I work as a Business Analyst within Triad’s BA team. Before joining Triad in January 2025, I served for nine years as a military analyst in the British Army. Although I’ve moved into a civilian role, I remain connected to military life through my ongoing role as an Army Reserve soldier, specialising in data analytics and technical consulting.
A passion for technology and continuous learning
I’m keenly interested in web app development and data analysis. I hold certifications in risk management and agile project management. And as a Scrum Master, I am building a strong foundation to support my project work and personal growth.
Supporting the Met Office Vortex project
I’m currently working at the Met Office, contributing to the Vortex project, which is focused on modernising their regular product pipeline. As a delivery-focused Business Analyst, my role involves eliciting and documenting daily requirements and facilitating effective communication between developers, architects, UX designers, product managers, and internal stakeholders.
I also enjoy engaging in agile coaching and planning, supporting product design and strategic direction and undertaking various tasks to ensure smooth project delivery.
Problem-solving, collaboration and technical growth
I particularly enjoy diving deeply into detailed problem-solving. It’s satisfying to fully engage my analytical abilities to determine optimal solutions to complex issues.
Another highlight is working with the talented teams at the Met Office and our third-party development partner. Collaborating with these highly skilled individuals has significantly expanded my knowledge, particularly around the technical intricacies of developing full-stack solutions using technologies like TypeScript (Angular), Java, and PostgreSQL. It has genuinely been a blast!
The challenge of new projects
The initial phase of projects, especially those already in progress or inherently complex, can be particularly challenging and stressful. As a consultant, these transitional periods are frequent, and I prefer longer-term assignments where I can establish routines and evolve into a genuine subject matter expert. However, consultancy does not always afford this stability.
Building technical depth through coding
My professional aspiration is to become recognised as a technically proficient Business Analyst. To achieve this, I am actively learning to code through a self-taught Full Stack Engineer course alongside my project responsibilities and reserve commitments.
Although this may not fully prepare me to become a developer, it enhances my understanding of development complexity, developers’ daily routines, and the integration between various technical components.
Support and community at Triad
Triad provides an extensive support network, including strong Communities of Practice for Business Analysts and other professional roles. Additionally, project-specific and client-specific mini-hierarchies ensure targeted and immediate professional support.
Neurodiversity and the right fit
I have been diagnosed with Level 1 Autism—the mildest form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). I have found Triad to be exceptionally understanding and accommodating. While my daily needs are minimal, I have confidence in the robust internal support available for neurodiverse employees.
What really impressed me was how thoughtfully my neurodiversity was considered during the project assignment. I now have a daily role that aligns perfectly with how my brain works, enhancing both my happiness and effectiveness.
Transitioning from the Military: Lessons learned
The transition from military veteran to consultant has not always been straightforward. Despite the Army’s comprehensive resettlement package offering qualifications to transition military skills into civilian roles, my initial uncertainty about my post-military career goals made the process challenging.
I initially pursued project management qualifications, only to later realise this was not a path that brought me professional satisfaction. When transitioning from military life, the best thing you can do is to choose a role that resonates with your thinking styles and interests. I think that’s crucial for both mental well-being and overall happiness.
Finding fulfilment through alignment
Looking back, my journey from the military to civilian consulting has been anything but linear—but it’s led me to a role that genuinely fits. At Triad, I’ve found a place where my analytical mindset, technical curiosity, and neurodiverse strengths are valued and actively supported. Whether collaborating on complex projects, expanding my technical knowledge, or contributing to agile delivery, I feel challenged and empowered. For anyone navigating a similar transition, I’ve learned that success doesn’t come from following a standard path—it comes from finding the environment where you can thrive as your authentic self.
If you have a question for Rob or the Triad team, please get in touch.
