I work within a bespoke trading entity in the MOD which is Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) based at Abbey Wood, Bristol. There we manage and deliver equipment procurement and a range of logistics services and support enablers to our Customers. I have mostly worked within the Commercial function who undertake the contractual and procurement aspects of projects, dealing directly with industry to build strong relationships with suppliers to ensure that our contracts deliver the best quality equipment and support to the U.K. Armed Forces.  

I’ve had the opportunity to be able to see and experience the equipment we procure first-hand. For example, I was working on procurements for tracked vehicles and was lucky enough to be taken around the test track on a Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicle. It very much makes it more real that the equipment we buy really does affect the soldiers serving our country. 

The placement has helped my studies in so many ways. For starters, it gave my studies more of a purpose for me. When I was in second year, I still worried about what jobs I would go into, but after doing a placement year, it motivated me to do well as I had a job which I knew suited me and my degree.  

To top this, the placement heavily influenced the topic for my dissertation; I was able to pick up on key issues within supply chains from personal experience, and I have been fortunate to have access to so many knowledgeable professionals offering me support and advice, and that were more than willing to help provide information for my primary research questions.  

Now I’ve graduated I will be continuing with the MOD. I’ll be moving into the Integrated Logistics function becoming more involved with the Supply Chain Management aspect so I can really make the most of the knowledge that I learnt with my degree."