Success Story: Read about Ben's journey from the RAF to IT Managed Services provider Novosco
Category: Success Stories
Publish date: 24/11/2019
I came to understand quite quickly when I left my 12 year career in the RAF that the military conditions you. I was developed to work in a certain way, to live in a certain way and to present myself in a certain way. We all do it and it's why we can quickly recognise each other having never met. I believe it is the drive to uphold an ethos and core values during military service that makes us stand out from the crowd. The truth is: this is your biggest asset as you move into Civvy Street.
My transition from Military 'me' to Managed Service 'me' started in 2015 and it's safe to say it wasn't straight forward or easy. I learnt a lot about myself in the 4 years since I 'pulled the pin' and knowing what I know now would have been invaluable back in 2015 when I started my journey to Novosco. What would I tell myself now if I had that chance......something like this:
Dear Military 'Me'
The 7 Clicks to Freedom are done. Now here are 7 useful tips to getting that dream job:
- A military CV doesn't translate out here; it gets lost in translation. It may seem difficult to reduce the 'military' from a CV that is focused on 12 years of military life, but it needs to be done. Outline your transferable skills and the golden rule "no TLAs! (Three Letter Abbreviations)". Keep re-writing it. Keep refining it. Keep making it better.
- Military Service has made you self-aware. You know your strengths. Have confidence in them. You know your weaknesses. Have the confidence to work on them.
- Knock backs are part and parcel of the process. You were taught to be resilient and now is the time to employ that skill. Keep going. One foot in front of the other. Until you get there.
- Don't settle for something you know isn't right. If it's not the right role for you then you have to move on from it. If it's not the right company for you then don't stay there. It may take a few turns of the wheel but it's worth it. Seek Teamwork. Seek Excellence. Seek Respect. Seek Fun.
- You are transferring your skills into a new industry. You aren't the specialist. Be ready to learn. Proactively seek to be better. Ask questions. Seek training. Learn more. Become a specialist.
- Get ready to work for it. Life is a bit different outside of the military. Priorities are different. There is more focus on targets and I have used the word 'commercial' more times in the last 4 years then ever before! But the military work ethic means your are ready for it . You can be an asset to the right company.
- Respect. Integrity. Service. Excellence. The ethos and core values from a military career are your biggest transferable assets and they will help you stand out from the crowd.
Per ardua ad astra to a Fearless Champion of Better
Yours
Managed Service 'Me'
I joined Novosco as an End User Compute Project Manager in 2018. I was made in the RAF but found my place in Novosco Managed Service. And I don't look back.
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