My name is Jade McBirnie, and I am a Team Co-ordinator within Astraline (a subsidiary of Johnnie Johnson Housing), having worked here since May 2020. I joined Astraline as a telecare operator before quickly being promoted to Team coordinator after 4 months in my role.
When did you join the Armed Forces and what was your Job?
I joined the Army in May 2017 as a combat medical technician.
When did you leave the Army and how did you feel going into the general employment market?
I left the Army in 2020. The general employment market was a scary prospect after being in the Army. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do as I never expected to leave the Army within the time that I did. I knew that I had gained some great skills during my time in the Army which would help me with any future career path I chose to take.
What attracted you to Astraline?
Astraline was a great job role for me to join as it offered me a variety of shifts across various hours which suited my lifestyle. A 9-5 job role wasn’t really for me. It also allowed me to learn something completely new and put lots of skills I’d learnt in the Army to good use.
What did you feel you learnt in the Army which prepared you for the role?
During my time in the army I learnt and developed lots of skills which I have transferred into this role.
Primarily problem solving as this is part of my everyday job, finding solutions for a wide range of problems from dealing with operators working hours’ to major system faults and customer complaints.
I also developed my communication skills in the Army which has been very beneficial to me in this this role as I’m required to speak to a variety of people from system providers to elderly residents on a daily basis.
What other transferrable skills do you have, and which do you use on a daily basis as a Team Coordinator?
I believe I have many transferable skills which I have developed and use on a daily basis including, teamwork, communication, digital skills, organisational skills, problem solving and leadership skills.
During my day I’m required to use a variety of skills to ensure the smooth running of each shift. Operators often look to me for advice and help with computer skills and the progress of their calls requiring me to use communication skills and digital skills.
I’m required to ensure that I am organised, and my time is managed throughout the day to ensure that all daily tasks are completed.
When were you promoted to Team Coordinator?
I was promoted to Team coordinator 4 months after joining Astraline in September 2020. I thought I’d be suitable for this role as I had developed strong leadership skills during my time in the Army and I had quickly learnt how to deal with the system and how to deal with all the different calls. This allowed me to present my transferable skills and prove I was capable of learning the additional tasks needed to become a team coordinator.
How do Astraline’s/JJH values align with your own?
Astraline/JJH values align with my own as they are primarily focused on working together and learning, to ensure the best possible service for colleagues and customers.
What advice would you give to someone leaving the Armed Forces who is about to step into the general employment market?
My advice for someone leaving the Armed forces would be to take all the opportunities that come your way. Ask for lots of advice and take lots of different information from anywhere that you may be interested in working.
Jade McBirnie