I attended GDN’s 2024 event as what I could describe as an absolute novice to the concept of ‘networking’ and how to best manage my final year in the Royal Marines.

I had very little expectations for what the event would hold for myself, I was attending off the back of some very positive feedback I had received from a close friend about The GDN and the support the community can provide to service leavers.

My main aim was to learn more from people who had left the armed forces and transitioned into a civilian career (PM preferably) and understand how to best use my ELCAS to support the new career.
The event was all about the community, connecting with others in resettlement, veterans, and education/course providers.

My key takeaway was the power of the network and how valued a service leaver is (providing they work hard throughout transition, and don’t rest on their laurels) to civilian companies.

I left the event with lots of valuable insights, increased confidence, and 1 set of ELCAS lighter after enrolling into a L7 Extended diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership with Minerva Elite Performance.

I fully intend on returning to the 2025 event as a civvy for another round of the amazing scran.

Having found GenDit 23 eye-opening and a bit overwhelming, I was determined to make the most of the 2024 opportunities. I spoke to as many people as possible, attend the talks, and speak to the coaches, but still couldn’t do everything! Talked finances with Lewis, coaching with Adam, saw your chat with Carrie and Jake, and had awesome Ludacris Pizza! Felt really positive about my future after speaking to everybody and have been talking with Henry from Redeployable about the Space Industry, and training we are trying to arrange. And my son still loves his Demob job teddy! I also used a lot of the resources and offers (IoL, smartsheet, etc) to share with others from my Unit and base who also leaving and have benefitted.

Hi Chris, just wanted to let you know that today I’ve been offered a role and it was pretty much off the back of the Gendit event in March.

I reached out to a recruiter I met at the event and they had mutual connections in a company I wanted to work for. He got me an interview for a position not advertised, passed that, and today I’ve received a formal offer letter.

So keep doing what you’re doing because it does pay off as I would have never had this opportunity had I not gone to the event back in March!