By Jake Trybulski

In May 2022, Jacob Seeley graduated with his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in project management from Southern New Hampshire University.

“I went back to school because I knew it could potentially give myself and my family opportunities we wouldn’t have had before,” Jacob said. “I saw people at work in leadership positions I knew I wanted to be in eventually. They had degrees and if I wanted to step into their role one day, I knew more education would help.”

Education met opportunity for Jacob in June 2022 when he began the Operations Leadership Development Program (OLDP) supporting the supply chain function, something he had been thinking about since he arrived at BAE Systems in 2018. To be considered for the OLDP, a bachelor’s degree is required.

“Within one week here, I had met someone in the OLDP and discovered how it could provide a career path I was really passionate about. I knew from then on it was something I wanted to pursue,” he said.

Now a year later, Jacob will complete his first rotation in the OLDP as a supply chain program manager/analyst in May 2023 and begin a new rotation as a procurement buyer come June.

Lessons learned

While he was set on the OLDP, Jacob wasn’t always sure what he wanted to do professionally.

After high school graduation in 2010, he spent time working for his father as a mechanic in the National Guard, and in a paper mill. His introduction to operations at BAE Systems came as an electrical assembler supporting one of the company’s air programs, after being referred by a friend.

“Everyone should be proud of their career journey,” Jacob said. “I learned there is more than one way to find success. My story benefited me because I was able to gain experience in places others might not. You don’t have to go to college right out of high school. It’s okay to get your foot in the door at companies and use resources like tuition reimbursement, mentorship, and development programs to grow your career.”

He’s one of thousands of BAE Systems employees to use the tuition reimbursement benefit, through partner EdAssist Solutions™ by Bright Horizons, to advance their career.

“My managers made it very easy,” Jacob said. “I had an initial conversation with my supervisor about my career aspirations. Then I found a school that fit my schedule and degree path, filled out an application on our benefits website, and was connected with an advisor from the school to help me pick out my classes.”

He continued: “Once the semester was over, I submitted my grades and a couple of supporting documents, and I was reimbursed shortly after. At my school, this benefit allowed me to graduate debt-free.”

Jacob mentioned there were a few late nights, some sacrificed weekends, and competing priorities while pursuing his degree, but he notes that the flexibility from his support system allowed him to succeed.

“Colleges now, especially with the online programs, really understand what life is like for adults dealing with work or raising families. They make sure to set up their programs with that in mind,” Jacob said. “It seems like a long process at the time, but it becomes very short when you think about the long-term benefits of having a degree. Your family and supervisors are supportive of that.”

When Jacob is away from work, he spends most of his time with his wife and kids. He describes trips to dance class, splash pads, the lake or zoo and “do-it-yourself” projects as hobbies. He looks forward to the future at BAE Systems and in his personal life.

“I’m excited to tell my girls when they’re old enough to go to school, that dad got his degree, worked full-time and was still able to take them places and provide for the family,” Jacob said. “I’m proud of that, and I’ll be going back to get my masters.”

A degree above

Lifelong learning is essential to personal and professional growth. These are a few more of our employees who have earned their degree with the aid of tuition reimbursement from BAE Systems.

From left to right, top to bottom: David, Middle Georgia State University; Sharisa, James Madison University; Jennifer M., Southern New Hampshire University, Liberty University; Jesse Fowlke, University of Missouri; Adam, University of Arizona Global Campus; Jessica, College of Southern Maryland; Deborah, Brenau University; Tyece, George Mason University; Brian, Pennsylvania State University; Daniel, University of Maryland Global College (formerly UMUC); Keith, Northeastern University; Jennifer L., Southern New Hampshire University; Gabriella, George Washington University; Laura, Georgetown University; Olga, Temple University. Congratulations to all!

Tuition reimbursement amounts vary based on degree and business area. Visit benefits.baesystems.com and filter by business area in the top right corner of the page to see eligibility levels. Select, "benefits for everyday life."

Employees can apply for the benefit as early as their first day with the company and are eligible for tuition discounts or reduced fees at over 250 partner institutions. At some schools, these benefits also extend to immediate family.

Interested in using tuition reimbursement? Find a career at BAE Systems that inspires you today. Join our talent community to stay up to date with the latest opportunities and receive career-related content.