Would I be mad to pursue my military dream?

A. We get lots of questions from people in the army wanting to go into the City, but you are the first person who's written to us about a move the other way!

Switching from the army to the City is not as easy as it used to be. Twenty years ago, a background in the forces was deemed by many to be proof that you were 'the right sort of chap' and almost guaranteed you an opening. Good links still exist and people do make the switch. But nowadays you will have to show some real aptitude and commitment to a financial career.

Would you therefore be foolish to leave your job for a temporary stint in the army? Well that depends on what you want out of life. It certainly is a risk and you would most likely end up at square one, as you say, and have to start from the bottom.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't do it, though. If it really is your life-long ambition to join the army (as opposed to something you just fancy for a bit) then it's worth taking some risks for - especially if you have a place at Sandhurst lined up. Presumably, if the army appeals to you, you are an adventurous sort, who is not out just to play safe in life. In any case, at this stage in your City career, you are not far off square one, so arguably you are not risking so very much.

What we would say is that if you do decide to pursue your military dream, stay in touch with contacts from your current life. Broking is a people business and you must have a wide range of contacts. Try also to stay abreast of events in the industry - and certainly consider that in-service MBA. Your thinking must be to do whatever you can to make yourself a more attractive prospect than the young things you will be competing against for jobs a few years down the line.

Readers advise...

I was in the Army for five years after leaving university. I went to Sandhurst, and served on operations in Northern Ireland & Iraq. I have now left and am about to start at a major investment bank. I had a great time in the Army and thoroughly recommend it - the experience is unbeatable or too many reasons to mention.

That said, I have left, seeking more money and a little more stability in my life. Having left the Army I have an outstanding nnetwork of individuals in the City who I can seek advice from who are more than happy to help. Name any major financial institution and I bet I've got a phone number for an ex-Army guy or girl there. With your previous experience, you will have little problem getting an excellent job on leaving the Army.

Anonymous

Do what I did and instead join the Reserves - I'm a Royal Naval Reserve Amphibious Warfare Officer, and work for a fund manager in product development in the City, both at the same time. Best of both worlds. If you really feel the need to go full-time, however, follow your dreams. You only live once!

You do run the risk of being back at square one when you come out, and you're older to boot. Traditional links between the armed forces and City are still there, but are, I believe, increasingly less influential. I also have an MBA, and whilst I would say go for it (especially if you're being funded), it again is no key to getting into any role without specific experience.

Only about 0.7% of UK employers employ Reservists, but many companies, especially American ones, and indeed many financial services companies, support employees being members of the Reserves. Consult the Reserves pages on the MOD website (www.mod.uk) and also the SaBRE web site - Supporting Britain's Reserves and their Employers (www.sabre.mod.uk).

Good luck!

Andrew Thomas

Sub-Lieutenant, Royal Naval Reserve

Next week's question: I have found personal information on our computer network. I work in a small financial advisory business and have just realised that appraisals and other information for team members is openly accessible on the team's computer network and has been for six months. It includes memos on promotion prospects, salaries and bonus details. It is possible to see huge variations in pay. The personal opinions of the team leader about people are also there. I think team-wide access was given in error and only I have noticed. Are employers ethically obliged to protect such information and what, if any, are the legal ramifications of not doing so?

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