An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 15 the spark of a salesman: A key to achieving success can be finding an area that you have a real passion for. Andy Mackin, who retired as a PO/ER after 21 years' service, splits his time working between his offices in Ireland, England, Sweden and the USA. Andy built on the solid technical background of his trade by studying Health and Safety with University College Cork and then Training and Educa- tion with NUI Maynooth and Galway. He now runs his own company, Mackin Consultancy Ltd. "We are an integrated management solutions company helping all manner of businesses, including multinationals, to achieve certification in quality, health and safety, or environmental standards," Andy told me. "Having business in four different countries presents challenges but my hope for the future is to continue to grow my business and see how far the journey takes me." The importance of planning: A veteran I spoke to who is employed in the manufacturing industry offered this advice: "Start looking for a job early and make full use of any jobs websites; different ones suit different skill levels, so look around." On CVs and managing one's expectations to secure employment, he advises: "Tailor your CV to suit the job description. Remember, while a high level of training may be required it's not always academic. I found looking for a tech- nical job locally wasn't going to happen, so my wife and I set down areas we were willing to move to for employment and, using the job-search websites, selected these areas". Having the right attitude: While many employers have knowledge of the Defence Forces and what we do, there are many more that don't. I spoke to Martin Gibbons, a success- ful businessman and former lieutenant in the Naval Service, about what he looks for in a potential employee. "I have employed ex-DF staff, and I find their strengths are their abil- ity to team play and to work within a disciplined structure towards each goal." "When looking at a CV, or during an interview, while I value academic qualifications, as they are an indicator of intelligence and discipline, real life experience is more im- portant. And above all, I look for the crucial ingredient, the right attitude!" Providing assistance: PDFORRA is of the view that further educa- tion not only enables individuals to perform better in the workplace but also helps to improve their overall development, health and wellbeing. Gen Sec Gerry Rooney says: "The accreditation system allows members who progress through the ranks to have their service both recognised and rewarded. This recognises that Defence Force Service has worth both internally and externally." Education can be very expensive and is a huge factor with those who have seen wages substantially reduced while mortgages and other costs of living have risen. This nar- rows the options when it comes to investing in themselves. However, it is often the case that choosing the right course could make all the difference to substantial gains when the time comes to exit. To this end, Gerry Rooney would like to see the Department of Defence budget for external educa- tion increased. He says: "All external educational courses should be open to all ranks and a larger budget would improve access. PDFORRA believes that loyal service in the Defence Forces should be developed and rewarded through access to personal and professional development." slip and Proceed: In writing this I have been struck by how many retirees still define themselves as Army/Navy/Air Corps, even after having left for many decades and having established entire new careers. That bond still exists. One retired tradesman, who has worked in Europe for many years since he retired from the Army after 22 years' service, told me: "The biggest problem I found on leaving was the lack of comradeship. I know that we all complained about many things when we were serving, but it is often not until you leave that you understand the good points that the DF has and brings to our lives." People join the DF for a variety of reasons and often stay for quite different reasons; gaining a different understand- ing of themselves within the organisation as their life circumstances change over time. While it is incumbent on the individual to ensure that they are prepared to meet future challenges, it is also in- cumbent on the organisation that those who provide loyal service to the state are properly prepared for life after the Defence Forces. The Army Apprentice School motto still rings true: "Ní Obair in Aisce í"

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