Resettlement Success: From Royal Navy to FDM Group Ex-Forces Programme

Category: Success Stories Publish date: 31/08/2018

Ex-Leading Hand Danielle Sandy served for seven years in the Royal Navy before being medically discharged. She now works as the Deputy Regional Manager for FDM Group's Ex-Forces Programme.

What was your service like and what were your main reasons for leaving?

“I served for seven years in the Royal Navy in Electronic Warfare. I enjoyed the travelling aspect and the different experiences gained from operating across the globe. Unfortunately I was medically discharged from the Navy in May 2016 due to a shoulder injury.”

What was your resettlement journey like?

“I attended a CTP Career Transition Workshop (CTW) in Plymouth once it had been confirmed I would be attending MedBoard.


The CTW was very useful and the ongoing support from the staff at the RRC was brilliant.


“I felt comfortable in my abilities following the CTW to sell myself at interview and it gave me the confidence required to face the challenges of transition.

“Looking back, I probably didn’t use my Career Consultant as much as I should have. However, Jane was always in regular communication with me and always on hand to offer any advice required. She helped me write my CV, which ultimately got me three interviews in the space of one week following the CTW.

“I had used CTP MyPlan, which was very helpful and encouraged me to meet objectives within certain timeframes. I also found the LinkedIn hand out on the Resettlement Guide useful for building my online profile.”

What do you work as now, and what was the interview process like?

“I now work as Deputy Regional Manager (South) for FDM Group’s Ex-Forces Programme.

"Originally I attended an FDM Ex-Forces Insight Day in the summer of 2015 when I knew MedBoard could be an option. I decided to start networking early and this was the only Insight Day I attended throughout my transition. The plan was to apply for the programme as and when it was confirmed I would be leaving the Service. My recruiter was also ex-Navy and she had informed me that an internal role was coming up as a recruiter.

“I had three interviews all on the same day; one with the Global Head of the Programme, another with the Chief of Staff and finally with Head of Recruitment. Although I was extremely nervous, it didn’t take long to feel at home. All members of the team were professional and it was an enjoyable experience. I prepared well for my interview following on from advice at the CTW, which enabled it to be a positive experience.”

What does your job entail?

“I have been working for the company for just over two years and have already had two promotions within the team. My most recent role as the Deputy Regional Manager is to support the Regional Manager in the South with all Ex-Forces matters. I am responsible for the end-to-end recruitment, placement and on-going support of Ex-Forces personnel into the IT and Project Management sectors.

“My role is extremely satisfying and our award winning Ex-Forces Programme [Defence Employer Recognition Scheme - Gold Award 2017] recognises the transferable skills that Service personnel offer, and identifies those who have the skills and potential to excel within our clients’ organisations.

“I was fortunate enough to have very little obstacles when settling into this role, as I had a great team who were supportive throughout the transition. One difficulty I did face was the wording/ language used in the Commercial Sector and have had to learn a completely new set of TLA’s in Civvy Street.

“FDM provides an accredited pathway of training and job opportunity for ex-Servicemen and women helping and mentoring them transition into their second careers and it is great to be a part of it! The skills I have gained in the military have enabled me to progress quickly within the commercial world. Skills such as Stakeholder Engagement, being able to think outside the box, leadership, flexibility, change management and even a sense of humour goes a long way!


I now interview a number of candidates in my current role and can honestly say that the interview techniques taught at the CTW are exactly what employers are looking for! Selling yourself is key and the CTW in Plymouth were very good at getting the point across.


"I also found negotiating a package very useful, never having to do this previously made it awkward and it is important to know exactly what you are worth.”

What advice would you give other Service leavers?

“My main piece of advice would be to Network, Network, Network.

“Ultimately, my experience at an Insight Day opened up the opportunity for where I am today. I never applied for the role direct; networking got me into the role. A great expression I learnt throughout transition was to 'Never lunch alone'.

“I would also encourage Service leavers to look at The Armed Forces Covenant. There are a large number of organisations who understand the value of employing Service leavers and you can find more information on those by looking up the Covenant online.”