LEAVING THE ARMED FORCES, RAF, NAVY, REME, MILITARY – A MUST READ

If you are in the process or evening considering leaving the forces there are probably lots of questions swimming around your head right now. 

Questions like;

Where do I go from here?

What is next?

What do I do now? 

All very valid questions and some not easy to answer.

I have spoken with many men and women leaving the forces and through speaking with them I have picked up a few little bits of advice that I thought might help or encourage others leaving the armed forces if you are little unsure on where start once making the decision to process out.

Here are a few suggestions on what to do next:

The process of transitioning out starts at least 12 months before you actually leave the forces so there is plenty of time:

Step 1: Make sure you do your research and think about what you want first:

Have a look into what industries interest you and see if you have the correct skills that will transfer over. If you have a specific area in which you would like to work research into the different companies within that sector and identify if they have any position you would be interested in. The more research the better, you can never be too prepared.

Step 2: Know what you want to do:

Your research will allow for this step. If you try to take an ‘any job will do approach’ you might end up in a career that isn’t right for you. This mind set will then leak into the rest of the process. If you set your sights on a certain industry or position this will make your search easier and less of a stab in the dark.

Step 3: Networking:

Networking can play a huge part whilst processing out; don’t be afraid to reach out and ask the questions. There have been many men and women in the same position you have been in feeling exactly the same way you do right now. LinkedIn is a great way to connect to people and find out relevant news about the industry you looking to explore.

Step 4: Don’t leap into the unknown, take small steps in the right direction:

There are plenty of opportunities out there so don’t just take the first thing you are offered as it might not be the right thing for you. Accepting a job that doesn’t interest or excite you isn’t the best idea. Don’t be afraid to explore the market, you initial research will allow you to explore many avenues to make sure that you find the right thing you.

In Summary 5 steps to think about;

When the time is right for you to continue your career away from the armed forces, then set yourself up for a successful transition.

1.      Start thinking about what you want early in the process i.e. 12 months

2.      Prepare by identify companies, networks, potential roles and opportunities

3.      Think about networking avenues, and pursue them i.e. careers events etc. Make a list of contacts to keep it focused

4.      Invest in social media, industry publications, trade associations and conferences

5.      Get started! You’ll find that simply starting the process is a great motivator and takes a lot of the fear out of change

All the best with the journey of swapping your forces overalls for civilian, public, private overalls! Good luck! 

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