This week we were joined by former soldier, Farhat, as he shares his powerful story of service, resilience, and transition into a tech career at NEXT.

00:00 Intro
0:55 The Role of Network Security & Connectivity

1:30 Keeping Access Secure for Internal & External Users

2:10 Daily IT Challenges & Handling Access Requests

3:00 Journey to Working in Technology & Networking

3:45 Early Inspiration from Family in Telecommunications

4:15 Transition from Army Communications to Civilian IT

5:05 Joining NEXT as a Temp & Moving to Security

5:40 Navigating Job Changes Post-Military Service

6:20 Adjusting Military Skills for Civilian Work

6:55 Challenges of Moving from Military to Civilian Roles

7:25 Process of Army to Civilian Life Transition

8:05 Reflections on Eight Years in the Army

8:35 Differences in Army and Civilian Work Environments

9:10 Joining NEXT in Security and Moving to Networks

9:50 How NEXT Supported Career Progression in IT

10:30 Reasons for Staying at Next for Over 14 Years

11:05 The Power of Workplace Culture & Community

11:50 Farhat’s Path from Sri Lanka to UK Army

12:00 Challenges of Service

15:05 Honouring Fallen Soldiers

16:00 Supporting Veterans and Charities

18:20 The Importance of Mental Health Support

19:00 Staying Connected to Service Members

20:00 Career Path at NEXT

23:00 Advice for Joining NEXT