be on the cutting edge and bring that cutting edge to the forefront.

Q: What are your biggest takeaways?

A: The LDP program creates the time and space for participants to develop countless relationships within the organization, allowing them to learn from one another, technical experts, and business leaders. Interpersonal relationships are a key part of the LDP’s success and developing future leaders, which is why it is a key focus of the program. It really exemplifies the fact that we need each other to be successful and that in everything we do, when we communicate effectively and execute in concert we can accomplish so much more.

Join the Mission

Are you ready to take your career to the next level? View open LDP opportunities and and sign up for our talent community below.

In mid-July we will begin the application period for the program in Finance, Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Contracts, and hold information sessions for you to learn more from program participants.