SaluteMyJob catches up with Simon who has not long completed our Cybersecurity Governance and Policy course. His strong work ethic and ambition to succeed is an inspiring story to ex-military personnel looking to make their mark in Civvy Street.
Simon Jones left school at 13, and a ‘rough’ council estate in South Wales at the age of 16, but he never let his challenging start to education hold him back, working hard at an academic level to catch up. Simon joined the Army, serving for 27-years, leaving in 2017. He told SaluteMyJob he had many accomplishments in his military career, but his greatest accomplishment was moving through the ranks from a Trooper to being the RSM then commissioning to be a Captain.
His transition into civilian employment was straightforward, with him spending his final two years of Service completing courses and preparing for life in civvy street, looking at first for management roles in ‘any industry’.
“I left the Army on the Friday and stupidly started my new job for a defence company on the Monday - this was not a smart move,” explained Simon. “I quickly found myself away Monday to Friday at trial sites and away from my family. I realised that whilst the job was easy and fulfilling, was it the right fit due to it being the same as the Army? The role at the defence company was engineering and the experience gained during my time really helped however, this cannot be backed up qualification wise. It was difficult for me to understand how all the experience I gained over 27 years in the Army is not recognised or backed up by more meaningful qualifications.”
Over the last few years, Simon decided to look at other options having worked as an Engineering Manager at two diverse companies: “I had completed a few cyber courses online and became interested in cybersecurity. I was also interested in what was on offer to be honest and I was not content with the current role I was currently in. I quickly realised how close my military career aligned with cybersecurity roles available.”
Simon recently completed the Cybersecurity Governance and Policy course, interested primarily due to his background in intelligence work in the Army. He currently works in Africa, with the course helping him become more IT Security aware. He added: “There is a lot of scamming and corruption here, so it is best to be cautious and ensure you protect yourself.”
Currently, Simon is a General Manager in Engineering of a Multi-National Tea Company in Kenya. He is responsible for the engineering operations of 12 Tea Estates with seven large tea factories. His main roles include maintenance planning, scheduling, servicing, and procurement in support of the engineering operations, as well as being responsible for the fleet management, facilities, security, and Corporate Social Responsibility projects. He told SaluteMyJob he uses many transferable military skills in this current role: “Leadership and management, also discipline, the ability to get things done on time has also been a key factor. There are so many transferable skills, especially engineering. During my time in the military, you constantly fix, service and maintain many vehicles and equipment but sadly we do not gain a relevant qualification in the process.”
Simon has a number of certificates and qualifications under his belt, including certificates in Leadership and Management, Security, and teaching and whilst in the military, he became a member of an Engineering Society which allowed him to gain an Engineering Managers qualification.
Looking ahead, Simon hopes to move into cybersecurity, with plans to complete further learning and gain more experience by researching and attending cybersecurity webinars, whilst also applying for cybersecurity roles.
“Cybersecurity is a good fit for ex-military personnel because it involves study, detail, and time management, this is something you learn in the military very well. Also, the skills are transferrable, especially the terminology which guides you in the learning process,” said Simon.
He offers this valuable advice to those currently transitioning into civvy street and looking to work in cyber: “Build up an understanding of the subject, gain as much knowledge and experience as possible, there are a lot of free courses and online work you can study but also, take your time and do not overdo it.”
If you are looking to get into cybersecurity, have a look at our free courses that will give you the head-start you need to begin your career journey in this exciting field.