From Barracks to Boardrooms: How Military Skills Propel Financial Careers
Leaving the military marks a significant transition, opening doors to diverse second careers. For many former service personnel, the financial sector might not be an obvious choice at first glance. However, the seemingly disparate worlds of military service and finance share a surprising number of key transferable skills.
The financial industry requires some of the same traits that are honed and perfected in military environments: leadership, discipline, problem-solving under pressure, strategic thinking, and unparalleled communication. In the military, these skills can mean mission success and saving lives; in finance, they drive innovation, manage risk, and foster client trust.
In this post, we'll dive into the journeys of three individuals who've successfully navigated this transition: Mark Kane, Senior Project Manager at M&G; Jamie McMillan, Operational Risk Director at Barclays; and Ben James, Director at Baillie Gifford. Their stories highlight how their military backgrounds didn't just prepare them for a new career but actively gave them a unique edge.
Mark Kane, Senior Project Manager at M&G
Mark Kane
Senior Project Manager
M&G
After leaving school without formal qualifications, I began my journey in the Armed Forces as a Junior Soldier at just 16 years and 10 months old. The Army became the foundation of my personal and professional development, instilling in me the soft skills, discipline, and determination that continue to shape my second career.
Upon leaving the Army in 2014, I transitioned into Health and Safety – a natural step for someone with over two decades of experience managing dynamic risk. While it was a valuable starting point, I soon realised I was ready for a new challenge and further growth.
Encouraged by a friend in the financial sector, I applied for a Project Manager role in finance. I began my corporate career within the banking sector, in a Global Regulatory and Tax Change team – a small but high-performing group that reminded me of the tight-knit, mission-driven teams I’d led in the military. I quickly adapted to the different pace of the financial world, learning to navigate its complexities with patience and precision.
The communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills I developed in the Army have proven invaluable in the corporate environment. While the teams I now lead are smaller than those in my military days, the challenges are familiar – and I’ve become a trusted ‘go-to’ person within my teams.
Today, I’m proud to be part of leading global savings and investment firm, M&G, within Asset Management. After two years with the company, I’ve found my stride in the corporate world, regularly engaging with senior executives and continuing to develop my leadership capabilities.
The skills gained in the Armed Forces – though not always recognised at the time – are highly relevant and sought after in the corporate sector. From project management to dynamic risk assessment, these experiences translate seamlessly into business language and practice.
Now, with six years in finance under my belt, I can confidently say that every challenge I face echoes a lesson from my military career. To anyone considering a career change, I’d say this: never underestimate your abilities. You bring a unique and valuable perspective.
Apply for the roles – your experience is not only relevant, but also an asset. And if you’re told ‘no’? That’s just part of the journey. We’ve all heard it before, and we’ve always kept moving forward.
Jamie McMillan, Operational Risk Director and Co-Chair of Barclays UK Military Res Group
Jamie McMillan
Operational Risk Director and Co-Chair of UK Military Res Group
Barclays
I served in the British Army for 9 years from 2010 – 2019, serving in the Black Watch, 3 SCOTS and The Royal Regiment of Scotland. During this time, I spent time in several countries including Afghanistan, France, Kenya, Norway and Cyprus. I left the regular army in Dec 2019 as a Platoon Sergeant, having led and managed 30 soldiers.
I joined Barclays via the Military Talent Scheme internship as an Assistant Vice President in Operational Risk, working to support the new product approval process. In June of 2021, I was promoted to a new role as a Vice President, Operational Risk Partner supporting the UK business. This was followed by an in-role promotion to Director in March 2024.
During this time, I initially supported and then led the Barclays Military Resource Group in Scotland and later the UK as Co-Chair of the network. This work included leading around 150 Scotland based colleagues and 1100 across six UK regions. I also served in the Army Reserves from Jan 2020 – Jan 2024.
I can honestly state that I’ve not had a bad day in Barclays. I have discovered the industry to be a true meritocracy, where opportunities are abundant and potential is nurtured. I have readily recommended the industry to several ex-military colleagues and friends. I am pleased to say I have had the pleasure of working with many of them within Barclays.
Financial services can provide an exciting and challenging second career The transferrable skills developed in the military, especially stakeholder management, problem solving and effective communication can bear fruit within the sector. My advice to those to do so is to attend as many insight events as possible and embrace the power of networking.
After signing off and starting to plan my next steps before leaving the Army, I initially dismissed a post-military career in finance. I think the words I said were "I hate bankers." It showed my complete lack of knowledge and understanding of the huge array of roles and opportunities available in finance.
Ben James, Director at Baillie Gifford
Ben James
Director
Baillie Gifford
One of my reasons for joining the military was to be at the coal face of the machine that keeps the world spinning. On leaving the army, I still wanted to be in the thick of it but not get shot at anymore! I looked at public sector roles, NGOs, the UN, etc, but through reading and networking, realised that the world of finance is critical in our day-to-day lives, even though most people not working in finance are less aware of it. I also saw a lot of people I respected from the military go into finance as a second career, so I decided to see why.
I networked and networked. This is key and is one of the significant advantages ex-military people have when they leave for a new career - there is a vast network of ex-military people in every sort of job around the world, and they will understand what you've been through and will meet you for a brew to chat about what their job and their industry is like.
At the end of my notice period in the Army, I decided that I wanted to be involved in investments: helping savers invest their money in important long-term companies that are contributing to society and hopefully generating a return as we go. So, I ended up applying for and working in an investment management company, and I have been here for 10 years now.
As Mark, Jamie, and Ben's stories clearly show, transitioning from military service to a successful career in finance is not only possible, it's a path where the unique experiences from military life are a real advantage. The discipline, leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills honed in the Armed Forces are not just transferable; they're highly valued in the fast-paced world of finance.
Don't underestimate the power of your military background. If you're a former service member considering a second career in finance, or just exploring how your skills translate, remember that resources are available. For comprehensive guidance on identifying your transferable skills visit SFE’s skills hub https://getinto.finance/ for more information.