STEM Women Success Stories – L3Harris

STEM Women Success Stories – L3Harris

L3Harris have exhibited at many STEM Women Events in both the UK & Australia. In the UK, L3Harris delivers innovative defence capabilities such as life-saving electronic warfare, multi-mission robots, tactical radio communications, maritime automation systems and more from 11 sites. In Australia, they have excelled as a prime defence contractor, providing integrated tech solutions for over four decades, specialising in technology that connects and shapes operations spanning multiple domains: space, air, land, sea, cyber and first responders.

They proudly create a working environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed and be their best selves at work. Kate Payne, Head of Talent Acquisition, International, recalls their experience at STEM Women Events:

“The STEM Women events we’ve attended have always been very well organised and attended. We like that other Defence companies are exhibiting and the events feel smaller and more personal.”

At a STEM Women Event, employers have the unique opportunity to meet female STEM students & graduates sourced by our specialist team. Our events provide a high-impact hiring occasion for employers to meet hundreds of high-quality candidates in one day. We create the ideal environment for the next generation of STEM talent to network with inspiring and inclusive employers in-person, where purposeful conversations and lasting connections can be made in a supportive space for women.

STEM Women events are an opportunity to showcase your company to fresh, emerging talent: “Good branding and exposure to a new/different group where we are lesser known.” Our expansive network of female talent means that the events are a great way to expand connections across, introducing the company and their roles to both new and familiar candidates, and diversifying the early talent pipeline. “[They are] important; we enjoy attending.”

To other employers considering attending, Kate says:

“Definitely worthwhile attending, always a lovely welcoming atmosphere.”

Read ahead to hear Ella and Florence’s graduate journeys with L3Harris. Both of their career paths with L3Harris began at a STEM Women event!

From STEM Women to Systems Engineering: A Career Path Discovered: Ella’s Journey to L3Harris

When Ella attended the STEM Women event in Bristol in November 2024, she was hoping to learn more about the local STEM job market and explore the opportunities available after graduation. She did not expect the event to introduce her to the company where she would begin her professional career.

At the event, Ella visited a wide range of employer stands and spoke with representatives from companies across the STEM sector. One conversation in particular stood out. After meeting Sophie Haskey, Early Careers Leader at L3Harris, Ella learned more about the organisation’s graduate opportunities and the work being carried out across the business.

Following the event, Ella stayed in touch with Sophie through LinkedIn and received guidance throughout the application process. Shortly afterwards, she applied for an Associate Systems Engineer role and successfully secured the position.

“I wasn’t familiar with L3Harris before attending the event, but after speaking with representatives and learning more about the organisation, I became very interested in the opportunities available,” Ella said. “This chance conversation at the event led me to discover a career path I hadn’t previously considered, and it’s ultimately where my professional journey began.”

Ella joined L3Harris as an Associate Systems Engineer in September 2025. Looking back, she credits the STEM Women event with helping her gain valuable insight into potential career paths, connect directly with employers and secure a role before graduating.

She encourages students to make the most of every opportunity available to them.

“My advice would be simple: go. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Speaking to different employers helped me understand the range of careers available and what I was looking for in my own career. Most importantly, it introduced me to the company I now work for.”

For Ella, attending the event provided peace of mind during her final year at university. Knowing she had already secured a graduate role allowed her to focus on her studies and enjoy the remainder of her university experience with confidence about her future.

A Conversation That Led to Opportunity: Florence’s Journey to L3Harris

For Florence, attending the STEM Women Graduate Careers Fair in Bristol in November 2024 opened the door to opportunities she might not otherwise have discovered.

As a student exploring future career options, Florence valued the chance to meet employers from a diverse range of industries, including defence, energy, transport and technology. The experience helped broaden her understanding of the opportunities available across STEM and provided direct access to professionals working in those sectors.

“The variety of employers was my favourite part of the event,” Florence said. “It allowed me to learn about different industries and hear first-hand about the experiences of people working within them.”

Among the organisations attending was L3Harris. While Florence had limited awareness of the company at the time, conversations with representatives on the stand encouraged her to explore the organisation further.

After the event, she researched the organisation further and became increasingly interested in its technology, projects and impact within the defence sector. When she later applied for a System Engineering Industrial Placement role, she referenced both the event and the conversations she had with L3Harris representatives during the application process.

“The connections I made and the insights I gained at the event played a significant role in helping me secure my position at L3Harris,” Florence said.

Florence joined L3Harris in September 2025 and believes networking played an important role in her success. She advises students to speak with as many employers as possible and to take note of the people they meet.

“Connecting with representatives after the event and referencing those conversations in future applications can help demonstrate genuine interest and make your application stand out,” she said.

Reflecting on her experience, Florence encourages students not to become discouraged during what can often be a competitive recruitment process.

“Attending events like STEM Women can significantly increase your chances of success. They introduce you to companies you may never have discovered otherwise and allow you to

make a personal impression before you apply. You never know where a single conversation might lead.”

For Florence, that conversation ultimately led to a placement opportunity and the start of her career journey with L3Harris.

Be Part of a STEM Women Event

STEM Women host recruitment and networking events year-round. So, if you’re a student ready to explore careers in STEM, a recent graduate ready to make your move into industry, or an employer eager to tap into top talent, check out our upcoming event dates and locations. Join us next time for an unmissable experience!

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