From Combat Boots To Business Suits

In our latest podcast episode, we speak with Matthew Quinn, who shares his journey from the Army to building a successful global sales training business - and the unexpected path that led him to rediscover a sense of purpose beyond his professional achievements. Matthew discusses how volunteering during the pandemic reconnected him with service and community, ultimately leading to his role as a retained firefighter with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Hosted by our wonderful host Jane Burns, this episode offers a thoughtful look at career transition, identity after the military, and finding meaningful ways to contribute alongside a demanding day job.

Hands up if you’ve ever poured hours into networking, tailored multiple CVs, researched endlessly and practiced around the clock for interviews… only to hear the dreaded words: “We’ve selected another candidate.” Despite his distinguished career in the Royal Air Force, Antony McCord has experienced the ups and downs of the modern civilian job hunt first hand. In our latest podcast episode, he shares 12 practical lessons from his journey - covering the honest realities of the application process to self-reflections and maintaining momentum. Whether you’re actively looking or simply want to learn from someone who’s been there, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

Have you ever considered becoming a consultant but haven't a clue how to get started? Do you ever wondered what a consultant actually does? Matthew Maynard gives a comprehensive overview of consultancy; revealing who is best suited to the job, how he got started, and best practice for success in the field.   

This week’s episode explores the theme of 'Great Expectations' with Chris Watson, who rose through the ranks to become a highly respected RSM in The Rifles. Leaving a hierarchical organisation like the Army for the corporate world brings its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to managing expectations during the job search and resettlement process. In this episode with Jane Burns, Chris shares his journey and lessons learned along the way.

Landing that first civilian role is always a huge resettlement milestone. However, your first job is rarely going to be your last. This week's guest, Christian Jetuah, delivers a masterclass in grasping opportunities when they are presented to you, and being unafraid to move-on in order to carve a civilian career path that is right for you. 

The finance sector remains one of the most popular with service leavers during resettlement. Many banks offer recruitment schemes specifically for ex-military candidates, as well as putting time and resources into building healthy armed forces networks. This week, Ken Neilson talks about his journey within the finance sector and why he feels it has offered him a great work-life balance in his civilian life. 

Thinking about a post-military career in renewables? You’re not alone. The sector is growing fast, and veterans have the leadership, adaptability and problem-solving skills to thrive in it. Jane Burns sits down with Tom Ogilvy to discuss his journey from the Army to Head of Operational Transformation at RES.

Tracy Thomson has been hiring ex-military candidates for the best part of two decades and is a firm friend of the Officers' Association Scotland. We joined her in the stunning Castle Room at Standard Life House to gain an invaluable inside-perspective on the hiring process, as well as gather expert advice spanning from sending in that initial application to handling salary negotiations like a pro. 

George Mackey brings us right back to resettlement basics with his fool-proof approach to kick-starting your civilian job search. He has packaged both his personal experiences and valuable lessons learned into 7 simple steps, entitled: O.N.W.A.R.D.S

Your host, Jane Burns, gives a sneak preview of everything we have in store for you in this pilot season of 'From Combat Boots To Business Suits', the podcast brought to you by the Officers' Association Scotland.    Officers' Association Scotland - Home