From Army to Sodexo; Will’s story
Category: Success Stories
Publish date: 09/09/2020
My advice to anyone who has left the Service is to thoroughly research your options and prepare correctly. Don’t stop hunting, believe in yourself, but also be realistic about what you can achieve. Take all of the support, advice and guidance available.
Throughout my career in the Army I was lucky enough to gain a range of educational qualifications, up to and including Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). But in February 2013 I was in a quandary – I had reached the pinnacle of my military career and was at a crossroads.
Did I go for LE commission? Or did I leave the Service?
After considerable frustration, dilemmas and uncertainty, I made the leap of faith and submitted my termination. Immediately afterwards I went through a rollercoaster of emotions, at times regretting my decision but also looking forward to the future.
I quickly realised that I needed to engage with the CTP at the earliest opportunity.
Through the CTP, my mind was opened to the wealth of opportunities that were out there. I attended a range of career transition workshops, enabling me to gain an insight into the civilian workforce. I also attended a number of courses covering CV writing, interview skills, budget management and the initial 2-day resettlement briefing. I found these courses informative, helping to focus my mind on the future opportunities available.
One of the most influential people I met during my resettlement period was my CTP Career Consultant. She offered sound career advice, and helped me to identify my strengths and opportunities, as well as the transferable skills I didn’t realise I had. We are still in contact to this day.
Time flew by and soon I was on termination leave, creating numerous CVs for multiple job applications. I soon realised that I needed to tailor my CV to meet the requirements of the jobs I was applying for – it really is a case of one size doesn’t fit all! Becoming comfortable with self-promotion was challenging, but a necessary skill I needed to learn to facilitate my next step forward.
I secured my first role in the civilian world when appointed as the Education Manager at HMP Stocken, with Milton Keynes College. It was by engaging with the CTP workshops that I had identified the transferable skills that enabled me to secure this position, making the transition from military to civilian life.
Approximately 12 months later, I applied for a similar position at Sodexo-run HMP Peterborough. The values and ethos that Sodexo hold aligned with my own values and those of the Army. Their emphasis on quality of life and supporting their staff made it an attractive proposition.
I was successful in securing the position and quickly settled into my new role. Having spent over 23 years of my life within the military, working for a private organisation was a daunting but rewarding step into the unknown! The ongoing professional development that I have received since joining Sodexo is second to none. The organisation is a world leader in quality of life services, and actively supports military personnel in their transition to the civilian life.
My advice to anyone looking to take an opportunity similar to this is to just do it!
Don’t be disheartened by rejection when you are starting out in the civilian world – it’s not that you’re not right for the job, it’s just that the job isn’t right for you.
Looking for your first civilian role when you choose to leave the Services is a daunting prospect, but with the support of the CTP, anything is possible!
Will Graham