Transitioning from the military to civilian life can feel like navigating uncharted territory. For Alex Daly, a Customer Delivery Security Architect at Cisco, it was a journey shaped by adaptability, opportunity, and support from TechVets and Cisco's military-focused programs. Alex’s story offers inspiration and practical advice for service leavers considering a career in tech.
A career in service
Alex began his career in the Royal Air Force (RAF) as an electronics engineer, working on radar, satellite communications, and even early video conferencing systems. Over 22 years, he gained hands-on experience maintaining critical systems across the UK, Cyprus, and beyond. This technical foundation, combined with the military’s ethos of problem-solving and adaptability, prepared Alex for a seamless transition into cybersecurity.
“My introduction to Cisco came early - maintaining video conferencing equipment before platforms like Zoom existed,” he explained. “It was fascinating to see how their technology enabled global connectivity.”
The transition: Finding a new purpose
Reaching the 22-year mark in his RAF career, Alex realised it was time for a new chapter. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the appeal of remote work and a more stable home life. Encouraged by colleagues who had successfully transitioned, Alex explored opportunities in cybersecurity, leveraging resources like the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) and TechVets.
A pivotal moment came when Alex attended a Cisco Military Insight Day organized through TechVets. “Cisco recognized the unique skills veterans bring: discipline, problem-solving, and adaptability. Their support was a game-changer for me,” he stated.
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