H.W., Business Management
Having an industrial engineering degree, I focused mainly on companies that seek people with both technical and business skills during my interview process before graduation. Northrop Grumman's Business Management Professional Development Program was the closest match. Since it was the first time that Northrop Grumman was seeking engineers for business positions, they promised me that I would have the flexibility to experience rotations that are technical with a business focus.
The PDP program offers assignments in different areas within the business sector that gives me the opportunity to work closely with a variety of people, ranging from managers to contractors. In my first assignment I was the program planner for several programs. My main responsibilities included creating and maintaining schedules with inputs from lead design engineers, production planners and program managers. I have also expanded my business skills working as a financial administrator implementing internal/external financial earned value tracking reports. Other than rotational opportunities, The PDP program increased my visibility throughout the business sector. Since each Business Management PDP class has less than 30 graduates, management has the ability to get to know you on a personal level by assigning mentors to each Business Management PDP to help answer questions and share their extensive experience. This program also gave me the chance to help the Baltimore community through organized volunteering activities with the United Way and the Maryland Food Bank. Overall, my experiences with the Business Management PDP program have been incredibly positive and fitting with my current and future career goals.