From Army to HR Employability Manager, AFTER Programme at Barclays

"I left the military in April 2013, after 24 years. I joined Barclays in August, on a 12 month contract. After 24 years in the Army, I was initially concerned that I wouldn't be able to replicate the strong sense of teamwork in a civilian role. However, I've come to love working with the innovative, award-winning team I’m a part of at Barclays. I have the same ‘team feeling’ here as I did in the military.

 

My role here at Barclays is to focus on building the AFTER Programme. Transitioning back into civilian life can be a daunting experience for military personnel. The AFTER programme gives Service leavers the opportunity to experience what it’s like to work in banking, gain valuable work experience and most of all help them understand that they have many qualities that employers are looking for. It’s also a chance for Service leavers to network and gain exposure to Barclays, and for us to identify future talent. 

I work with Service leavers, organising two week Military Work Placements here at Barclays. Service leavers get exposure to current vacancies within Barclays and experience what it’s like to work for us. I also focus on how to best align current programmes within Barclays that would be suitable.

 

What I love about Barclays is that they have massively embraced the AFTER concept. It is great to be a part of the team and the company!"