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After nearly 30 years in the Royal Air Force (RAF), Darryl Adams left the Armed Forces to progress his career. Now Head of Governance at i3Secure, he shares advice for veterans, reservists, or military spouses hoping to do the same. Read on to learn how transferable skills and experiences gained in service can apply to a role in cyber security.
Knowing When It’s Time for a Change
I am fully aware that I would not be where I am today without my experience in the Armed Forces. Joining at just 18 and spending nearly three decades within the RAF Police, I have gained experience working in the UK and multiple international locations.
Through my time in the Ministry of Defence (MOD), my main goal was to provide a stable and secure environment for my family (wife and three children). Leaving the MOD was a hard decision. I was both excited and anxious about that transition. I had a lot of concerns over this period (i.e. How can I portray my skillset to civilian employees? How do my MOD qualifications translate into the private sector? What if I don’t pass the probation period?). To overcome my concerns, I spoke to ex-military personnel already employed in the private sector to gain their insight into how my skills would be transferable.
Networking and Transition Support
I firmly believe that I left the MOD environment at the right time. My family was settled in Bedfordshire, I had been completing a three-hour round trip every day for work, and I had no further career options that I wanted to explore in the forces.
After connecting with other like-minded veterans, I was put in contact with Cyber Security and Information Assurance Consultancy i3Secure, who work closely with the MOD and Defence supply chain. As a veteran-founded company that hires both veterans and civilians, i3Secure helped me at every stage of my transition.
The team explained how my skillset would transition from the military to cyber security and how they would support me. This included a training pathway to gain my ISO 27001:2013/2022 Lead Audits Cse and NIST Practitioner Cse, along with tips to make my LinkedIn profile more effective and attractive.
The i3Secure culture supports veterans and reservists, the Directors highly valuing the skills and ethics of the Armed Forces community.
Everyone in the team has access to a generous training budget to expand their knowledge and qualifications, a buddy/mentor from a similar background, and a veteran support network. They also understand the importance of mental and physical well-being. This is demonstrated by how the team works and the benefits offered, including the ability to work remotely so that employees have more time to spend with friends and family.
Transferable Skills from Military to Cyber Security
Some of the most important skills I acquired in the RAF, that transfer across all fields, include the confidence to be inquisitive through asking questions, and the ability to write and communicate effectively. Understanding effective governance, applying research methodology and writing and interpreting policies have also aided me in my consultancy role. It’s important for service leavers to remember that when you enter into a new industry, particularly cyber security consultancy, if you don’t understand something you need to ask those probing questions and seek clarity.
A Different Way of Working
When I joined the team, the main challenge I had to overcome was working remotely. Whilst it means a better work-life balance, working from home does require some adapting and isn’t for everyone.
I have been around people face-to-face for nearly 30 years and so became used to interacting in that way. A lot can be gained from in-person meetings and you can gauge the audience from their body language and tone.
Though whilst we work remotely, I’m often required to attend a client site. We also have team social events planned throughout the year where everyone makes the effort to get together in person.
Advice for Other Service Leavers
Having made the leap from military to cyber security by joining i3Secure, I would suggest like-minded service leavers consider:
- Being scared is a normal feeling when going into the unknown.
- Have a plan and research jobs that you might have a passion for.
- Speak to people that are already within the sector you are exploring. This should give you more confidence.
- Don’t think that because you don’t have the qualifications you’re not capable of going after the job.
If you’re considering a career in cyber security, visit our Careers page to find out more about what we can offer you and our current opportunities.
Darryl Adams
HEAD OF GOVERNANCE
Darryl is a proven multi-skilled security professional and has considerable experience in security risk management, information, physical, personnel security and investigations within the defence sector, which includes Defence Intelligence and Defence Infrastructure Organisation. Highly motivated, adaptable and methodical, he strives to bring into focus a more efficient and accelerated capability for his customers.
