From Formation Reconnaissance Crewman and Crew Commander to Senior Customer Solution Architect

Military Background

Rob Loseby describes himself as ‘4D’ as he suffers from diabetes, dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia. That hasn’t stopped him from building a successful career in the military though. “I spent 25 years in the Army in the Armoured Corps working on armoured vehicles as a reconnaissance crewman, and finished up as a warrant officer class one (WO1) as the technical lead for the Army, working on battlespace communication systems.”

Recognising that he needed to leave the military at some point though, and despite the offer of 3 years continuance, Rob decided the time was right to pursue his career elsewhere. “After a couple of false starts I spoke to several people I knew at Fujitsu, as they told me they were looking for people with a military background and a similar skillset to mine. So I researched the company to find out more, and I really liked what I saw.”

Civilian Transition

To prepare for the transition from military life, Rob engaged with the Career Transition Partnership (CTP), attending a number of support events including a career transition workshop. CTP was also able to help Rob with ongoing career guidance which included rewriting his CV, and interview preparation and practice.

This invaluable support soon came to fruition as Rob was offered a role at Fujitsu in early 2013 as customer solution architect. Within 18 months Rob was promoted to become senior customer solution architect, and today he leads a team of 15 people. In his role, Rob is able to put to good use his military background by understanding exactly how certain technologies and applications are used.

Life at Fujitsu

Such insight is invaluable when it comes to developing and building IT-based solutions specifically for military use. But of even greater value is the set of transferable skills that Rob – and many other service leavers – can bring to the commercial sector. “I may not be as good at certain technical aspects as others, but what Fujitsu has recognised is the many transferable skills I’ve brought with me from the military. People management, report writing, appraisals, nurturing colleagues, developing people – these are all skills that military people have in abundance,” explains Rob.

As well as recognising and nurturing Rob’s skillset, Fujitsu has also been fully supportive of Rob’s medical and learning challenges. “The level of support that I receive in the workplace is fantastic, so my challenges do not become an issue for me to fulfil my day-to-day responsibilities.” This level of workplace support received by Rob is seen throughout the organisation as Fujitsu goes to great lengths to support its people with impairments or disabilities, often employing technology to overcome the situation.

Rob is now one of a number of champions for disability and inclusion across Fujitsu, and he has also completed the mental health first aid course: “It’s this level of support that sets Fujitsu apart from other employers, and they’re constantly striving to do better.”