Kellieann Hukins

MEng Mechanical Engineering – Warwick University

Kellieann joined the graduate programme in September 2010, after completing two summer internships while at university.

“The great thing about the Professional Excellence programme is that it provides you with the freedom to shape your own career. It’s a flexible scheme that allows you to explore a range of business areas. At the start, you’re allocated a graduate development consultant and a career coach to help you make some informed choices. There’s so much you can do here; it’s good to have their guidance and support.

“My personal goal is to work in Manufacturing Improvement. I’ve done a couple of placements in this area already, but have also used my other placements to build a broader knowledge of the company. I’ve worked with Civil Aerospace, Defence Aerospace, Marine, and Energy. At this stage of my career, I think it’s really important to experience as many areas of the business as I can. Doing placements in different departments and across functions is also a great way to network – I’ve already made a number of contacts in the business that I’m sure will support me as I progress.

“One of my three-month placements was in Norway. This was a fantastic experience for me as I got to immerse myself in a new culture and see how the global Rolls-Royce business works. As well as Manufacturing, I also got to work with Operations and Quality. From negotiating contracts and creating specifications to manufacturing and testing engine assemblies, to following everything up with service support, the experience gave a real view of the big picture. 

“Outside my formal placements, I’ve also participated in a project to promote STEM subjects within schools. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. This particular project saw me help some local year-nine students design and build a pedalo as part of a competition. Quite a few of us graduates and apprentices got involved and it was a really enjoyable experience.

“Whether you join the Professional Excellence or the Leadership programme, I would say that Rolls-Royce is an exceptional place to start your career. While there are obvious differences between the programmes – one focuses on producing specialists; the other on developing future leaders – in reality, once you’re part of the company, because they’re so flexible and open to what you want, it really is up to you make the most of the opportunity, whichever programme you’re on.”