While veterans can offer a very unique skill set to commercial and corporate organisations, according to Matthew Williams, “It’s not as simple as taking off the uniform and putting on a suit.”
The head of programs at Babcock Australia & New Zealand joins host Phil Tarrant on this episode of Defence Connect Podcast to share his journey into the corporate world after 22 years in the Australian Defence Force, the distinctive attributes possessed by those who have served, and the corporate skills and knowledge that might be lacking.
Williams also explains why he chose to undertake an MBA, the importance of curating a strong CV that adequately communicates one’s skill set, and his key sources of support throughout the challenging transition.
Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team
Listen to previous episodes of the Defence Connect podcast:
Episode 520: CONTESTED GROUND: What’s in store for 2025? Part 2
Episode 519: PODCAST: Boosting women’s involvement in defence industry, with Rachel Falzon, Women in Defence Association
Episode 518: SPOTLIGHT: Delivering a sovereign small arms and load carriage capability, with Aquaterro’s Graeme Bulte
Episode 517: PODCAST: Royal Australian Navy minehunters’ new purpose after service, with Frank van der Linde
Episode 516: CONTESTED GROUND: What’s in store for 2025?
Episode 515: PODCAST: Building a robust, fit for purpose ADF, with Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh MP
Episode 514: CONTESTED GROUND: What Trump’s Panama Canal comments mean for maritime law
Episode 513: SPOTLIGHT: How AIR 6500 will defend Australia’s shores, with Lockheed Martin Australia’s Liam Catterson
Episode 512: SPOTLIGHT: Engaging with Australia’s next-generation Defence STEM workforce, with DSTG’s Dr Carolyn Patteson and Dr Mike Wilson
Episode 511: CONTESTED GROUND: Picking up where we left off, 2025 shapes up to be a disruptive year