How to thrive in defence: 5 top tips for newcomers

Welcome to the world of Defence. A job where you can help shape national security and work on top global issues. All of us at BFBS Creative were new to Defence at one stage in their careers. We remember sitting in meetings not understanding the language. We remember feeling out of place in rooms full of people in uniform. And we remember not understanding a single acronym.  

We have all experienced the challenges, and opportunities, our sector has to offer. Whether you are starting out or looking to change or advance your career, here are five tips to help you succeed.  

If you are new to Defence, it can feel like there is much to learn. The truth is, there is, but it all comes with time. Defence is changes with the geopolitical landscape. But there are many things that remain the same. Take time to speak to Service personnel and other civilians in Defence. Do not be afraid to question them on what they mean, and ALWAYS ask what the acronym means. Sneaky tip: here is a 373 page document with common MOD acronyms – book mark this. Accept any training programmes offered and go on any trip you can to see what other people in Defence are doing. If you learn, you will increase your value within your team and get ahead.  

Networking is crucial in any career, and Defence is no exception. You will collaborate with people who will move on to new roles or postings. Keep this network. Despite feeling overwhelming at first, Defence is quite a small place. Go to conferences, attend workshops and pop along to social events to keep your network growing. Not only can these connections provide valuable insights, but they can also provide a lot of support and opportunities to advance your career. Your network is key.

Working in Defence will often mean navigating high-pressure situations and rapidly changing issues. This means you will also potentially come across stressed people. Building resilience, becoming adaptable and staying calm under pressure will help you go a long way. Be open to change and learning from all these experiences. And finally take time out for you. Do not doom scroll when you get home. Make sure you have things outside of work to look forward to and enjoy. These skills will not only help you manage your stress but also position you as a strong and capable leader. 

You may not be in a communications-specific role. But being strong communicator will help you in any Defence sector. You will be drafting reports, presenting to stakeholders and collaborating with your team. Clear and concise communication is key. Work on your written and verbal communication skills – do training courses, practice on colleagues and ask for feedback. The BFBS Academy runs communications training courses for you to look at1. Effective communication skills reduce errors, improves teamwork, and will help you get ahead.

Having a mentor or sponsor can have a significant impact on your career. As you find your feet, keep an eye out for a mentor that can offer you guidance, share their experience and provide you with clear constructive feedback. A mentor can be useful helping you navigate the sometime strange complexities of the Defence sector. Getting advice from those that have walked the path before you will help you better understand what you are dealing with and where you want to go. If you are interested in mentorship, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of the BFBS Creative team. We are always happy to help.  

A career in Defence is a journey filled with so many opportunities and challenges. You will have experiences like no other and get to work on high impact work. By embracing learning, networking, mentorship and building your own resilience and communications skills – you will be in good stead to navigate the Defence world. At BFBS Creative we have all been on this journey and are happy to support where possible. For now, welcome to an exciting and rewarding career!