I joined the FLDP scheme through the scenic route: I graduated from Strathclyde University with a Masters in Applied Chemistry then took a gap year to travel round Australia, after which I decided science was not for me so I went back to university and did a Masters in Business and IT. One of the classes covered management accounting, which gave me an introduction to finance and the key role that professional accountants play in an organisation, especially a large multi-national.

As well as the FLDP scheme I also applied for some audit jobs. The difference between BAE Systems and the other companies was clear even at the interview stage. The assessment centre for the FLDP was a full day but with only a small number of candidates chosen to take part. Along with other tasks, there were role playing exercises involving professional actors to put the candidates into realistic and challenging scenarios. That level of investment at the initial stage to ensure only the right people were being recruited demonstrated to me how seriously the FLDP scheme is taken. This, coupled with the range of opportunities within the business and the level of support offered towards becoming CIMA qualified, made joining BAE Systems an easy choice over the other companies.

My first year was spent working in Military Air Solutions, Central Finance Department, as a systems accountant. This role suited me perfectly. As I hadn’t come from a finance background it meant I had to get to grips with debits and credits! The job allowed me to use my IT training while I began to study towards the CIMA qualification and build my knowledge and experience of accounting. I was given real responsibility right from the start, being put in charge of a project to design, develop and implement a new financial software application.

I was then given the opportunity to spend my second year working in the US for Platform Solutions. My role was in central finance again, but at the front end, performing the financial reporting for one of our subsidiaries, processing journals and reconciliations. It was a good chance to practise using those pesky debits and credits! Living and working in another country was an amazing experience and I would highly recommend it if you get the chance.

My third year was spent working for BVT Surface Fleet as a project accountant in the Export Office. Moving out of central finance and working with other functions on a project has been an interesting and challenging experience. I am now in my final two-year placement back at Military Air Solutions as a project accountant working on the Typhoon contract. This is a management position where I will be responsible for the training and development of a team, albeit a small one.

The FLDP has lived up to my initial expectations and given a real head start to my career. I was concerned that because BAE Systems is such a large company it would be difficult to have an impact. However, the way the company is structured into small business units, it is possible to have a positive impact in any of the roles offered. The scheme is demanding though and does require candidates to be geographically mobile, which can be strenuous, but overall I’ve found that with BAE Systems you get back what you put in - hard work is recognised and rewarded.