Forces: Ex-RAF
Mark A - Squadron Leader
“Be honest about what you want from your new job and target jobs with those attributes; the interview will be easier if you actually enjoy what you are talking about.”
Background
Mark A left the RAF in December 2012, having served in the military for 21 years; firstly as part of the REME, spending ten years as an Aircraft Technician, and then for eleven years as a Communications and Electronics Officer in the RAF, leaving in the rank of Squadron Leader.
Having reached an option point in his career, Mark felt that the time was right to leave the forces and settle his family down. He had gained a wide range of experience during his military career, and felt well equipped to enter the civilian workplace, citing “problem solving, project management, people skills, leadership, people management and communications” as the main skills he gained during his service. He also highlights “the confidence and ability to deal with the unknown, or to manage people and projects in uncertain circumstances”. Mark had attained a number of civilian qualifications during his service, and these include various leadership and management awards, such as PRINCE2, City and Guilds Level 7 Award in Leadership and Management and a Post Graduate Diploma in Logistics Management.
Resettlement
As part of his resettlement, Mark attended a Career Transition Workshop (CTW) at RRC Cottesmore, which he found very helpful. He says, “the tips regarding CV writing and interviews were essential, as was understanding how to articulate your current package!” Mark also attended an Employment Fair at RRC Cottesmore.
To further enhance his CV, Mark also used his Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCs) to undertake IT training with a CTP preferred supplier, completing four modules in ITIL V3 Intermediate - Service Capability. He says “the courses were very well run, and highly useful both in my remaining time in the Service and for wider application in the job market.”
Outcome
Mark is now working as Senior Project Manager at the Co-Operative Banking Group, a role which he found through recruitment website Monster.co.uk. Having applied, Mark was invited for a telephone interview, then attended a selection centre and was subsequently offered the job.
In the new role, Mark is responsible for the management and delivery of large and/or complex projects end to end; this often involves multiple workstreams managed by either junior Project Managers or Business Analysts, along with financial responsibility and stakeholder management up to director level. When settling into the new role, Mark had to get to grips with the Financial Services industry and its regulatory requirements, and also says he initially faced obstacles in “understanding the hierarchy of the organisation without visual clues!”
When asked what advice he would give to other Service leavers, Mark says “Be honest about what you want from your new job and target jobs with those attributes; the interview will be easier if you actually enjoy what you are talking about. Understand how to articulate your current package and enjoy the challenges that the new job will bring.”
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