In this Q&A, Celina shares what inspired her to join BAE Systems, how the company has supported her development, and why she believes engineering is as much about creativity and collaboration as it is about maths and physics. She also offers advice to other women considering a career in STEM and reflects on what it means to be part of an inclusive organisation working on technology that makes a real difference.
I have grown up with an interest in aircraft; from visits to Duxford Air Museum to making Airfix models. I specialised in Aeronautical Engineering at University and decided to pursue a career in the industry. When you think of fast jets, BAE Systems is one of the first companies that comes to mind. I came across the opportunity to do an Internship for the company and decided to apply. During my time on the Internship, I had the opportunity to learn about a variety of different projects around the business. It became quickly evident that the culture and behaviours the company encouraged were aligned to my own. Following my 12 weeks, I was offered a role on the Graduate Scheme. The Graduate Scheme had a clear structure and I could see how I would be developed and challenged throughout the 18 months. There were many roles to choose from, and since joining the company, the opportunities are even more evident both in the Air Sector and the other sectors in the business.
During my Internship I worked in governance and learnt about the frameworks and processes within the company. This was a good foundation to then build on during my graduate scheme where I worked in configuration and change management. This role also offered the opportunity to fly out to Eurofighter and work with our partner companies. I enjoyed the collaborative nature of the work and learnt a great deal working with people from different cultures.
During both my internship and on the graduate programme, I was part of the team organising the Engineering Awards for the air sector. This role outside of my day job was incredibly interesting. I met a range of people and was exposed to the world of event organising, while also having the opportunity to read and learn about the range of projects which had been nominated.
The Graduate programme was a brilliant way to transition from University to the world of working. I was given the space to learn, the opportunities to try my ideas and the support to promote improvements I had found. I completed the ‘Elevating Women in Leadership’ course last year which bought together women from different functions and levels of the Business. The course was very effective at drawing on all of our different perspectives, no matter how far through our careers we were, we were able to share the learning and build a Network of likeminded Women.
Following the Graduate Scheme I was nominated for the Future Talent Programme. I have just completed a year on the programme and have had the opportunity to meet people from some of the different sectors in BAE Systems, including submarines and Digital Intelligence – the company’s cyber security business. Being exposed to other sectors has allowed me to better understand the wider context of what our company does, and why it is important.
Within BAE Systems there are multiple employee networks. I have recently joined the Steering Group for engINeering as the Collaboration Zones Lead. The Group is a functional network open to all engineers across the different sectors of the business. In my role I organise sessions which provide the opportunity to network, share ideas or recent work.
Yes. BAE Systems is a large company filled with a diverse range of people. Being a predominantly engineering company, many people have similar interests, and with most people living locally, it is easy to do things outside of work together. This encourages people to be themselves at work, there is a real sense of community inside and outside of work. Additionally, the work is vast and varied; with so many different opportunities, there is a place here for everyone.
Outside of my day job, I had the opportunity to be a part of a programme which fits sensors to rowing oars. The highly competitive sport of rowing benefits from data collection and analysis to help improve the performance of individual rowers and crews. The micro electric sensor is attached to a rowing oar and collects data about the rower’s performance. The data collected includes oar depth, feathering/squaring, hand placements, power profiles etc. The system provides a live feed, allowing for corrections to be made on the water, accelerating the rowers progress.
Watching the application and integration of BAE Systems’ advanced technology into different industries is highly rewarding. Knowing the technological advancements we make can have far reaching impacts makes me feel proud to work here.
When going through school I thought engineering was mostly maths and physics; whilst they are certainly an important part, working for BAE Systems has made me realise how much more there is to engineering. In my three years at the company I have come to appreciate how much creativity is involved in engineering and how engineering is fundamental to everyone’s everyday life. Working at a company which, not only innovates technology for advanced machinery, but also seeks ways to introduce that technology back into ‘everyday life’, is fulfilling.
This year I had the opportunity to spend 3 weeks on deployment overseas to complete some testing. It was an incredible experience and I got to work with people from parts of the company I would not normally come across. They were welcoming and made me appreciate what it means to be part of such a large, exciting organisation working towards common goals.