Angus Hutchinson, Global Training Manager, Commercial Banking at HSBC, shares his transition journey experiences and insights.
Tell me about your military career
I spent 18 years in the Royal Horse Artillery as a field gunner, leaving as a Major in 2002. While serving I was seconded to various training roles, including as a platoon commander at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and senior officer for artillery at the Combined Armed Tactics Course for majors.
Why did you leave the Army?
I had reached a point in where I could continue to progress in the Army, or start a new career. Plus I didn’t want to stay and risk no longer enjoying being in the Armed Forces, especially as none of the possible future roles appealed.
How did you get your first job after the Army?
A friend offered me a job at a small training company that worked mainly in the Far East, before I had even left the Army. Unfortunately, this was not the right role for me. There wasn’t enough work and everything was done on a tight budget, so I soon left.
What advice do you have for people transitioning from the Armed Forces?
Take advantage of all the resettlement training while you’re still serving. I didn’t because I had quickly secured a job, but this meant I lacked the skills to choose the right one for me. I later went on the career advice courses but had to pay for them, because I was no longer serving.
You should also research the roles and organisations that interest you. Look online, network and ask for unpaid work experience, or short term contracts.
