The starter
These efforts made up a global 'Celebration of Service' and in the UK, members of the IBM UK Defence Team offered to visit the Career Transition Partnership’s RRC in Northolt and give their individual perspectives on working for a corporate employer such as IBM to leavers of the Armed Forces. 
The link to Northolt came through Antony Reynolds, who as well as being a senior manager with IBM, is also a reservist working with 600 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force, based at RAF Northolt. The plan was for a series of presentations by IBM staff to outline typical roles, provide insight into the day-in-the-life of an IBM-er, and offer a view from ex-Service personnel who now work for IBM on how they found the transition into a large corporate organisation. Service leavers would also be given the chance to discuss their transferable skills and ask any questions of IBM staff on a one-to-one basis afterwards. IBM also offered to fund refreshments and a buffet lunch for all attendees.
The CTP had held industry briefings and employment events at Northolt before but this was going to be different; never before had one company offered to provide so much expertise and advice to Service leavers on one day.
The main course 
A strong team of 28 IBM-ers arrived at RAF Northolt early on 24 February and at 10:00 everyone was ready to go. The Station Commander, Group Captain Tim O’Brien, opened the event and welcomed everyone, before handing over to Mark Palmer, Vice President Public Sector, Europe and his team who delivered a series of fascinating and informative presentations on what IBM does and how it does it.
Mark gave an overview of IBM illustrating the vast range of their global operation, encompassing not only Information Technology in all its forms, but innovative solutions to all aspects of business including consulting, project management and training. For example, IBM implemented the on-line tax disk payment system for DVLA, from designing the technology to the training of staff. Jan Gower, Vice President Public Sector, Health & Life Sciences, talked about typical roles in IBM, while Nadir Rizvi, Recruitment Manager, discussed the competences and behaviours that IBM look for and the way in which candidates are assessed.
Perhaps the most informative presentations from the Service leavers’ point of view were those of the ex-Forces people now working for IBM. Rob Jones and Nick Greaves (ex-Army), Toby Barnard and Duncan Baines (ex-RN) and Sarah Sunderland (ex-RAF) talked about their backgrounds and current roles. What came across strongly was that IBM need people with many competencies other than IT; in particular the ability to collaborate across the organisation, embrace challenge, build trust, communicate with impact and influence through expertise. These are competencies that many Service leavers possess.
After the presentations, Service leavers and IBM-ers broke out into small groups for a question and answer session in the conference room and foyer; judging by the noise level there was a lot being discussed! Squadron Leader Richard Willis, Media and Communications Officer at RAF Northolt, arranged for the IBM team to visit the Battle of Britain bunker at RAF Uxbridge in the afternoon, which gave them all a fascinating glimpse of RAF heritage.
AftersThe event was considered an outright success by all involved and feedback from the Service leavers who attended was very positive, including comments such as:
“A well coordinated event with excellent presenters and
a real eye opener to IBM’s opportunities, culture and people.
Best resettlement activity I have participated in with CTP.”
“An outstandingly useful day – more please!”
“It taught me a lot about the ‘softer’ side of the corporate world and
provided a lot of encouragement, which is needed as a Service leaver.”
Many thanks are due to all those involved in organising this event, including IBM, RAF Northolt, ISS catering, Force Development Centre and 600 Squadron.
Does this sound like an event you’d be interested in?
The good news is that IBM have agreed to hold another event on Friday 19th October 2012 – click here to view full details and book your place, and follow us on Twitter or Facebook to receive regular updates. 