By: Camille Schuster, I&S Communications Manager

In September of 2020, Linnaea Hance honorably separated from the U.S. Air Force after six years of service.

At the time, she didn’t realize the relationships she had built during her last assignment would help her to establish a career outside of the military.

As a former intelligence analyst, she gained a first-hand understanding of user requirements. As an acquisition manager and Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) program manager, she developed a broad understanding of government contracting and program management. Both positions provided an appreciation of the critical role that defense contractors play in mission success.

Hance is a natural leader. Aside from her time in the military and at BAE Systems, she’s been involved with volunteer organizations to inspire the next generation like Envision Lead Grow and Youth for Understanding USA. While attending the U.S. Air Force Academy, she served as a team captain on the NCAA Division 1 Women’s Gymnastics team.

During her time with the Air Force, Hance was able to talk with contractors she worked alongside, some of which at BAE Systems, and ask them questions about their role to determine whether it would be something she would be interested in after the military. She was able to keep an open mind during the discussions – a helpful part of her transition.

“It’s important to explore a bunch of different options and talk to as many people as possible to find out what their job is like,” she said.

Her other advice for transitioning service members: “Remember, even though not everyone will understand your military experience, you have marketable skills. The job you did exists in some capacity. It’s just called something different in the corporate world.”

Hance representing the AFRL at the TechNet Indo-Pacific conference in Honolulu, Hawaii in 2018.

Today, Hance is a program manager in the Intelligence & Security sector at BAE Systems. In her role she balances resources, identifies risks and opportunities, looks for areas of improvement, and ensures all contract deliverables are submitted on time. Additionally, she deals with personnel issues, oversees project budgets, and makes sure the team is meeting the government’s expectations for quality of work.

“I like working with my current team because they are all focused on the mission,” she said, explaining that it’s that common commitment that keeps her motivated and excited about this step in her career journey.

She also added that she appreciates BAE Systems’ overall investment in her success.

“BAE Systems is very devoted to personal and professional development, and I am really grateful for that,” Hance said.

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Want to work with leaders like Linnaea? Browse intelligence opportunities here.

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