At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop skills through impactful projects and fresh ideas in a dynamic business environment.
- Company: Join British Airways, a leader in the aviation industry with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounted flights, generous leave, and connect with a diverse graduate community.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and encourages personal growth.
- Why this job: Gain real-world experience and build networks while shaping the future of aviation.
- Qualifications: Predicted 2:2 degree or equivalent; must return to university post-placement.
The predicted salary is between 15600 - 19500 £ per year.
Duration: 11 Months
Location: London Heathrow
Salary: £26,000 Pro-Rata
Start Date: September 2026
Application Closing Date: 19th November 2025
What You’ll Be Doing
Over the course of this 11-month programme, we will help you to develop an enviable set of skills in a placement aligned to your studies, career aspiration and development needs. You will also gain exposure to different business areas and have involvement and responsibility for projects and work that will impact our business. We’re open to your fresh ideas and different perspective. You’ll be asked to challenge our current thinking and look for ways to improve on existing processes – enabling us to work faster, and more efficiently. You’ll have the chance to work with people at all levels of the organisation, from graduates to senior leaders. This placement is all about making things happen through working with others. At the same time, you’ll get to build networks with both our business placement and graduate communities. You’ll grow in confidence, develop technical skills and increase your corporate/office understanding. All of which will be excellent for increasing your future employability and progress in your leadership journey.
Who We’re Looking For
A predicted 2:2 degree, or equivalent, in any subject. You MUST be returning to university following your 11 month Business Placement. You will have the desire to try new things, challenge yourself and develop in a short time.
What’s in it for you?
- Be part of our graduate community and connect with peers across the business
- Get involved in sustainability and community initiatives
- Join colleague networks like LGBTQ+ 'Flying Proud' and ethnic minority network 'BeMe'
- Volunteer in schools and universities to inspire future talent
- Enjoy discounted flights and generous annual leave to explore the world
- Opportunity to continue your British Airways experience following your placement by becoming a 'Campus Ambassador'.
Boost Your Application
Do you have any questions or need advice? Join our weekly virtual drop-in sessions to talk to our recruitment team. Come along any Tuesday between 3:30pm and 4:30pm by joining the MS teams link. Visit our student website, Speedbird-Z. This is a one-stop-shop for students interested in a career in aviation. You can speak to our digital mentors, complete learning modules to help your application and find out what events we have coming up!
Be Yourself at BA
At British Airways we all have a part to play in creating an inclusive place to work. Diverse representation among our people is really important to us and we recognise that all our colleagues are uniquely different and bring their own originality, creativity and identity to work. Inclusion and diversity is a key driver of innovation and we’re committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they can be themselves. We’re looking for people from all backgrounds and cultures to join us and be a part of our journey to become a Better BA as we continue to connect Britain with the world and the world with Britain.
Responsible AI
At British Airways we want your personality to shine through, therefore, we recommend avoiding the use of AI to increase the success of your application.
Visa Sponsorship
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they will have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the Business Placement. Please also note that the completion of the placement scheme will lead the graduates to be eligible to apply for the role of Future Leader Graduate. Please note that the qualified role of Future Leader Graduate is not currently eligible for sponsorship.
Timelines for this recruitment process
Initial applications open between 3rd November and 19th November. If your initial application is successful, you will be invited to complete a video interview in November. If your video interview is successful, you will be invited to a face-to-face Assessment Centre in December. Across all stages of the application process, if you fail to submit by the deadline, your application will be automatically withdrawn.
Important
You can only apply to one emerging talent scheme, so choose wisely.
For more information please contact emerging.talent@ba.com
Business Placement - Future Leaders in City of London employer: British Airways
British Airways is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, particularly for those embarking on their Business Placement - Future Leaders programme at London Heathrow. With a strong emphasis on personal and professional growth, employees benefit from extensive networking opportunities, involvement in impactful projects, and access to diverse colleague networks, all while enjoying perks like discounted flights and generous annual leave. This dynamic environment not only encourages fresh ideas but also supports your journey towards becoming a future leader in the aviation industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Placement - Future Leaders in City of London
✨Get Involved with University Career Services
Uni career services are a goldmine for placement opportunities, especially in corporate leadership roles. They often host workshops and employer meet-and-greets, so make sure you attend—it's a brilliant way to connect with recruiters and get the inside scoop on what companies like British Airways are looking for.
✨Tap into Leadership Clubs and Organisations
Join student leadership clubs and societies; they’re great places to not only develop your skills but also meet industry professionals. Networking within these communities can lead to invaluable connections that might just land you a placement with a company like British Airways.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills Online
Use platforms like LinkedIn to share your insights on leadership trends or success stories from group projects. Engage with posts from industry leaders and brands like British Airways. This visibility can definitely catch the eye of recruiters looking for fresh talent.
✨Apply Directly on Our Website
When you're ready to apply for that dream placement, head straight to our website. We often have the latest opportunities listed there, so keep an eye out for roles at British Airways and be sure to submit your application early to stand out in the crowd!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Placement - Future Leaders in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Leadership Potential:In your CV and cover letter, highlight your leadership experience, even if it's from group projects or clubs. We want to see evidence of your ability to motivate and manage others, so include specific examples where you took charge or facilitated a group's success, whether in school or in your community.
Tailor Your Application to Corporate Culture:Research British Airways and make sure your application reflects its corporate values and culture. Use insights from their website or social media to inform your language and examples. This shows you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being part of their team.
Focus on Your Learning Journey:Since this is a placement, show us why you’re keen to learn and grow. Your cover letter should express your eagerness to gain real-world experience in corporate leadership and how you aim to apply what you learn. It’s not just about what you can bring to the table, but also what you hope to gain from the experience.
Be Clear About Your Availability:In your application, make sure to be upfront about when you can start and if you have any commitments that might affect your placement. This helps British Airways plan better and shows you’re organised, which is key in corporate environments!
How to prepare for a job interview at British Airways
✨Show Your Leadership Potential
In corporate leadership management, it's all about demonstrating your ability to inspire and guide teams. Come prepared with examples from your coursework or previous experiences where you took the initiative or managed a project — even if it was a group assignment. This will show British Airways that you can handle the responsibilities that come with the role.
✨Understand Organisational Dynamics
Brush up on concepts related to organisational behaviour and team dynamics, as these are crucial in management roles. Be ready to discuss how you would navigate conflicts or motivate team members in various scenarios; even hypothetical ones can showcase your thought processes. Use this knowledge to connect your answers back to how you would fit into British Airways’s culture.
✨Focus on Learning and Growth
Since this is a placement, employers are keen on your willingness to learn. Emphasise your motivation to develop skills and gain experience in leadership. Talk about what you hope to learn at British Airways and how this placement aligns with your career aspirations, showcasing that you’re committed to growing alongside the team.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Current Trends
Keep an eye on current trends in corporate leadership and management, such as agile leadership or remote team management. Being able to discuss these trends during your interview will show British Airways that you're engaged with the industry and ready to bring fresh ideas to the table. Think about how these trends could apply to their specific operations and prepare some thoughts in advance.
