HR Graduate Review

My experience at BAE has been overwhelmingly positive so far. I have had the opportunity to get involved in a wide variety of projects, which has allowed me to build a broad understanding of the business and develop my skills across different areas. I’ve also been able to network with colleagues from across the organisation, gaining valuable insights and learning from a diverse range of perspectives.
The support I’ve received from my team and wider stakeholders has been particularly encouraging, and I’ve felt trusted to take ownership of my work while also being guided where needed. This has helped me grow in confidence and contribute more meaningfully.

I have my own function to support across all areas of HR, including managing the cyclical calendar activities and handling a wide range of general queries from employees and managers. This has given me strong exposure to day-to-day HR operations and the opportunity to build confidence in providing timely and accurate advice.
In addition to this, I am the lead on the Onsite Presence project, where I am responsible for coordinating teams, engaging with key stakeholders, and driving progress to ensure successful delivery which has given me great experience in working on strategic initiatives.
Alongside my core responsibilities, I also support with HR casework, including grievances and investigations. This has provided valuable insight into employee relations processes and allowed me to build my understanding of handling sensitive and complex situations in a professional and confidential manner.

My team have been keen from the start to push me and give me my own areas of responsibility. My role gives me a strong opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued within my team. Being the HRBP for my own function allows me to support key activities and provide advice, while leading the projects has enabled me to contribute at a more strategic level.

BAE Systems has one of the highest paid HR grad schemes in the country with additional perks such as overtime and access to private dental/medical making it a very fairly remunerated grad scheme.

The only difference between myself and a non-grad in the team is that my areas of responsibility are smaller. As I become more competent and confident I have been able to take on more work which means by the time I exit from the scheme I should be fully prepared for a future role.

There is a high level of support should you need it - everyone is given a buddy before they start who is from the same function, LMs are directed to provide designated time to speak to and support their graduates and there is the opportunity to apply for a mentor meaning there is always someone available to support you.

The work-life balance is very good. Graduates are expected to be able to complete the majority their work within the normal working day. As there is the opportunity to add up overtime worked and take it off on a later date this encourages graduates to have time off with LMs also being aware of the hours graduates are working and encouraging breaks where needed.

BAE is continuing to improve its inclusive environment and is positive and welcoming. As its a largely male organisation, having female graduates continues to support this improvement. Everyone I have met has been friendly and wants to help which makes asking for support easy.

There are a wide range of groups that support different communities within the company should you wish to join such as the gender equity group and the inspiring women group. There are also regular comms about different initiatives to get involved in.

Yes

I would recommend BAE to a friend because it offers a supportive and collaborative environment where you are given real responsibility early on. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in a variety of projects, which helps build both your skills and understanding of the business.
The people are approachable and encouraging, and there is a strong focus on development, whether through hands-on experience or exposure to different areas. Overall, it’s a great place to learn, grow, and feel that your contributions genuinely make a difference

It was clear from the recruitment process what the sort of work I'd be getting involved in was and I have been given more responsibility than I expected. The only thing that has not matched expectations was the site I was given is different to the one I thought I'd be at.