PwC supports a successful transition from military to civilian leadership

April 4, 2017

Service leavers can find it challenging to translate their military skills to civilian employment.

What was the situation?

Marie Gallé served in the Army for 10 years as an officer, having previously worked in primary health care, IT, and comms. Marie describes her experience in the Army:

“My officer career was hugely varied with incredible opportunities I will remember forever. I have commuted to business meetings in virtually every British Armed Forces helicopter going, fired AK47s on an Afghan Police training range, dined at the British Ambassador’s table, and served tea to Prince Charles – and that was just on one of my operational tours to Afghanistan! I have been mentally challenged, adapting to a new role and surroundings every two years. I’ve been taken way out of my comfort zone canoeing through rapids in the wilds of Canada, patrolling in 40 degree heat and having the joys of a tree top assault course (I am terrified of heights).”

As she prepared to leave the Armed Forces, she was concerned about how her military experience could translate into civilian employment. She also wondered whether she would find a new role civilian role that was rewarding and challenging.

What made this Covenant disadvantage?

Service leavers can face uncertainty when transitioning into civilian employment, as their skills and experience may not easily be understood by civilian employers. This is unlike civilians who have experience of putting their skills to use in the civilian employment.

What was done to help?

The Army supported Marie with translating her military skills, and she received advice from others who had already transitioned from Service. PwC recognised her military skills, and she secured a job in Resource Management within the consulting branch of PwC.

Marie reflected on her experience and said,

“It wasn’t all plain sailing, a new culture, new language, new people and wearing heels instead of Army boots, all took time to adjust to. I found that I was an entirely different person from the one who had joined the Army. I was delighted to find, however, that my military experience and the skills that it had instilled in me, were not only transferrable but the key to my success. Calm under pressure, leadership, discipline, respect of others and sheer tenacity all helped me bed into the team and get to grips with my new world.”

What was the outcome?

Marie successfully transitioned into civilian employment and progressed within PwC. Marie began leading a team of three from the day she arrived, to seven in one year. The Army and PwC were able to support Marie through this transition process. Marie said that there is,

“Never a dull moment, always a new challenge or problem to be solved, and a fantastic team who respect and support each other. Whilst their corporate world is a million miles away from the Afghan desert, it is a world I recognise: challenging, progressive and value-driven. I now find myself just as at home in More London as I did in those Army boots!”

Wider information

You can read more widely about:

• Covenant disadvantage and special provision (the two types of case study in this database)
• Covenant support for the Armed Forces community: Civilian employment
• How businesses can support the Armed Forces community and implement the Covenant

Disclaimer: This case study is part of the Covenant case study database. MOD has developed the database to illustrate examples of good practice for organisations in scope of the Covenant. It serves as a guide for effective Covenant delivery, offering practical insights into achieving fairness for the Armed Forces community. Delivery of the Covenant may vary across the UK. This means there is no guarantee the solution outlined in this case study is available in your area.