Name: Mike
Degree obtained: Marine Engineering BEng (Hons)

Current role and title:

My current role is now is as Training Manager running the DESG Graduate Training Office and completing training courses in preparation for promotion to the next grade.

What attracted you to DESG:

The scheme offers the best and most diverse range of training placements. DESG is part of the MOD and has history and security running deep into its past. The opportunity of training placements all over the country and abroad was what I found really appealing.

Highlights of your career to date:

A 6 month placement in Carderock, Maryland, USA has to be the highlight of my training. This placement puts you about 15min drive from the centre of Washington D.C. Other highlights are driving across Salisbury in Warrior Tanks and “playing” in one of 95 linked simulators, fighting against some of my peers! Also being air lifted by Sea King from the deck of HMS OCEAN at the end of sea trials that I attended. Being part of a Graduate Discussion Group was also an excellent opportunity to meet new people and became a definite highlight of the scheme.

What you hope to achieve in the future:

Continue to experience engineering projects on a large scale and get involved in the management of these projects at the “coal face”. This will then allow me to achieve the role of Senior Civil Servant in the future and give all of my experience back to graduates entering the MOD.

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

The scheme is an excellent scheme. However you will only realise this if you put the work and effort in and take pride in what you do. The opportunities are endless so make sure you experience everything you want and some things you didn’t even know about. This attitude will ensure that you get the best experience and end up in a job that you truly enjoy.