Forces: Army
Mohamed C - Rfn
Mohamed Conteh served in the Rifles Regiment for over 6 years but decided to leave the Army in pursuit of achieving his career ambitions in the world of finance.
Mohamed's Military Service & transition
Mohamed served in
the Rifles Regiment for over 6 years. He reflects on his military career
as life affirming, but not without its challenges:
“My
experience in the Army was challenging, but being in the Army has
shaped me and better prepared me for the rest of my life. It really was a
life changing experience and I wouldn't trade that for anything. The
comradeship, the support, the welfare and the team work were the best.”Before
enlisting, Mohamed aspired to be a Chartered Accountant and worked as a
Trainee Accountant for KPMG. After investing over 6 years in the Armed
Forces, Mohamed decided to leave the Army in pursuit of achieving his
career ambitions in the world of finance. In his transition from the
Armed Forces, Mohamed had to overcome a considerable number of
challenges. The first step was to complete a top up Finance and
Accounting honours degree, to refresh his knowledge and catch up to the
industry standard.
“My transition was
hard! I wouldn't say it will be the same for everyone as all our
circumstances are very different, but my transition was difficult”.In
addition to a tumultuous period of bereavement in his family, Mohamed
encountered issues with housing whilst attempting to relocate to London
for his studies - issues that were compounded by the challenge of
adapting to university as a mature student having served in the Army for
almost 7 years. Mohamed sought the emotional support he needed and
persevered. He attributes his diligence and determination to succeed to
the qualities instilled in the Armed Forces:
“I
was able to overcome all these issues as I was taught in the Army to
never give up. I was also attending counselling from the university
Chaplain”.The Project Fortis Experience
Having a clear objective kept Mohamed motivated.
“I
have always wanted to become an Accountant, even before joining the
Army. In my early twenties, I used to work for KPMG as a Trainee
Accountant and I really enjoyed it. So I always said to myself that I
would love to become a Chartered Accountant in the future”.Towards
the end of his Accounting and Finance degree, Mohamed was very
proactive in his search for employment. He used all the elements of
support available through the Project Fortis network. He got connected
to 3 mentors who could provide the career support, feedback and
introductions he needed.
One of his mentors, James, working in
Corporate Banking, had the perfect professional knowledge and experience
related to Mohamed’s career ambitions. James proved to be very
influential in Mohamed’s transition.
“James offered me practical advice and has given me a invaluable insight into potential opportunities in the world of Finance”.Mohamed
supplemented his mentor’s advice by attending a NHS Step into Health
Careers insight day hosted by Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. A
valuable part of the day was the opportunity to network with members of
the recruitment team, which provided a gateway into the NHS.
Mohamed's Progress
Mohamed’s
perseverance and resilience has paid off, and now he is working towards
achieving his dream of becoming a Chartered Accountant. He was
successful in his job application and has been working as a Finance
Trainee for NEL CSU - a NHS organisation that provides expert support
and advice to clinical commissioners. Mohamed has assumed his new role
comfortably, and has been working in this position since July 2016.
Mohamed’s
success can be attributed to his pro-activity. By connecting with
several mentors and attending a Project Fortis employer event, Mohamed
increased his chances of success – with very specific career support
from his mentors, he gained valuable industry insights and identified
what would otherwise have been hidden work opportunities.
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