Forces: Army
Michael O
"Service personnel have a lot to offer, you just need to sell yourself and articulate your military achievements very clearly. Remember, don’t think you have to settle for less just because you’ve been in the military; you have a great brand, use it."
Michael O left the Army after six years service. After attending a JP
Morgan Insight Day in Bournemouth, he was accepted into their
ex-military Transition Programme, a 6 month paid placement. Michael now
works for JP Morgan as a Technology Analyst.“Just before I joined the world of financial services and was introduced
to the concept of high performance working spaces with computer screens
all round me, I was in the British Army. I served for over six years,
where I gained core military skills and honed my trade knowledge in
procurement, supply and inventory management. Once it was time to leave,
I was referred to the Military Education Centre and the Career
Transition Partnership (CTP). I only had a vague idea of what I wanted
to do - I knew that I wanted to get involved in Information Technology,
although I did not have a clue how to get there.
“Once I was
registered with CTP, I got access to their website and attended a CTP
Career Transition Workshop (CTW). This workshop helped me to identify
and evaluate the qualities and skills I gained during my time in the
Army and enabled me to articulate them clearly on a CV. At this point, I
was still 'lost' as to how to make my transition to ‘Civvy Street’
successful.
''What are potential civilian employers going to want from me? Am I good enough? Can I fit in?'' These questions kept going through my mind day and night as I approached my last day of military service.
One
source that answered many of the questions on my mind was the CTP
website. The wealth of resources available to me was mind blowing and I
was always on the website looking for new opportunities.One
evening, I stumbled on an advert for an Insight Day with JP Morgan
Chase; a chance to get first hand information and exposure to the roles
available in financial services. I had heard numerous rumours that roles
in financial services were reserved only for Officers and the highly
educated folks. However, this did not deter me from attending the
Insight Day. 'What's the worse that can happen anyway?' ‘If I am told
that I am not good enough I can easily walk away’.
The insight
evening that was held at JP Morgan Chase in Bournemouth gave me a
totally new perspective about the financial services industry and how
much my military experience was transferable and valued in the firm. I
went on to successfully gain entry into the ex-military Transition
Programme as a Technology Problem Analyst, a 6 month paid placement that
was a fantastic opportunity for me. Working in technology, being a very
fast-paced space, brought with it its own challenges. However, there
was always an excellent bank of learning tools and materials available
for me to develop my knowledge. Everyone I met, especially the VETS
(ex-military employees), were always ready and willing to help me
understand their own function in the firm and how everything ties
together, as complex as it may seem. I must say the industry is very
dynamic. Every day comes with its own separate lessons and challenges,
which has been extremely interesting and rewarding. I have also learnt
that an invite for a 'cup of coffee' could be a deciding interview for
that new role you desire.
“My genuine advice to anyone,
especially the JNCO's out there, as I am a good example, is that it is
possible to excel in JPMorgan Chase. Do not believe the myth that
financial services roles are just for Officers. It can work for
dedicated, motivated and self-driven JNCO's that are ready for an
exciting challenge in Civvy Street.
Service
personnel have a lot to offer, you just need to sell yourself and
articulate your military achievements very clearly. Remember, don’t
think you have to settle for less just because you’ve been in the
military; you have a great brand, use it."The next
Military Insight Evenings will be held in Canary Wharf, London (in
September date to be confirmed) and in Bournemouth on 20th September.
Registration will be via the CTP website, which is quick and easy to
complete – keep an eye out for details. It would be great to see you
there."
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