From the Army to IT Management: James Jones on Transitioning from Service to Tech

In our latest episode of The Route to Networking: Military Leavers Edition, host Rian Horsman sat down with James Jones, now Network and Infrastructure Manager at ATM, to talk about his journey from the British Army to the world of IT networking.

James has built a successful career spanning infrastructure, cloud, and service-desk leadership, but his route was far from straightforward. Like many who leave the military, he faced uncertainty, limited support, and the challenge of starting again.

A Military Upbringing

Growing up surrounded by family members in the armed forces, joining the military always felt like a natural path. “My Nan was in the Wrens, my Dad was a Guardsman,” James shared. “We were always brought up around it.”

He enlisted straight from school, serving six years as a Communications Systems Operator, including a deployment to Afghanistan at just 19. Life in the forces gave him discipline, self-confidence, and the ability to perform under pressure, skills that would later prove invaluable.

“You get trained in a way no one else can,” he said. “Turning up on time, presenting yourself well, getting the job done, they’re the things that really push you forward in civilian life.”

Life After Service: “Here’s your ID card — off you go”

Despite those valuable skills, James’s transition into civilian life was anything but smooth. “When I left, there was no guidance at all. I was handed my ID card, shown the gate, and that was it.”

He took a delivery-driver job for B&Q to stay on his feet while figuring out what came next. But with a lifelong interest in technology, he soon decided to pursue IT. Only to realise that his military trade training didn’t translate easily to the civilian world.

“It looked great on paper, setting up battlefield communications, but that kit doesn’t exist in civilian tech. Getting that first foot in the door was the hard bit.”

Climbing the IT Ladder

After months of persistence, James landed his first technical role and began the long climb through the IT ranks. From first-line analyst at Atos, handling password resets and user issues, to second-line engineer, and eventually leading infrastructure projects for companies like Bestway Retail and Correla, he’s built an impressive career.

“I learned early on that you have to make your own opportunities,” he explained. “Look at your organisation and ask, ‘What could we do better?’ If you just go out, get the information, and propose it, suddenly you’re running big projects and learning as you go.”

That approach led him to overhaul Bestway’s national network infrastructure, a multi-million-pound project connecting more than 1,200 stores, before stepping into his current role at ATM, where he manages global IT operations and oversees a team spanning multiple countries.

Certifications vs Experience: What Really Matters

When it comes to breaking into tech, James believes enthusiasm and mindset outweigh qualifications.

“You can have all the certs in the world, but real tech doesn’t always work like the book says. It’s the aptitude, curiosity, and ability to think outside the box that set you apart.”

Now a manager himself, he looks for that same spark when hiring: “I’m not looking at what certifications someone has. I want to see energy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn.”

The Value of Support Networks

One thing James wishes he’d known sooner? Tech Vets - a community connecting veterans with IT training, mentors, and career coaches.

“They offer free certifications, CV support, and a community of people who’ve been through the same thing. If I’d known about them earlier, it would have made a huge difference.”

For anyone leaving the forces, he recommends joining Tech Vets, networking on LinkedIn, and not being afraid to start from the bottom.

His Advice for Military Leavers

James closed the episode with one piece of advice that’s stuck with him throughout his career:

“Work for the job you want, not the job you’ve got.
 Take on new responsibilities, learn as you go, and show you’re ready before the opportunity appears.”

 Listen to the full episode of The Route to Networking: Military Leavers Edition with James Jones.

Connect with James on LinkedIn 

Learn more about Tech Vets