ON THE JOB |
SAC WILLIAM BLAIR
VICE-PRESIDENT , CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS , BARCLAYS
|
How did you become a Reservist ? A few years ago , I found myself in a job that I wasn ’ t particularly enjoying . I wanted an opportunity to get out of my chair and do something a bit more active and exciting . That ’ s when I applied to join the Royal Air Force as a Regular – but I missed the recruitment window . A friend , who had served , suggested the Reserves . I found out about a squadron dedicated to media relations , which is my professional background , so I visited the unit to learn more . Everyone I met was really enthusiastic and made me feel welcome .
I ’ ve been with them for three years now . It ’ s been a really positive experience .
What ’ s it like being a Reservist and working at Barclays ? I was approached by a recruiter for my current role at Barclays . When I was putting my CV together , the recruiter suggested I leave off the Reserves because she thought it would hurt my chances . I wanted to be up front and manage expectations about my RAF career with my new employer , and so we agreed to leave it in . I ’ m very glad I did because in the first meeting I had at Barclays Head Office ,
|
the interviewer spotted it immediately and responded really positively , letting me know how supportive Barclays is of the Armed Forces .
Barclays offers flexible working , additional leave and there is a Reservist HR policy , so there are standard guidelines for managers to follow . If I have a training weekend I can leave early to get out to my unit . I also find it ’ s part of the culture . My line manager is very supportive and recognises the value of being a Reservist .
How do you balance two careers ? Having a second job with the Reserves keeps both careers fresh . I ’ ve found good ways of working in both and the skills are transferable . I have to be very organised . I plan my diary far in advance in order to balance both careers with my personal life . My squadron is very supportive and they always emphasise that the Reserves should be my third priority after family first and the day job second .
|
|
31 |