Starting your professional journey can be both exciting and daunting. Imagine beginning as a Placement student and, within a few years, leading key business transformation programs on an international scale. This is the reality for many who embark on their careers at Lockheed Martin, a testament to the power of their Early Career Development Program. Just ask Ben F., whose journey from a Placement Student to an Enterprise Resource Planning Risk Manager showcases the incredible opportunities available.
From Placement Student to IT Project Manager: Realizing Early Potential
Ben’s story began three years ago as a Placement student within Lockheed Martin’s IT business applications team. Right from the start, he was immersed in a supportive environment. Crucially, Lockheed Martin fosters a culture of growth, and with the encouragement of his manager and team lead, Ben transitioned into an IT project manager role. This significant step up brought considerable responsibility, pushing him beyond his comfort zone and accelerating his professional development. This early opportunity to manage projects is a hallmark of Lockheed Martin’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
The IT Engineering Leadership Development Programme (ELDP): A Global Stage
Lockheed Martin’s investment in its early career professionals is further exemplified by programs like the IT Engineering Leadership Development Programme (ELDP). Ben was selected as the first international participant in this prestigious program, a pivotal moment that propelled his career onto a global stage. ELDP provided him with the unique chance to collaborate directly with US colleagues, contributing to a critical business transformation initiative. This international exposure and high-level project involvement are invaluable components of the Lockheed Martin early career experience, offering unparalleled growth and learning opportunities. Furthermore, Lockheed Martin supported Ben in completing his university degree part-time, providing job security and demonstrating their long-term commitment to their employees’ education and career progression.
Fueling STEM Passion and Inspiring Future Generations
Beyond project management and leadership development, Lockheed Martin encourages employees to pursue their passions. For Ben, this passion lies in STEM outreach. As a project manager for the UK Code Quest and CYBERQUEST competitions, he actively inspires the next generation of engineers, scientists, and coders. Leading a team to execute nationwide events and create challenging problems for students has provided Ben with profound job satisfaction and a sense of purpose. This dedication to STEM initiatives highlights Lockheed Martin’s broader commitment to societal impact and providing employees with opportunities to make a difference beyond their core roles.
In conclusion, Ben F.’s trajectory at Lockheed Martin perfectly illustrates the transformative potential of the Lockheed Martin Early Career Development Program. It’s an environment where early career professionals are not just employees, but future leaders, given real responsibility, international opportunities, and the support to excel and contribute to meaningful initiatives, both within the company and the wider STEM community.
