We’ve partnered with Women in Data to foster gender diversity and inclusion within our data communities. By joining forces, we’re actively addressing gender imbalance within our disciplines and our sector. This collaboration provides a platform to support and empower women to pursue a career in data and analytics by offering networking opportunities, mentorship and resources for skills development. By leveraging the expertise and unique perspectives of women in data, we can drive innovation, enhance problem solving and ensure a more inclusive and equitable workplace, paving the way for a more diverse data industry as a whole.
BAE Systems manages an invaluable host of data from decades of work developing and delivering some of the world’s most advanced defence technology. Our customers expect us to keep this data safe and secure, so working safely online and treating data appropriately is essential. That includes how we’re enabling the adoption of advanced capabilities such as artificial intelligence and machine learning. Above all, we need to change how we think about data. It must cease to be a by-product of our business processes, and instead be seen as the lifeblood of the Company.
We all need to understand our role in the data ecosystem – recognising what’s valuable, how it can improve our work and how to protect it. More than anything, we need to think digitally and demonstrate that data is available to support our work throughout the lifecycle. We’re using digital capabilities to revolutionise our performance and products in order to better serve, supply and protect those who serve and protect us.
At BAE Systems, we help our customers stay a step ahead when protecting people and national security, critical infrastructure and vital information. We provide some of the world’s most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions and employ a skilled workforce of 93,100 people in around 40 countries.
Our ambition is to be recognised as a leading employer in the defence and security sectors for valuing diversity, equity and inclusion. At the heart of this work are our employee-led resource groups such as our Gender Equity Network (GEN). Their aim is to empower all, regardless of their gender, to be the best they can be and succeed within BAE Systems.
Role: Technical Integration Manager
Sector: Maritime & Land
I joined BAE Systems as an experienced ship systems Engineer, having worked in a variety of commercial roles both at sea and shore-side. My engineering role introduced me to the breadth of its really exciting, cutting edge digital and data projects and opportunities.
I took a management role with a team capturing data from naval ships and applying novel data science to generate predictive maintenance indicators. From there, I moved to a team investigating how, as a company, we could leverage digital thread and digital twin concepts to deliver our products more efficiently and improve the user experience for our customers and our employees.
I’ve been privileged to talk to many people across the sector, from director to developer, and I’m passionate about helping the business gain the value we can leverage from adopting digital best-practice. My engineering background has proven invaluable as I’ve worked to share this passion and focus with the engineers at the heart of our business, using data to develop wisdom as we deliver complex, nimble defence systems and keep armed service personnel safe.
As someone who has been through the learning curve (sometimes a vertical line!) of being introduced to digital and data concepts, methodologies and terminology, I’m in a good position to be a ‘translator’ for the breadth of stakeholders who can benefit from data and ask “what does that mean for me?”. I’m excited to connect with like-minded women across the data industry to share my experiences and learn from theirs.
Role: Data Engineer
Sector: Digital Intelligence
I’ve been working with data for the past 20 years, so you could say that data is my whole world – that’s why making our profession inclusive is so important to me.
I have valuable database programming, administration and tuning experience – oracle, SQL Server ant others. I have an OCA (Oracle Certified Assistance) and Oracle SQL Expert certificates. I also gained MCSA: SQL Server 2012 and MCPS: Microsoft Certified Professional.
On a daily basis I work on development tasks, such as programming in PL/SQL (Oracle) and TSQL (Microsoft SQL Server), queries tuning, and assistance to developers in writing correct query or designing a proper database structure, database maintenance – auditing, tuning, indexes maintenance, solving many database and query problems. I am also a Team Lead on a project in Poland.
It is good to see more and more women in data technology. 20 years ago there was far fewer, and I experienced first-hand the obstacles which faced many women at that time. I’m thankful this is no longer the case, and hope to make the profession more open and welcoming by supporting others, and being supported myself.
Role: Developer
Sector: Submarines
When I was younger, the landscape of job opportunities looked quite different to today. The field of data, or even IT, was nowhere near as prevalent as it is now. Job options were limited and the concept of a career in IT was relatively rare.
I decided to keep my studies varied, in the hope that I would stumble upon an area that would interest me. Fortunately, I started my career with a company that challenged and supported me to try different areas, allowing me to develop a huge appreciation for analytics and formulas and when the company introduced automated reporting I pleaded for the opportunity to get involved wherever possible. It was then that I discovered SQL.
The impact of SQL on my career cannot be overstated. Its role in data analysis, business intelligence and data science is pivotal. My passion for it led me to explore related areas like data warehousing, ETL processes and data visualisation tools. Convinced everyone else would be as excited as I was, I became a STEM ambassador to help younger children understand the possibilities of data. I also started holding sessions at work to teach people to become super-users of the new reporting tool.
Today I am proud to be part of the ever-evolving field of data, where the power of SQL continues to inspire me. It has not only shaped my career but also enriched my understanding of the limitless possibilities that data holds in transforming industries and driving innovation.
I’m excited to join a community of female professionals, create networking opportunities and support other women to connect, learn and grow in their careers.
Being part of Women in Data, is about making a positive impact on the industry, empowering others and advancing gender equality in the field of data science. It is a role that allows us to be a catalyst for change and a source of inspiration for future generations of female data professionals.
We know that diverse teams are more innovative and creative, and by encouraging more women to enter the data field we can help drive innovation and solve complex problems through diverse perspectives.
