After serving ten years in the Royal Signals as an Electronic Warfare Operator, Matt made the decision to transition to civilian life in search of better work-life balance. His journey led him to Schneider Electric, through the Redeployable military academy, where he found not just a job, but a promising career path that aligned with his goals and values.
Military Background
During his decade of service in the Royal Signals, Matt achieved the rank of Sergeant and gained valuable experience in electronic warfare operations. His career included postings in Essex and Wales, along with deployments to Estonia. While he found his military service rewarding, the frequent deployments and time away from family eventually prompted him to consider a change.
"I've been to Estonia a couple of times, and the last time I only had really short notice," Matt reflects. "I didn’t want to be doing all of that traveling around all the time anymore. Being away every night of the week takes its toll in the end."
The Transition Journey
Unlike some veterans who have a clear civilian career path in mind, Matt initially explored various options, including roles in cybersecurity and project management. His breakthrough came when he connected with Redeployable through LinkedIn, leading to his current position as BMS Service Engineer at Schneider Electric.
The transition process was relatively smooth for Matt, partly due to having accumulated significant leave time, but also due to securing the role with Schneider so swiftly. He officially left service in March but remained on the payroll until June, securing his position with Schneider Electric in April.
Finding the Right Fit
What attracted Matt to Schneider Electric was the combination of comprehensive training and long-term career potential.
"I wanted to find another company where you could have a career. I didn't want to come out and then be bouncing around jobs every six to twelve months," he says.
The company's approach to training particularly impressed him.
"The fact that you didn't have to have any knowledge prior to it, they're training from scratch," Matt notes. "There's a 12-month training program, so I'm getting to learn a new skill, and I'm in a different place every day."
Life at Schneider Electric
Now six months into his role, Matt has found the work environment refreshingly different from military life. He appreciates the more relaxed approach to training and development, noting, "There's nothing like 'you must do this by then.' If you're not quite ready, they'll give you extra training."
The support system has been excellent, both from his immediate team and his cohort of other veterans who went through the Redeployable academy.
"We've all clicked instantly, the seven of us that are on it. We all get on really well, it's like we've known each other for years," he shares.
Looking Forward
Matt is excited about completing his training and taking on independent responsibilities.
"It's exciting the prospect of having my own sites and making my own changes," he says.
He's also impressed by the company's commitment to personal development, with opportunities to explore different career paths within the organisation.
Advice for Other Veterans
For those considering leaving the military, Matt emphasises the importance of early preparation: Don't wait six months to start trying to put things in place.
He also stresses the value of research and having a general idea of what you want to do, while acknowledging that timing can be challenging with the 12-month notice period.
Matt's successful transition demonstrates how military skills and experience can translate into a rewarding civilian career, particularly when matched with a company that values professional development and work-life balance.
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