A budding barrister in training, Gareth changed direction and joined the RAF in August 2001 as a Chinook pilot. The next 13 years took in multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and an evacuation mission in Beirut.
“The RAF was busy and interesting – all the things it is supposed to be – but I felt I had achieved my goals and was looking for a new challenge, one that would be a good fit having worked in a dynamic role and environment,” says Gareth.
The City was already on the radar from his barrister days, plus his brother was working for an investment bank: “I knew my lack of domain knowledge would be a challenge, and that I’d need to bring other skills into play, in particular around problem solving.”
Replicating the strong sense of community and team element of life with the RAF was a priority. “There were many great schemes around but coming into Capco it was immediately clear there was a camaraderie and enthusiasm that was very appealing,” Gareth notes.
“It came across as, and indeed remains, a company with big aspirations and that felt very exciting. There was also the sense that you could take a career path and make what you wanted of it. Professionally, the client work is very engaging and challenging, but it is the community side of life at Capco that has really encouraged me to stretch and grow on a personal level.”
“Stop and think about what makes you get out of bed in the morning. Even though you are facing a scary transition, don’t be tempted to grab the first thing that comes along. Find the company that is right for you, rather than just focusing on a specific job or role. If the organization is the right fit, then you will almost certainly find the right role for yourself within it. And to that end, go to plenty of open days and networking events rather than just sending out your CV. Shake hands, meet people and get a sense of the place.”
You can read more about the AF2C programme here.
For more information about joining Capco as ex-military or reservist personnel, please feel free to contact one of our very own AF2Cs:
Pete Mayberry, Managing Principal
Bobby Stewart, Senior Consultant
Edward Nickell-Lean, Senior Consultant
