Day in the Life – Senior Communications Specialist (Lauren Howard)
When most people imagine careers in aviation, they tend to think of pilots, engineers or air traffic controllers. But the sector relies on a huge range of roles behind the scenes – including communications specialists who help organisations explain complex ideas clearly, support teams across the business and connect with the public. One of those people is Lauren Howard, a senior communications specialist at Draken.
‘No day is the same’
Lauren’s role spans almost every area of the organisation. On any given day she might be helping HR with internal messages, working with IT and security to improve digital signage, supporting flight ops with media engagement or adapting training materials with the learning and development teams. She also works with marketing and event teams on global shows.
Her work involves regular collaboration with senior leaders across multiple countries, ensuring clear and consistent communication throughout the business.
Why people make the job special
For Lauren, the best part of her work is the people she interacts with. She describes her colleagues as incredibly clever and patient, especially when explaining technical subjects so that she can translate them for wider audiences. Many of Draken’s activities involve highly specialised knowledge, and Lauren is constantly learning: ‘They explain it in a way that’s not only informative but invigorating,’ she says.
A career shaped by curiosity and people skills
Lauren didn’t start her career in aviation. She worked first in journalism, then moved into digital marketing for a local council. She later worked in tourism PR – including the unique experience of having to persuade visitors not to travel to Bournemouth during the Covid‑19 restrictions – and then spent time in agency roles where she handled communications for technical clients ranging from gas analysis to laser technology.
Looking for a new job led her to find the Draken role. Despite having no background in defence or aviation, she was intrigued. After speaking to the team, she felt immediately at home: ‘I loved it and really felt like I could thrive here.’
What Draken does
Draken provides adversary training for militaries in the UK, Europe, US and the Middle East. They simulate real‑world threats – whether for pilots, ground forces or naval personnel – to ensure frontline teams are prepared for the most up‑to‑date operational challenges. Training includes full briefs and debriefs that help participants understand what happened and how they can improve. Lauren says that ‘we’re Top Gun – we play the bad guys,’ though the work is serious and highly skilled.
What young people need for a communications career
Communications is a wide discipline, and Lauren believes there is space for many different talents. She explains that it’s a great field if you enjoy writing, design, video, or simply meeting people. The most important qualities, she says, are the willingness to approach others, curiosity and the ability to listen.
Listening is especially vital: ‘You need to digest what’s being said so you can pass it on,’ she explains. Creativity is also essential for finding the right way to engage different audiences. And because communications attracts strong opinions, being a little thick‑skinned helps too.
Pathways into the profession
Lauren studied English literature at university, but she’s worked with colleagues in comms who’ve come from all sorts of degree backgrounds – and others who entered the field without a degree at all. Some begin at agencies in junior support roles; others move in from marketing, media or customer‑facing positions. What matters most is drive, interest and a willingness to learn.
What she would tell her 15‑year‑old self
Lauren’s advice is simple: don’t stress too much about exam results. ‘You won’t remember them,’ she says. The important thing is to work hard, try your best and not burn bridges. ‘You’ll get where you’re meant to go.’