Cyber Security Graduate Review

When I started at BAE Systems, my initial experience was poor. I moved across the country to Frimley for the job, having been given the option of Frimley or Preston as a base. I chose Frimley as it was slightly closer to home, however upon starting the role I discovered almost the entirety of my team was based in Preston, as was every other graduate on my immersion. This left me feeling rather isolated, and there was little attraction to going into the office. Had I not moved in with a friend and had friends in the area, I would have struggled.
The team I joined were friendly, but I had issues with the role being entirely different to what was advertised, and nothing to do with the field in which I'd graduated. This was very disappointing, and I felt that I had little support from the graduate team in trying to rectify this. Ultimately, I had to take my own steps to make a change to this. I was also chastised by the graduate lead for my area for not following proper procedure by going through them, even though I had tried to and felt abandoned and unsupported.
Since making that change, my experience has flipped. I work in a team where I feel valued and respected, and I am very, very happy to be a part of this team. I feel like I have had amazing opportunities, and whereas when I initially joined I had been looking to leave - I have now turned down other job offers to remain in this role as I am happy and challenged in this role and I am growing with the role.
Both managers were supportive of me dedicating 1/5th of my time to developing in the area that I wanted to develop into, supporting me to continue to grow and develop in my current role whilst also exploring other roles that I might enjoy at the end of the graduate scheme.

The people across the company are generally very friendly and welcoming, especially to graduates. Everyone is happy to talk to you and explain what they do.
In my new role, I have been able to see most of the various BAE sites up and down the country, and work with colleagues overseas. I have been able to contribute program management support to a high-level programme that influences every aspect of the business, and ensures that our assets and people are safe.

Absolutely. I can see how the work I complete supports the overall strategy of the company and national security.

The salary is very fair for a graduate scheme. We work normal hours. The perks and benefits are strong.

100% - the role I am in now has helped me hugely and given me good exposure to various aspects of technical and managerial cyber.

I did not feel supported in my initial role.
However, in the role I have changed into, I could not feel more supported. My team as a whole are amazing.

The culture, values, and atmosphere is great. It's a perfect fit for what I'd want in a workplace.

BAE is amazing for these factors - and not just talking about them, real action is taken to enhance and support them.

Yes

This is a great place to work. You can care deeply about the work you complete, and there is huge opportunities for internal movement and growth.

When I initially joined, the role that I started in was vastly different to the job I applied for. The job advert was out of date, with no mention of the team I wound up in.