David Swanson has served two stints of military service - within both the Irish Defence Forces and the British Army respectively. He valued the opportunity to hone communication and engagement skills in both roles. Highlights included being involved in annual state commemorations of the Easter Rising in the Republic of Ireland, and a 2018 public relations tour to Hong Kong with the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
After initially leaving to complete an MSc in Political Communication at the University of Glasgow, he is now the Engagement Manager for UK Government and Parliament at the Digital Regulation Cooperation Forum. He firmly believes that his military training and experience has been essential to not only successfully achieve the role, but also make a real difference within it.
‘People often comment that I always maintain a strong positivity, resilience, and good attitude in my work. That’s no accident or coincidence; my military training has cultivated me into someone who can achieve significant results, and often at pace when reacting to political announcements.’
He recommends Ofcom as a place of employment for ex-military personnel and currently serving Armed Forces reservists. ‘There are so many opportunities available here for those seeking a technology-focused or technology-adjacent career. Our recent commitment to partner with Job Oppo shows a real desire to tap into the transferable skills that the UK Armed Forces Community can offer.’