Kaleigh, an ex-Army Police Officer, transitioned out of the Military in July 2022, and is currently working in a Sales and Partnerships role at SparkLayer, a B2B eCommerce platform.
She shared with us her story out of the military, and how she ended up in a tech company.
Check it out👇
What was your experience of signing off?
I was lucky, the process to prepare me for civilian life was pretty smooth.
I’d been in contact with the career transition partnership (CTP) for several months in the run-up, and they provided me with valuable resources and information. They even offered workshops on resume building, interview skills, and job searching. I also got pointers on how to translate my military experience into terms that employers on civvy-street would recognise.
In my experience, the military did a great job of providing the right tools to make my transition as smooth as possible, it allowed me to feel more confident about my future outside of the military.
Were there any challenges that stood out?
Yes! I wasn't entirely sure about what I wanted to do next in my career.
This made the job search process a bit more complicated; I found myself exploring all sorts of roles without much focus or direction. I didn’t want to settle for just ANY job, I wanted something that aligned with my skillset, interests, and long-term goals.
So it was a case of a bit of trial and error. I navigated different opportunities to figure out what really got me excited. It was in this time of reflection and self-discovery that I hit the jackpot and found the right job.
How did Redeployable get involved in your journey?
I came across Redeployable at an online career fair, Ben was speaking about his career in tech and how his military experience had helped him get there.
I thought it sounded really interesting, I’d thrived off career progression in my 13-year military career to date. So I reached out, and then that’s how I eventually came to find my new position here at SparkLayer. Redeployable pointed out how my skills aligned perfectly, I went for the role, and the rest is history really.
Redeployable's support was incredibly valuable during my transition from the military and while searching for a suitable role. What helped me the most was their dedicated career advice and guidance. They understood the unique skills and experiences I gained in the military and helped me translate them into what civilian employers were looking for. Their assistance with CV writing, interview preparation, courses and job placement was instrumental in securing a role that aligned with my goals and abilities.
Tell us a bit more about your role
I’m currently in a Sales and partnerships role at SparkLayer. I’m client-facing, chatting to people all over the world, nurturing relationships and establishing a thorough understanding of their business needs.
The company's dedication to innovation and excellence has created an environment where I can thrive and contribute effectively. Overall, my experience at SparkLayer has been both fulfilling and enriching.
What are the most valuable skills or qualities that the army gave you?
In my role as Sales and partnerships manager, several habits and skills acquired in the Royal Military Police have proven invaluable. These include:
👉Discipline: Military training instilled a strong sense of discipline and the ability to manage time effectively. This has been essential in meeting sales targets and managing partnerships efficiently.
👉Leadership: Military service emphasised both leadership and the ability to work effectively in a team. These skills translate seamlessly into working in a sales team and collaborating with partners.
👉Communication: The military taught me clear and concise communication, which is crucial in sales and building successful partnerships. Effective communication helps convey value propositions and address client and partner needs.
👉Problem-solving: Military training hones problem-solving skills, which are vital when encountering challenges in sales or partnership negotiations. The ability to assess situations and find practical solutions is a valuable asset.
👉Resilience and adaptability: The military exposed me to high-pressure situations, teaching resilience and adaptability. These traits are critical when dealing with the dynamic nature of the business world and its uncertainties.
👉Attention to detail: Attention to detail is paramount in both military and sales roles. Accuracy in understanding client requirements and partnership agreements can make a significant difference.
👉Ethical Values: The military's emphasis on integrity and ethical conduct is vital in the business world, especially in building trust with clients and partners.
These habits and skills from my military experience have provided a solid foundation for my role in Sales and partnerships, enabling me to approach challenges with determination, strategic thinking, and a commitment to excellence.
