A huge congrats to Ann for securing her role with Rolls-Royce. Here she gives us some useful insights as well as some good tips for future applicants.
Why did you choose this firm and this role?
I wanted to work for a firm that would allow me to have a dynamic and ever changing role. Rolls Royce is completely committed to evolving as a company, something I really value, and project management suits my genuine passion for working with interesting people.
What was the toughest part of the application process? And your favourite part?
For me, the toughest part of the application process was definitely the online testing- I'm a history student, and although I did A Level maths, the fact that I don't necessarily use my numerical skills every day meant that I had to work a bit harder to ensure that I was performing at my best. I really loved the half-day assessment centre. If I hadn't already been convinced that I wanted to work for Rolls Royce, this definitely would have sold me; as it was, I left wanting the role even more! The assessors were all so genuine and excited to tell us about the company and their roles and projects, which is always a really clear sign of an engaging company.
Were you surprised by anything in the process?
I was pleasantly surprised by the gender balance at the assessment centre. Engineering firms don't have the best reputation for gender equality, and I was half expecting to turn up and be the only girl there. As it happens, there were 4 women and 5 guys, which for me was a really positive indicator of how things are starting to shift.
What three top tips would you give your fellow Bright Network members?
1. Don't worry too much about your specific experience; I always tell people it's not what you've done, but how you talk about it. 2. Research the company before any type of interview! This is fairly common advice, but it gives you so much peace of mind going in. It can also be really useful to set up news alerts, so you can keep up to date with any relevant developments. 3. Have questions prepared to ask your interviewer- if I can't think of anything, I always default to asking what the interviewer does and why they like their job and the company. I find it a really useful way to tell if the company is going to be somewhere I'd enjoy working.
What was the toughest question you faced at interview?
What is the difference between a plan and a schedule?
