TechVets podcast aims to boost diversity
NEWS
TechVets, a unique not-for-profit initiative and RFEA programme dedicated to building a bridge for veterans into cyber security and the technology sector, has launched a new podcast series to help raise awareness of key issues such as diversity in industry …
The podcasts feature 30-minute interviews with a series of inspiring thought leaders and industry stalwarts, who share their valuable insight into the tech and cyber security industries and, in some cases, their personal experiences of having transitioned from the military to a civilian career.
As well as covering issues such as diversity and the benefits it brings to teams and wider industry success, the podcasts will also help demonstrate, to both businesses and veterans alike, the valuable skill-set that ex-Service personnel bring to the tech and cyber security industries.
The global cyber security market is projected to reach £210 billion by 2026, opening up huge swathes of vacancies. TechVets director and Army veteran, James Murphy (pictured above with Rhianna King, see below), feels passionately that ex-military are some of the best candidates to fulfil these roles: ‘All military roles involve dealing with sensitive information, in some way or another, plus you must possess a strong ability to learn new skills and solve problems. This makes ex-Forces people perfectly suited to many of these emerging tech and cyber security roles.
‘Evidence shows that hiring a diverse team contributes to business success. By launching these podcasts, we will discuss the merits of operating a diverse and inclusive team, specifically in the tech and cyber security industries, while also looking at some of the key barriers that might be holding this back.’
Podcast guest Rhianna King served for 12 years in the Army, starting out as a vehicle mechanic before transferring to the Intelligence Corps. Since leaving she has pursued a successful career as a cyber threat intelligence analyst. She comments, ‘There is a lot of crossover between cyber security and the military. The enemy and their weapons may be different, but the need to understand their threats, motives and capabilities, to ultimately out-manoeuvre them, is very much the same.
‘The team I work in is highly diverse. This puts us at an advantage when problem solving because, by coming at things as a group with different perspectives, you are more likely to remove any biases in your thinking. While the cyber security workforce may be largely made up of men, it’s important that we shout about the successes of women and other underrepresented groups in the industry, who are achieving great things, so as to inspire others to follow their lead.’
James adds, ‘By having these discussions, we hope not only to encourage “tech curious” Service leavers and veterans to understand what a route into the industry could look like for them, but also to motivate business leaders to consider ex-Service men and women as an exciting talent pool to draw from.’
TechVets recently joined forces with RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity, to offer free upskilling and job opportunities for Service leavers and veterans, through its unique offering of networking, mentoring, signposting and training services, via its new TechVets Academy platform.
How to listen
Click here to listen to the TechVets podcast on Podbean.
You can also access the podcast via several other platforms, including:
About RFEA
RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity exists to provide lifelong, life-changing support, job opportunities and training to Service leavers, reservists, veterans and their families, irrespective of circumstances, rank, length of service or reason for leaving.
Founded in 1885 and operating across the UK, we have the specialist knowledge and understanding to bridge the gap between military life and civilian employment. We work in partnership with other organisations and employers who, like us, respect and value the unique qualities and abilities of all those who have served.
Follow RFEA on Twitter and Facebook
About TechVets
The TechVets mission is to build a bridge for veterans and Service leavers into the cyber security and technology sector. The 900,000 working-age veterans and 15,000 Service leavers a year have the skills to shape the future of our digital economy, and support the security and prosperity of the UK. Only 4% of veterans are working in tech and cyber. This is 20% lower than the figure for non-veterans, and for female veterans this figure is 50% lower! TechVets creates new opportunities for ‘tech curious’ veterans through partnerships. Whether you are still serving, leaving the military or a veteran interested in tech, we would love you to join the TechVets community.
Follow TechVets on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn
About James Murphy
James joins TechVets from Government Digital Services, where he was employed as threat intelligence lead providing strategic cyber threat intelligence advice to key decision makers within central government. James is an Army veteran of 19 years, having joined the 1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment in 2000, before transferring to the Intelligence Corps in 2013 after sustaining injuries in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
James deployed to Northern Ireland, Afghanistan, Kenya and China, and brings years of leadership experience and a passion for TechVets having co-led the first TechVets local chapter in 2019 as a volunteer.
