Graduates

Current role and title

As a DESG graduate, I am currently doing a three month placement with Typhoon IPT. My key objective in this placement is to programme manage the Acquisition, Logistics and Introduction-to-Service of the Typhoon Secure Radios capability. To perform this task I am required to integrate with the front line on the RAF bases in UK and also with suppliers and manufacturers in Spain and Germany. This is a very dynamic and fast paced placement which makes every day different. At the end of the placement I am expecting to have gained in depth knowledge of how MoD operates with other nations and how to deal quickly and effectively with ever changing scenarios.

What attracted you to the MOD and DESG?

MoD is a huge organization and hence offers a variety of opportunities to graduates from all backgrounds. The graduate scheme offers numerous placements, each one being very different to the other and in different locations. This sort of flexibility was one of the aspects that attracted me to it. I found the scheme to be one of the best structured schemes in UK and as a graduate you can be assured that there will be a plan in place to see you through the two years of the scheme. Graduates are given the opportunity to select their own placements according to their needs and interests but at the same time guidance and support are provided by the DESG team and a Mentor whenever required. DESG team puts emphasis on continuous professional development and graduates can achieve this via experience in appropriate placements and by attending various courses offered through the scheme.

Highlights of your career to date

My first placement was with the Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator in Bristol. Here I got the opportunity to visit various nuclear sites in UK and in Gibraltar. I assisted in the nuclear accident exercises and writing assessments of how the exercises were carried out from a regulators view. During this placement I never had full week in the office! I had the chance to visit a nuclear submarine as well which was a very exciting day. Getting to see the launch of a Type 45 Destroyer was another highlight that made the day trip up to Scotland worthwhile. During the scheme, teams of graduates are required to do a project and present the results at the end of the year. Being on the winning team that was awarded for the Best Presentation was a very proud moment.

What you hope to achieve in the future

Currently I am on my third placement and I'm looking forward to many other exciting opportunities for the next year. I am working towards getting a Chartered Engineer's status and with the way the scheme is structured I am hoping to achieve this in the next 2-3 years. I will also be looking out for industrial placements through the scheme to gain further technical experience.

What advice would you give someone thinking of a career in the MOD

It is an opportunity not to be missed!! The MoD graduate scheme provides all the opportunities for you to become a competent professional. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career then you will get it in MoD.