From Wing Commander to Senior Resourcing Manager
Sarah's story
What were your main reasons for leaving the Service?
Seeking new challenges and concerned about the lack opportunities for women, without operational experience, at senior level.
Which training, experience or qualifications gained during your Service career are now useful in civilian life?
Experience: Managing and leading teams, dealing with multiple tasks in parallel, good time management, solving problems with logical thought, networking, delivering on commitments, running projects, dealing with change, turning up on time(!).
Training: All ‘staff’ training, training on how to communicate and how to write concisely and clearly.
Qualifications: MA.
Which aspects of Service life did you enjoy the most?
The people.
Which aspects of Service life did you enjoy the least?
Moving every 2 years. Lack of control over next role selection.
Did you undertake a civilian work attachment (CWA)? If so, please give details; e.g. what did the CWA entail and how did it help you?
I undertook a CWA with the company that had offered me full time employment. The CWA enable me to ‘sense check’ my chosen employment before fully committing to the new job.
How did you get your job at Santander, and what was the interview process like?
I was offered the job through a friend who is also a service leaver. The interview process was one informal interview and one formal interview. The informal interview took place over a coffee, the formal interview was with 2 Santander Directors and a member of the Santander resourcing team. It was a competency based interview.
What does your job entail and which skills gained in the military do you use?
I have responsibility for managing and tracking resourcing, talent and learning budgets; managing external suppliers and supplier contracts and project work associated with resourcing in Santander UK.
What obstacles did you face when settling into your job?
The pace of work was slower and decision making took longer. There is no clear hierarchy in business so it is harder to know who is accountable or responsible for work. Getting used to the commute into London and hot-desking!
What advice would you give other Service leavers?
Use your network and start early.