Future Leaders Graduate Review

3 placements in operational, commercial and strategic roles across a wide ranging variety of departments in the airline. I have worked in Global Sales Communication, as a transformation lead, leading a large scale, multi-airline sales synergies project for our B2B partners. Now in Revenue management, I manage the commercial relationship we have with other airline across Europe, including writing, negotiating and signing both interline and reprotection agreements.

My project management, communication, strategic thinking and time management skills have been tested, stretched and advanced during the program so far. I have been pushed by my peers and managers and given exposure to senior leaders and stakeholders not only within British Airways but also all across the airline industry. The trust put in me has allowed me to develop my confidence in delivering change and efficiencies successfully

I really enjoy my programme, it is so varied that you are always faced with a different challenge and opportunity to excel. The trust and value that the company puts into its Future Leaders Graduate scheme is clear to see, and evidenced by the exposure and time we get to senior leaders on a regular basis.

The programme is structured well from a BA standpoint, we have a manager who is tasked with keeping up to date with our development and they ensure we are getting the most out of the placements we are in. When it comes to the education provider, I would say that the organisation needs work. The structure of the course and the organisation of the teaching is something that could be improved.

A good amount of support is given, our line managers are informed about the studies we are taking part in, so they are aware that we need a certain amount of time allotted to our studies. It has been easy to be able to apply the learning we have from our course to a work environment, and interview colleagues for assessments

Ashirdge have been quite responsive when it comes to support. We have has personalised calls with BA and ashridge whenever there have been issues. The attitude of the staff is on the whole positive, however the group sizes are so big that it is often hard to get tailored support if required.

I think it depends on the modules we have had. When I was studying finance and strategy modules, it was brilliant. The course gave me so much knowledge, and forced me to investigate and learn about topics I had no experience in at all. That knowledge can then be taken and applied to my work, whether it be directly or as a wider understanding. Other modules are less transferable

COVID-19 has put a temporary hold on most of these. But before this, we had a very active grad community and a committee who would host regular socials. We also had skill bytes, "Lunch and Learn" sessions and forums where we had the opportunity to learn about different areas of the business The forums attracted key note speakers from senior management and external leaders too.

Yes

Great company, invested in its talent pipelines. It is an industry which constantly goes through change, and it a metronome with the global market. The tough times ahead for the industry are a great opportunity to really contribute to driving change, efficiencies and the sustainable recovery that BA and the industry is about to embark on.

Just give it a go! Do your research about what excites and interests you about the company and the industry as a whole. Be open to trying new things, there are so many areas of the company and industry that I had no clue about when I joined that are actually super interesting. You don't have to be an Av Geek at all, but you may find that you'll slowly turn into one ;)