Professional appointments

I started on the DESG scheme early in September 2009 with a little apprehension of what to expect and where I would be working. These fears were soon allayed after I had completed the induction fortnight.

One of the core parts of the job is your work placements which allow you to move around and work with different teams in different environments (even outside the MOD). Since joining the scheme I have had many opportunities come my way; shortly after starting I went to the South Atlantic to work on some projects key to the operations in the Falkland Islands and Ascension Island. I spent 3 months on a remote part of the Falklands working with a small team of contractors and living with an equally small selection of RAF personnel.

It was a very strange experience to be so far away from home yet being a part of this small community on top of a mountain top. I won’t lie, the project demanded some hard work, but it was worthwhile; in the three months that I spent on this project I was introduced to all aspects of site engineering and the problems that you encounter when you are so far away from the UK (especially with the Falklands weather!). I did find time to explore some of the amazing places there are in the Falklands, I saw so many different type of penguins and wildlife in my spare time. Whilst working near the main base I made full use of the facilities that they have available, climbing walls, a swimming pool and a well equipped gym.

Whilst in the area I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work on a remote island just off the equator, called Ascension Island. It was an amazing little island, and the weather was nothing short of amazing (30’s consistently every day). I overcame daily challenges of project management on site – refurbishing a building isn’t as easy as you may first think. Whilst I was there I was able to explore the small island; the main highlight was seeing the green turtles laying their eggs, and when I returned at a later stage, to see them hatching! In my free-time Ascension really did feel a little like paradise island.

I’m currently project managing on an American Base in the middle of Suffolk, as a project manager I am dealing with all the day to day problems you face with any project large or small; ensuring I am organised and communicating effectively with the stakeholders whilst ensuring the project keeps moving. The base, however, really does feel like little town America!

Aside from the core work I’ve had the opportunity to complete various courses and visits that support the graduate development. These have included the Defence Capability Centre in Shrivenham; seeing the history of armaments, tanks and ammunition as well as hearing interesting stories from the front line from military personnel. Prior to my work in the Falklands I completed my military driving training course for Landrovers which involved 7 days of on and off-road driving Landrovers to their limits; it was an amazing course to learn about the vehicles and get them dirty.

What has impressed me throughout has been the diversity of work available throughout the defence estate. In only a year I have had an amazing experience during my placements and have had the opportunity to work with many different people and companies in various disciplines. It’s been an incredible learning experience.

My advice would be to look hard for placements, it’s a good idea to choose placements that will challenge you whilst also giving you the most back; it’s all about self-development at the end of the day.

I have no doubt been very fortunate in my first year, but there are similar opportunities available across all disciplines. I’ve had good support throughout and am well on my way towards Chartership.