From Combat Boots To Business Suits

What do you wish you'd known before leaving the military?
Transitioning from the Armed Forces to civilian life can bring unexpected challenges, particularly when it comes to job hunting, adjusting expectations, and navigating a very different working environment.
In this episode of From Combat Boots to Business Suits, Jane Burns speaks with Chris Watson, who rose through the ranks to become a highly respected Regimental Sergeant Major in The Rifles before transitioning to a civilian career.
Chris reflects on the realities of leaving a structured, hierarchical organisation and shares the lessons he learned during his resettlement journey. From managing expectations during the job search to adapting to a new workplace culture, Chris offers honest advice for anyone preparing to leave military service.
In this episode, you'll learn:
What Chris wishes he'd known before leaving the military
Common misconceptions about civilian careers
How to manage expectations during the job search
The challenges of transitioning from military to civilian workplaces
Lessons learned during resettlement
Advice for service leavers preparing for their next chapter
Whether you're considering signing off, actively going through resettlement, or supporting veterans in transition, this episode provides valuable insights into the realities of life after military service.
Keywords: military transition, service leavers, life after the military, veteran employment, resettlement, civilian careers, Armed Forces careers, military skills, job search advice, career transition, ex-military professionals, veterans in Scotland.
 
 

What if your first job after the military isn't the right one?
Many service leavers put enormous pressure on themselves to find the perfect civilian role straight away. In reality, building a successful post-service career is often a journey of exploring opportunities, learning new skills and being willing to change direction when the right opportunity comes along.
In this episode of From Combat Boots to Business Suits, Jane Burns speaks with Christian Jetuah, who shares his experience of navigating civilian employment and the importance of staying open to new opportunities throughout your career.
Christian explains why your first civilian role is unlikely to be your last and offers practical advice on building confidence, recognising opportunities and making career decisions that align with your long-term goals.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why your first civilian job doesn't define your future career
How to identify and seize new opportunities
The importance of career flexibility after military service
Lessons learned from changing roles and industries
How veterans can build confidence in civilian employment
Practical advice for creating a fulfilling post-service career
Whether you're preparing to leave the Armed Forces, searching for your first civilian role, or considering your next career move, this episode offers valuable insight into building a successful career beyond military service.
Keywords: military transition, service leavers, veteran employment, life after the military, civilian careers, career change, professional development, veteran careers, military skills, jobs for veterans, resettlement, career progression.
 
 

Thinking about a career in finance after leaving the Armed Forces?
The finance sector remains one of the most popular industries for service leavers, with many banks and financial organisations actively recruiting veterans and recognising the value of military skills.
In this episode of From Combat Boots to Business Suits, Jane Burns speaks with Ken Neilson about his transition from military service into the finance sector. Ken shares insights into his civilian career journey, the opportunities available to veterans, and why he believes financial services can offer an excellent work-life balance after leaving the Forces.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How military skills transfer into financial services roles
Why banks and financial organisations recruit veterans
What to expect when transitioning into the finance sector
The benefits of Armed Forces networks in the workplace
How to achieve a healthy work-life balance after military service
Whether you're preparing to leave the military, exploring your next career move, or looking for inspiration from veterans who have successfully transitioned, this episode offers practical advice and real-world experience.
 
 
Keywords: veteran employment, military transition, service leavers, careers after the Armed Forces, finance careers, banking jobs, ex-military recruitment, veteran careers, Scottish veterans, resettlement, civilian employment.
 
 

Looking for a career in renewable energy after military service?
In this episode of From Combat Boots to Business Suits, we speak with Tom Ogilvy about transitioning from the Armed Forces into Scotland's growing renewable energy sector.
We discuss:
How military skills transfer into renewable energy careers
Why employers value veterans
Common misconceptions about working in renewables
Career opportunities in Scotland's energy sector
Advice for service leavers considering a career change
Whether you're preparing to leave the military, exploring new career options or supporting veterans into employment, this episode provides practical insights into one of Scotland's fastest-growing industries.
#Veterans #MilitaryTransition #RenewableEnergy #ServiceLeavers #VeteranEmployment #ScotlandJobs
 
 

What do hiring managers really think when they read a veteran's CV?
In this episode of From Combat Boots to Business Suits, Jane Burns sits down with Tracy Thomson, a recruitment expert who has spent nearly two decades hiring ex-military candidates and helping veterans navigate the civilian job market.
Recorded in the stunning Castle Room at Standard Life House, this conversation provides an invaluable insider's perspective on the recruitment process, from submitting that first application through to negotiating a job offer with confidence.
Drawing on years of experience working with service leavers and employers, Tracy shares practical advice on how veterans can stand out in a competitive job market and avoid common mistakes that can hinder a successful transition.
In this episode, you'll learn:
What hiring managers look for in veteran applications
How to translate military experience into civilian language
Common CV and application mistakes service leavers make
How to prepare for civilian interviews
What employers value most in ex-military candidates
Tips for negotiating salary and benefits with confidence
Whether you're preparing to leave the Armed Forces, actively job hunting, or looking to progress your civilian career, this episode offers practical guidance from someone who has successfully recruited veterans for nearly 20 years.
Keywords: hiring veterans, military transition, service leavers, veteran employment, civilian careers, CV advice, interview preparation, salary negotiation, recruitment, Armed Forces careers, military skills, ex-military recruitment, veteran job search.
 
 

Not sure where to start your civilian job search?
Beginning the transition from military service to civilian employment can feel overwhelming. With so many options, conflicting advice and unfamiliar processes, knowing where to start is often the biggest challenge.
In this episode of From Combat Boots to Business Suits, Jane Burns sits down with George Mackey, who takes listeners right back to resettlement basics and shares his practical framework for launching a successful job search.
Drawing on his own transition experience and lessons learned along the way, George introduces his O.N.W.A.R.D.S. approach—a simple seven-step guide designed to help service leavers build confidence, focus their efforts and move forward with purpose.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How to start your civilian job search with confidence
The key steps every service leaver should take during resettlement
Common mistakes that can slow down your transition
How to identify career opportunities that suit your skills
Why planning and preparation are critical to success
George's practical O.N.W.A.R.D.S. framework for moving forward
Whether you're months from leaving the Armed Forces or have recently begun your transition journey, this episode provides practical advice to help you take the next step towards meaningful civilian employment.
Keywords: service leavers, military transition, resettlement, civilian job search, veteran employment, careers after the military, Armed Forces careers, military skills, career planning, veteran careers, employment support, life after service.
 
 

Welcome to From Combat Boots to Business Suits, the podcast helping service leavers and veterans navigate life after the military.
In this introductory episode, host Jane Burns provides a preview of what's to come in the first season of the Officers' Association Scotland podcast.
From career transition and civilian employment to personal development and finding purpose beyond military service, this series features conversations with veterans, employers and industry experts who share practical advice, lived experience and lessons learned from their own transition journeys.
Throughout the season, listeners can expect:
Career advice for service leavers
Veteran employment success stories
Insights from recruiters and hiring managers
Resettlement guidance and practical tips
Industry-specific career pathways
Lessons from veterans who have successfully transitioned
Whether you're preparing to leave the Armed Forces, recently entered civilian life, or supporting veterans on their transition journey, From Combat Boots to Business Suits is designed to help you build a successful and fulfilling future beyond service.
Keywords: military transition, service leavers, veteran employment, life after the military, Armed Forces careers, civilian careers, resettlement, veteran success stories, military skills, careers after service, Scottish veterans.
 
 
 
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