After 23 years in the British Army, Andy brought a wealth of leadership experience, resilience, and technical curiosity into civilian life, building a successful career in cyber security and helping others do the same.
Andy served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), working across a wide variety of units before completing his service in 2020 as a Warrant Officer Class 2. One of the most rewarding chapters of his military career was his time as a Phase 1 instructor at ATC Pirbright, where he played a key role in training and developing new recruits at the very start of their Army careers.
Why Andy Chose to Transition
Andy's decision to leave the Army was influenced by a mix of timing, opportunity, and circumstance. He had planned to transition into the National Cyber Force and successfully passed selection, but the COVID-19 pandemic halted the transfer and training process.
Having reached pension point and close to retirement age, Andy decided to move forward with his resettlement plans. Although he was selected for promotion shortly before going on gardening leave, an opportunity that could have extended his service, he had already secured civilian employment. With further lockdowns expected, he chose to commit fully to the next chapter.
Navigating the Move from Military to Civilian Life
Andy was unusually well-prepared for transition. His final Army role was as a CPD Warrant Officer, which included responsibility as a unit resettlement officer. For several years, he had been advising others on how to leave the forces successfully, giving him valuable insight into the process and time to plan his own move.
Even with that preparation, the reality of transition proved challenging, reinforcing just how different the civilian job market can be from military career structures.
Breaking into Cyber Security
Andy's first civilian role was as a Certification Technical Support Analyst at IASME, supporting Cyber Essentials and other certification schemes. Rather than following a traditional application route, he secured the role through networking, reaching out directly to the IASME CEO on LinkedIn to ask for work experience while on gardening leave.
That proactive approach paid off. The work experience quickly turned into full-time employment, marking Andy's entry into the cyber security sector.
Translating Military Experience into Civilian Success
Despite extensive leadership experience, Andy initially found that his military background worked against him. Many employers viewed him as overqualified, while at the same time lacking direct experience in cyber security, a common challenge for veterans changing sectors.
Once he had his foot in the door, however, his mindset, professionalism, and ability to learn quickly became clear strengths. Andy progressed rapidly, ultimately moving into his current role as Chief Information Security Officer at IASME, part of the Phenna Group.
Building Others While Building a Career
For Andy, the most rewarding part of his civilian career has been helping others build careers in cyber security. Using the lessons he learned during his own transition, he now supports people entering the sector, highlighting that cyber security is not a one-size-fits-all career and that there are many different pathways to success.
That focus on development and mentorship reflects the same values that shaped his military career, now applied in a civilian environment.
Advice for Veterans Preparing to Leave the Forces
Andy's advice to service leavers is simple and honest: "Don't underestimate networking. Conversations, especially with other veterans on similar paths, are often far more valuable than traditional job applications."
He also encourages people to be intentional about training and qualifications. Rather than following what everyone else is doing, take time to understand the industry you want to enter and tailor your development accordingly. Gaining even short periods of work experience can be invaluable in shaping the right path.
Above all, Andy stresses the importance of resilience. Rejection and setbacks are part of the process, but persistence pays off. His own journey, job hunting during COVID and facing repeated knockbacks proved that determination and adaptability can make all the difference.
Andy's story is another powerful example of how military experience, combined with curiosity, resilience, and the right mindset, can lead to a successful and fulfilling civilian career within Phenna Group.
Interested in building your career at Phenna Group?
Explore our Careers for Veterans, Service Members and Military Families page to learn how we support your transition.