The armed forces offers a range of career options which put shipshape graduates on a quick march to learning a range of skills beneficial throughout their working life.
Specialist training is offered to personnel and graduates can apply for a range of different career paths with plenty of potential for progression.
And, when staff come to the end of their service, these skills and achievements can often be transferred into different sectors.
A recent poll offered encouraging news to armed forces leavers looking to take their career to civvy street — 39% of ex-military staff surveyed said they had found jobs within a week of leaving, according to recruitment company Gemini Forces. More than half of those who took part had found work in less than two months
So whether you are trying to decide whether the military is for you, or you are about to complete your service or have already left and need help deciding what to do next, we've lined up a panel to advise you about building a graduate career through the armed forces.
The discussion is now open, so post your questions now to be sure of a reply.
Our panel:
Lieutenant Paul Reeves is a Royal Navy Marine Engineer Officer (Submariner). Paul is currently responsible for specialist outreach for engineering roles, which involves inspiring young people and graduates to consider a role with the Royal Navy. He has been in service for 16 years, during which time he studied for a degree in mechanical engineering at Southampton University.
Dominic Hamberg, south-east area manager for Gemini Forces — recruitment specialists for armed service leavers and recruiters looking to hire ex-military staff. Dominic is a Manchester Metropolitan University Graduate who served for nine years in the Royal Regiment of Artillery.
Major Tom Smith is currently serving as a staff officer at the British Army's recruiting headquarters. His services career to date includes becoming an instructor at the Infantry Training Centre and at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
Liz Norman is a regional manager for the Career Transition Partnership (CTP), which provides resettlement support for armed forces leavers on behalf of the Ministry of Defence. Services offered by the CTP include careers advice, vocational training and job-finding assistance. Liz has more than 25 years experience in career management in both the corporate and education sectors.
Hugh Andrée is the founder of ForceSelect, a recruitment consultancy which offers opportunities and mentoring for ex-service personnel. Hugh served as an infantry officer for 10 years after training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
Nick Lyons is regional director for the Wiltshire and Gloucestershire branch of Forces Recruitment Services, which helps find work for both those who have left the services, and those who are planning to leave shortly. Nick is a retired RAF squadron leader with nearly 20 years service on his CV.
David Bateson is director of Heyman Woodworth, a company which specialises in placing people with an armed forces background in executive leadership and managerial positions. David served in the armed forces before pursuing a career in the commercial sector.
More panelists to be announced.
