Commercial Graduate Review
at BAE Systems
Graduate Scheme
Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
Warton, Lancashire
Review Submitted: June 2026
Overall Rating
4.7 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.8/5
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Overview of the Role
4.6/5
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Experience & Company Culture
5/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at BAE Systems?
My experience at BAE Systems has been very positive. I’ve received great support throughout, worked on a varied and engaging workload, and found the team to be friendly and always willing to help.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
My main responsibilities include supporting contract management and ensuring effective contract delivery for the TyTAN programme. The aspects I enjoy most are the variety within the role and the opportunity to be involved in different stages of contract delivery, as well as working with a collaborative team to achieve project outcomes.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
I feel I have a very strong opportunity to contribute meaningfully in my role, which is reflected in my 5/5 rating. I’m trusted with real responsibility in contract management and delivery for the TyTAN programme, and my contributions are recognised and valued by the team. The supportive and collaborative environment also reinforces that sense of value.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
4/5
I feel my compensation package, including salary and joining bonus, fairly reflects the work I do and the responsibilities of the role. The benefits provided are also a positive aspect. That said, during the recent pay discussions, it would have been beneficial to have the option to join the union, as this may have provided additional support in representing employee interests.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
I feel the role is preparing me very well for my future career, which is reflected in my 5/5 rating. I’ve been able to develop key skills in contract management and delivery, gain valuable hands-on experience, and build a strong understanding of how projects are managed within a large organisation. The support and exposure I’ve received have been particularly beneficial to my development.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
5/5
I feel I am developing both new and existing skills to a very high extent, reflected in my 5/5 rating. Through a combination of formal training and hands-on experience in my day-to-day role, I’ve been able to build my capabilities in contract management and delivery. The variety of work and ongoing support has been particularly valuable in accelerating my development.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
4/5
Overall, the support I receive is strong, which is reflected in my 4/5 rating. My line managers are very supportive and approachable, which has been particularly valuable in my development. However, I have not had a mentor assigned, and engagement with my buddy has been limited unless I proactively reach out. Strengthening these areas would further enhance the overall support experience.
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
My work-life balance is very good. I’m able to clearly separate work from personal time, and the flexibility offered through flexi-time supports this well. This allows me to maintain a healthy balance and manage my time effectively.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
The organisational culture is very positive, inclusive, and welcoming. As a hybrid employee, I’ve found there to be good flexibility in how we work, which supports both collaboration and work-life balance. There is a clear focus on creating an environment where everyone feels valued and included—this is reflected in initiatives such as the celebration of Pride Month in the office, which helps promote awareness and inclusivity. Overall, the atmosphere is friendly and supportive, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and respect across the organisation.
How would you rate BAE Systems initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
4/5
I would rate BAE Systems highly when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility. The organisation demonstrates a clear commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment, where individuals from all backgrounds feel welcomed and valued. This is reflected in initiatives such as the celebration of Pride Month and wider efforts to promote awareness and understanding across the workforce. From my experience, the culture encourages openness, respect and collaboration, and there is a genuine focus on creating a workplace where everyone can contribute and succeed.
How would you rate BAE Systems CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
I would rate BAE Systems’ CSR initiatives highly. The organisation demonstrates a clear commitment to acting responsibly and making a positive impact beyond its core business activities. This includes efforts in areas such as community engagement, sustainability, and supporting employees through various initiatives. From my experience, there is a genuine focus on contributing positively to society and maintaining strong ethical standards, which aligns well with the company’s overall values.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend BAE Systems to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend BAE Systems to a friend because of the supportive and inclusive working environment, the opportunity to work on meaningful and varied projects, and the strong focus on personal and professional development. I’ve found the team to be very friendly and collaborative, with plenty of support from managers. The flexibility through hybrid working and flexi-time also contributes to a great work-life balance, making it an overall positive place to work and grow.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
As a Commercial Graduate, I initially had limited knowledge of what the role would involve. However, the information provided throughout the recruitment process was really helpful in building my understanding, and the role has since matched my expectations very well.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to BAE Systems?
For anyone applying to BAE Systems, I’d recommend carefully reading the application and taking your time with it, making sure your responses are genuinely your own rather than relying on AI. The recruitment process provides a lot of helpful information, so it’s important to engage with that fully. As a Commercial Graduate, I initially had limited knowledge of the role, but the materials shared really helped build my understanding. During onboarding, I’d also suggest being proactive—ask questions, reach out to colleagues, and take advantage of any training opportunities. Overall, being prepared, authentic, and open to learning will really help you get the most out of the experience.
