From Navy to agile pro

ARTICLES
Tim Scrivener, a former Petty Officer in the Royal Navy, has successfully transitioned from his military career to civilian life, now thriving as an Agile Transformation Consultant.
Tim's journey is a testament to the power of continuous learning and the opportunities available to service members through programs like Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) and career transition workshops. In this article, we delve into Tim's career, his experience with ELC, and his insights on making a successful transition to civilian employment.
Service Career: A Foundation for Growth
Tim Scrivener's military journey began in 2005 when he enlisted in the Royal Navy. Over 18 years of service, he rose to the rank of Petty Officer and specialized as a Physical Training Instructor. During his service, Tim acquired valuable leadership and management skills that would later prove essential in his civilian career.
A New Pathway with Enhanced Learning Credits
In 2021, Tim registered for ELC with the goal of upskilling in Scrum, an Agile framework used for project management. He was inspired by his involvement in one of the Defence's first Scrum Teams as part of the Integrated Review. The team's collaboration and adaptability resonated with Tim, leading him to explore Scrum further.
Choosing a training provider was straightforward for Tim. The Scrum training and coaching for his team were contracted to Scrum Inc., the same organization that offered Scrum training credentials. He enrolled in Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Agile Coach certifications through Scrum Inc., paving the way for his career transition.
ELC Experience: A Catalyst for Success
Tim describes his ELC experience as well-organized and highly relevant. He appreciated the flexibility of taking both online and in-person courses, finding them to be interactive and engaging. Scrum Inc. provided excellent support throughout the process, ensuring Tim had the resources needed to succeed. The courses, blending academic and vocational aspects, included practical exercises and opportunities for interaction, making learning effective and enjoyable.
These courses not only built on Tim's military qualifications but also equipped him with valuable skills for civilian roles. Scrum and Agile principles, which emphasize adaptability, collaboration, and continuous improvement, were readily applicable to his military experience.
Transition to Civilian Life: New Beginnings
In August 2023, Tim Scrivener left the Royal Navy to pursue a civilian career. His decision to leave was driven by a desire for stability and the opportunities he had discovered through Scrum and Agile. Leveraging his newfound certifications and skills, Tim secured a job as an Agile Transformation Consultant within a month.
In his role, Tim works closely with teams and individuals, training and coaching them to adopt Scrum principles. He relishes the opportunity to interact with people daily and help them become more effective in their work. Drawing on his military experience and Scrum training, he feels well-prepared for the challenges of his new career.
Words of Wisdom for Fellow Service Leavers
Tim offers valuable advice to service members embarking on their own transition journey:
- Plan Your Resettlement: Have a clear roadmap for your resettlement journey and commit to the process. Tim emphasizes that you'll get out what you put in.
- Network Early: Start building your network well in advance of your transition. You never know who you'll meet and how it might open doors for you.
- Explore Diverse Career Options: Don't limit yourself to traditional career paths. Tim found success in Scrum and Agile, fields he had no prior experience in, but which aligned well with his military skills.
- Believe in Yourself: Tim acknowledges the importance of self-belief. It may take time to gain confidence in your civilian job search, but believing in your capabilities is crucial.
Tim Scrivener's journey from the Royal Navy to Agile Transformation Consultant serves as an inspiring example of how service members can leverage their skills and opportunities like ELC to forge successful civilian careers. His story reinforces the idea that the transition to civilian life is not just a change but a transformation filled with possibilities.