From RAF Admin Clerk to Intelligence Officer in HMRC
Cassie's Story
What attracted you to HMRC?
During my resettlement period I was informed about the RISE programme. I was sent the job description for my current role and it was the first time during my resettlement that I wanted to find out more. I know how lengthy the recruitment process for HMRC is so had never considered applying. The programme gave me an opportunity to ‘try before you buy’ and have an informal interview. This was important to me as I was leaving the military on a medical discharge, I had concerns that it would impact my ability to continue with a successful career. I realised even at interview stage that HMRC and the Civil Service focus on your capability to carry out the role and there is a wide range of support if you need to make required adjustments.
What do you enjoy about working at HMRC?
The freedom of being responsible for myself and the opportunity to steer my career how I want to. HMRC allows flexible working, a chance to start a career in a field you have never worked in before and explore working in other business areas within the organisation.
How has your background in the Royal Air Force enhanced your career?
I am only at the beginning of my career within HMRC, but I have already taken on mentoring duties and undertaken every training opportunity offered to me.
Why should a Service leaver consider HMRC?
I started working for HMRC during the pandemic so did not meet any member of my team face to face until months afterwards. However, there was not a day where I did not feel like the support was there if I needed it and this is what makes HMRC a great company to work for while you transition out of the military.
What skills do you need within your role?
A willingness to learn new skills. You do not need to be a subject matter expert on tax to work for HMRC, but you do need to be willing and interested in completing the relevant training to carry out your role.
Why are Service leavers a good fit?
I came from a HR background within the Royal Air Force so did not think that I would have the skills to become an Intelligence Officer. However, I soon realised that most days in the Royal Air Force I had to be adaptable as not every day was just fulfilling my duties in a HR role.
HMRC encourages Service leavers to considering joining the reserves. Service leavers are often eligible for seamless transfer into the reserves. Is this something you would consider now or in the future and how do you think that might benefit your future career?
Unfortunately, this is not something I can consider due to the way I left Service. I would encourage anyone that is thinking about joining the reserves to explore the possibility of pushing themselves outside of their comfort zone whilst receiving full support from the company they work for.