What is your current role at Leonardo?
I am currently working as a Graduate Cyber Security Engineer at Leonardo’s Bristol site, and I also act as the first-year graduate representative.
Why did you decide to join Leonardo?
I decided to join the graduate scheme at Leonardo because I was excited by the opportunity to explore a diverse field and enhance my technical expertise within cyber security. This scheme provides me with a foundation to begin my professional career, and offers additional support to ensure further development. Furthermore, I was inspired by the opportunity to work on their innovative and advanced projects, and to take advantage of Leonardo's wide range of professional opportunities, alongside a balanced work-life environment and a supportive company culture.
What does a typical day look like?
As a graduate cyber engineer, I have been able to join various projects, and have had the chance to work with different types of engineers across the company to deliver a solution. Leonardo prides itself in using an agile working methodology, which I have found to be beneficial as each day brings new challenges, and I get to adapt my skills in a constantly changing environment. Within an agile environment, objectives are short term, facilitating transparent tracking of goals and progress. Additionally, as a graduate representative for Bristol, I take on the responsibility of ensuring that each graduate feels supported and heard, addressing and raising any issues that they may encounter.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I have enjoyed the positive working environment and the support that I have received throughout my time working at Leonardo. As this is a constantly changing environment, I have enjoyed tackling new challenges and learning new skills. Leonardo strives to maintain a diverse and inclusive workforce; as a result, it has brought a positive and supportive work culture.
What have been your biggest achievements at Leonardo so far?
One of my biggest achievements so far was being nominated for a Most Inspiring Women in Cyber 2024 award. This award celebrates women that are making a positive impact in cyber and are paving the way for young women in the industry. I spend a lot of my free time volunteering for various projects that aim to inspire and create diverse and inclusive communities within cyber security. Leonardo has supported me throughout my endeavours, encouraging diversity and inclusivity with cyber.
Additionally, I have worked with the STEM team at the Bristol site to plan outreach projects that will make a positive impact on the wider community and ensure that Leonardo are working to support the next generation of cyber engineers.
What are your career aspirations?
I would like to continue to develop my technical skills within different areas of cyber security. In the immediate term, I aim to develop my skills to meet the requirements of a senior engineer. In the future, I would like to develop my leadership skills and move into a managerial role. My main aspiration is that I would like to use my role within Leonardo to positively contribute to the wider community and encourage others to do the same.