LOCKHEED MARTIN

Where diversity contributes to mission success

By Paula Fagerberg

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a premier systems integrator principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, and integration of advanced technology systems, products, and services. Distinguished by whole–system thinking and action, a passion for invention and disciplined performance, Lockheed Martin strives to earn a reputation as the partner of choice, supplier of choice, and employer of choice in the global marketplace.

EMPLOYEES: 135,000 people worldwide. We are one of the largest employers of scientists and engineers in the U.S. Lockheed Martin plans to hire in excess of 4,000 entry–level professionals, co–ops, and interns this year.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: Ensuring an inclusive environment is a business imperative. Lockheed Martin engages with key schools, supports internships and co–ops, and offers employees mentoring and specialized development programs. Managers also conduct diversity dialogues with employees, and employees participate in local diversity councils and affinity groups.

WEBSITE: www.lockheedmartin.com/careers. Send resumes to www.jobs.lmc@lmco.com.

Why did you choose to join Lockheed
Martin?
I liked that it was a well-known company with a strong commitment to integrity, diversity, and employee satisfaction. Work/life balance is also very important to me, and there’s a great 9-80 work schedule that allows for three-day weekends
so I can visit my family. The company has adopted a work schedule that tries to accommodate most employees. I also like the fact that the company goes out of its way to ensure that its managers and employees understand the corporate policy to treat everyone with respect and equality. Diversity is what solves problems! People from different backgrounds and
with unique experiences will approach a problem with distinct viewpoints and ideas that help develop the best solution for the problem. Without diversity, the best solution may not be discovered.

I started as an intern and worked for six months. The assignment was interesting and not busy-work like some other
internship assignments can be. I accepted a full-time position working for the same group before I left my internship. They allowed me to work part time while I finished my degree, and then I came back to work full time.

Why is Lockheed Martin ranked as a top diversity employer?
We recruit heavily for people who will contribute to the company. The company knows the value of diversity and that it will need to appeal to minorities in order to leverage their unique attributes. With the focus on diversity and work-life balance, we’ve maintained high rankings in employee satisfaction—and this promotes increased productivity and success.

What sets the company apart from the competition?
Our integrity, work-life balance, diversity, and commitment to success sets us apart. The opportunities for young professionals to network within the company would surprise most students; there are organizations for new hires to network and meet other young professionals. Since Lockheed Martin has many divisions, the possibilities to expand into different areas or to move around the company are plentiful. There are a variety of ways to progress through the company.

What does it take to succeed at Lockheed Martin?
It takes hard work and good networking skills. Once people know your name and your reputation for good work, advancement becomes easier.

How did you come to join the company?
The company’s reputation played a great deal in my decision to work here, as did the many opportunities it presented. Now that staying at one company for your whole career is no longer the norm, Lockheed Martin seemed to be one of the few places where I could make a full career for myself working multiple assignments while still staying with the same company. Also, the work-life balance that was offered definitely resonated with me. And the final driving factor was the people—while all the people here are top-notch professionals,
they’re also great to work with, and that goes a long way.

Are you participating in a rotational program?
Yes, I’m currently in the Engineering Leadership Development Program (ELDP). This is a three-year entry-level training and development program targeted toward individuals who demonstrate the potential to fill future leadership positions within Lockheed Martin. The benefits of ELDP include rotational assignments, a technical development curriculum (which includes the completion of a Master’s degree), leadership development conferences, and mentoring.

Let’s talk about diversity at Lockheed Martin. Why is it important?
We have to pull in the best and the brightest from a myriad of backgrounds. Diversity at Lockheed Martin transcends race  and gender—it includes age, experience, critical skill sets, schooling, geography, and more. Lockheed Martin has a strong commitment to acquiring new talent from all areas as we strive to stay competitive in the marketplace. From the top on down, diversity continues to be a strong focus within our corporation. Our Corporate Diversity Council has representation from many of our company’s top executives, and is chaired by our CEO, which goes to show our commitment to diversity and creating an inclusive environment for all our employees. One of the many programs through which the corporation promotes diversity is Diversity Day. Each year, employees throughout the corporation celebrate our differences and highlight our unique talents with events and activities at Lockheed Martin facilities.

What’s your advice for people launching their career at Lockheed Martin?
For those with a technical background looking to head down the management track, I would definitely suggest trying to maintain your technical foundation in your early years, especially as our industry continues to evolve. You’d be surprised to see how many of our leaders have strong technical backgrounds, as many of them started in the company in a technical capacity. It’s a great place to work—I think the company’s focus on the development of its employees, especially our entry-level professionals, plays significant part in why we are a top diversity employer. Also, I believe our number-two ranking in BusinessWeek’s “Best Places to Launch a Career” probably doesn’t hurt either!

Now that you’ve been there for a while, what are you proudest of about working at Lockheed Martin?
The largest part of why I’m proud to work here is because of the work that we do in serving our country on a daily basis. While we’re not necessarily on the front lines, it’s certainly a good feeling knowing that the products we produce and the services we provide enable those individuals to perform their jobs to the best of their ability. I’m also happy to have acquired a great deal of knowledge about the business, the customers we serve, and the technologies we employ, and there’s more I continue to absorb with each passing day.