By Jake Trybulski, Talent Acquisition

Building a career is rarely a straight line—especially for military spouses.

Katie Wickizer, a Communications Manager of Functional Partnerships at BAE Systems and a proud U.S. Air Force spouse, has mastered the art of adapting to life’s unpredictability, turning each new chapter into an opportunity for growth.

Originally from Indiana, Katie met her husband at Purdue University just two months before he left for basic training. Together, they’ve navigated many moves, including a recent one to Hawaii—a common—but separate story many military families can relate too.

Images showing some scenes of Katie's family move from Louisiana to Hawaii.

Today, the Wickizers embrace an active, outdoor lifestyle—whether it’s biking around the island, exploring hidden beaches, or finding their next favorite hiking trail. These family adventures, and the challenges of frequent moves, have only made them closer.

Embracing change and finding belonging

Katie’s professional journey is just as dynamic.

With a bachelor’s in communication and experience across a range of industries in onsite, hybrid, and remote roles, she’s built a strong foundation in her field. Yet, being open about military life hasn’t always been easy.

“Every time I joined a company, I felt I had to hide the fact that I was a military wife,” she says. “I danced around certain questions in fear of the employer ruling me out because they thought I wouldn’t be around for long.”

That changed when she began her career at BAE Systems in 2022. The company’s mission—“We Protect Those Who Protect Us®”—immediately resonated with her, but it was the interview process that truly sealed it.

“One of the panelists was a former military spouse. I knew I could bring my whole self,” Katie shared.

Katie started as a communications business partner for the Countermeasure and Electromagnetic Attack Solutions team and soon grew into her current manager role, leading a unit responsible for internal communications and executive engagement across the company. With the support of BAE Systems’ tuition assistance program, she’s also pursuing a master’s degree—a testament to her drive.

A moment that stands out for Katie is when her “work world collided” with her family’s military life. During a team call, a stakeholder referenced the family’s current duty station and mentioned the base commander her husband had just met the day before.

“What a small world,” Katie recalls.

Moments like this, where her unique experiences are valued, reinforced that she truly belonged.

But the real test of belonging came during the tough times. When faced with temporary duty assignments, a permanent change of station (PCS), and even a two-month period without household goods during a move, Katie’s team stepped up.

“I’ve felt nothing but support from my team and leadership. They always understood when I needed to adjust my schedule for family duties or during a PCS. That peace of mind is invaluable,” Katie reflects.

Advice for military spouses

Katie, a communications manager and military spouse, shares career advice for people navigating frequent moves. Text on graphic: “Be flexible and treat every move as a chance to build skills. Research early—look at local employers, not just job titles, and target roles that grow your resume. Consider remote work, but if it’s not available, get your foot in the door. The right entry-level role can lead to fast growth—and even remote options later.”

Katie is quick to challenge the misconception that all military spouses are just stay-at-home spouses.

“It just depends on what your family needs—and important to note many people have the same responsibilities without being a military spouse. But so many of us manage a full-time job, the house, an active parenting schedule, and our partner’s unpredictable assignments—often in a new place, without family nearby,” she says.

It’s a balancing act, but one that builds unique strengths.

When asked, “being a military spouse has made me exceptional at…,” Katie’s answer is clear: “Pivoting. I’m a planner, but I’ve learned you can’t get too attached to any one plan. You need a backup—and the ability to see the positives every time you switch directions.”

Here are Katie’s tried-and-true tips:

Focus on transferable skills. Don’t limit yourself to job titles—think about the duties and what you want to add to your resume. Seek roles that grow your experience and your value.
Be flexible and creative. With more remote work options than ever, opportunities are expanding for military spouses. If remote work isn’t available, lean on your creativity: Katie notes she started as an entry-level employee in a past role to get her foot in the door but advanced quickly enough that she was allowed to go remote when it came time to move.
Start early research. As soon as you hear a move is possible—even if it’s just a rumor—look up the local job market and major employers. It gives you a head start and reduces uncertainty.

Her message about BAE Systems to fellow military spouses is heartfelt and direct: “What are you waiting for? If you find a role here that fits, you’ll discover a culture that truly lives its mission. I say the company supports those who support us. And you’ll feel that, every day.”

Find your place at BAE Systems

Katie’s story is proof that careers and military family life can thrive together when there’s flexibility, real support, and a willingness to see every challenge as an opportunity. At BAE Systems, we’re proud to have team members like Katie—and invite you to explore career opportunities where your unique journey could take you next.

Visit our careers website to connect with our military hiring team, explore our remote and hybrid career opportunities, and learn more about how we support the military community today.