Date: Thursday August 22, 2019 at 2:55pm
Thank you for speaking with NCNB today…You
served in the King’s Royal Hussars, how long did you serve for and what made
you choose to join the Army?
I
joined the Army in May 2005 and left in May 2013 so I served for 8 years. My
parents brought me some toy tanks when I was young which I was obsessed with so
I guess it stemmed from there. I was also fascinated with the Army at school,
in particular with some of the historic battles such as the Falklands and first
Gulf war. My Grandad also served in the RAF during the second world war & I
loved listening to his stories growing up. I have always been into my fitness
so the thought of being paid to stay fit and travel really appealed to me more
than anything else. One of my best friends was in the REME and he would come
home at weekends and tell me about his army life which I was very envious of.
What was your time like serving in the Military?
It was
amazing. An unforgettable part of my life. I made friends for life. I know a
lot of people expect you to say that but I really did. It gave me some
invaluable skills and it grew my confidence no end. When I joined I was
petrified and I remember thinking to myself during my basic training ‘how the
hell am I going to get through this?’ as it was relentless.
There was no respite
and the standards for everything was so
high I just wasn’t used to it. I also had some incredible experiences with my
regiment both in and outside of the UK. Some highlights in the UK was
completing my weapons intructors and drill instructors courses. Going to
Bovington for a 2 year Training Instructor posting was an enjoyable time and
spending a period of time with our regimental Close Reconissance Troop in the
BOC (Brigade Operations Company) was a great experience being in amongst the
brigades elite soldiers.
Travelling
is nothing unusual to the Armed Forces, deploying to places that your normal
person would not go to. What is the most memorable place you have travelled?
I was
very fortunate to travel to some very memorable places. Places like South
Africa, Canada and the Falklands. These places were huge highlights for me for
various reasons but I would have to say Iraq during Telic 10 would be my most
memorable for both good and bad reasons. Good reasons in that it was quite
something to experience an operational tour in a place like Iraq. We grew very
close, not just as a Troop but also as a Squadron and as a Regiment.
I also saw
us achieve a lot of good things over there within the local communities and
keeping people safe. From a bad point of view it was very hostile. We
unfortunately lost some very good people within our Battlegroup which was
tragic for us out there. Some of my close friends also got badly injured so
that part of it was not pleasant at all. That said all these experiences
allowed me to appreciate my family and friends much more than I did. Also life
in general. Sometimes we cruise and plod through life without realising how
lucky we are.
When leaving the Military in 2013, what was your
transition like and did you have an idea of what you wanted to do in Civvy
Street?
No, I had no idea what I wanted
to do. Certainly not initially anyway. Even though I was in an armoured Cavalry
regiment I was never very good with my hands and so I knew I didn’t really want
to do a ‘trade’ type of job. I had 12 months to plan my exit and so I started
to research the type of role which would suit me best. The Army were very
supportive in offering me resettlement courses and helping me plan things but
much of the preperations were done by myself.
I soon realised that because I
enjoyed the ‘social’ side of work I felt I could be quite good in field based
sales as it would involve meeting and speaking to new people. So I put lots and
lots of effort into researching these types of roles and found that software
was quite a lucrative industry to be in. Once I had found the area I wanted to
target the rest was easier. Undoubtedly I really think the beginning was the
hardest – trying to decide what I wanted to do. I am now very fortunate to work
for a wonderful company called Access Group, who are one of the top UK software
companies.
Upon leaving you were offered 2 jobs from your first
2 interviews. What advice would you offer anyone leaving the Forces?
Yes I
was initially quite nervous about going to interviews as I was doubting what
value I could add to a ‘civvy’ company with no real corporate experience.
However I quickly realised that most companies love military leavers as they
know and appreciate the skills we can bring. I attended two interviews and was
offered both jobs. I needn’t have worried as just being myself, talking about
my experience in the army, showing passion for what I had done and showing
passion in what I wanted to achieve moving forward was enough. Quite often
companies recruit ‘people’ first rather than recruiting for a role specifically
so providing you can come across in the right way you will always have every
chance.

Thank you so much for taking the time to talk
with us, any final words or wisdom you would like to share with the Armed
Forces Community for 2019?
Try not to choose a job because you think that’s all you can do. Lot’s of
military leavers accept ‘mundane’ jobs because they don’t feel they are worthy
of other roles or careers. Think big and aim your goals higher. Back yourselves
and enjoy the experience as you’ll be amazed by the results you’ll get.
Make sure you go into interviews prepared. By that I mean do your
research into the company you are speaking to, their history, their industry,
their competitors and their Senior Board members. The more you can find out the
better. You should also get yourselves set up on LinkedIn as 80-90% of
civilians now use this platform to network, job hunt, research companies and
recruiters also use it to view candidate information (people like me and you).
It’s a great tool and the more you can become familiar with it the better.
More
importantly than anything though, you’ve also got to show passion. Showing
passion and desire can leapfrog you ahead of other candidates who may have more
experience than you. One of my old Directors once said to me “Give me a person
with an average ability but with a burning desire and I’ll give you a winner
everytime”.