Forces: Army
Stuart M - Corporal
"Even if you don’t feel you have the exact qualifications, your experience and knowledge of your time in the Forces can be far more valuable than any degree!"
Stuart Masterton served for 22 years in the Army. He now works for the
Atomic Weapons Aldermaston as a 1st Line Service Desk/ Project Support
Engineer and hasn't looked back.
Tell me about your time in the Army?
“I
thoroughly enjoyed my 22 years serving in the Army. I played a lot of
sports, and represented the Army in Motocross and Endurance racing. My
highlight was when I became Army Enduro Champion in 1993. I also
represented my Corps in Water polo and Swimming helping to win various
high profile events, and playing in many civilian tournaments.
Camaraderie was also high on the list, as well as having the opportunity
to see different countries and cultures, which is an experience most
people can only watch on TV.”
What was your resettlement process like with CTP?
“I
attended a Career Transition Workshop (CTW) and felt it was a great way
for people to gain knowledge for what life might be like outside the
Military. I found the CV writing very helpful, and took some really
useful information away to help construct my own CV. I was assigned a
Career Consultant to help with my transition. They were really helpful
and I took what I needed and was supported on what I asked for. I was
quite focused and knew what I wanted to do anyway. They were always
checking in to make sure everything was going to plan."
Since you have transitioned into civilian life, what job do you do?
“I
have had 3 roles prior to my current one, and all of them were high
profile employers. My current role is 1st Line Service Desk/ Project
Support Engineer for Atomic Weapons Aldermaston. I am now the Manager
responsible for maintaining the assets and maintenance of a National IT
System we provide and support, and I manage a team of Engineers that
carry out this functionality.
The Forces were very instrumental
in teaching me skills in all aspects that I continue to use this day;
Project management, resource management, planning, crisis management
just to name a few.
The main obstacle I found when settling into
this job was confidence. Most military personnel are served and do not
openly display ability to perform many tasks or roles. We know we can do
the job and do it well, but we don’t brag about it. It appears that if
you openly display confidence and ability in the civilian world, you get
noticed more.”
What advice would you give to other Service leavers?
“I
would offer this one piece of advice: The Military teach us an enormous
amount of life-skills without us realising it. Use that, and your
knowledge and ability of the job you want to apply for, and show that
off to any prospective employer. Even if you don’t feel you have the
exact qualifications, your experience and knowledge of your time in the
Forces can be far more valuable than any degree!”
More success stories