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News > Careers Spotlight > Insight from a Desert Rat

Insight from a Desert Rat

Rory Oxborough-Clarke (OMK 2005-10)
Rory Oxborough-Clarke (OMK 2005-10)

Current Job Title: Army Officer

Employer: British Army

House at School: School House

A Levels: Maths, Physics, Business Studies, History (AS Level).

Extra-curricular involvements/interests at school:

I was primarily a swimmer whilst at Kelly, although I did x-country and rugby. I was a member of the CCF for 3 years before leaving which I loved. I also played the trumpet and led a couple of the school remembrance services with the last post.

University/Further Education: 
Northumbria University: Business with Logistics and Supply Chain Management – First Class Hons

What was the best bit about your time at School?

Kelly provided so much opportunity to try different things and the teaching staff were amazing.

Best bit about your time at University:

I loved the independence and opportunity to focus on things that really interest me and that I enjoyed doing. I played rugby for a local club at 1st team level, was one of the founding members of the surf society and studied a subject that I genuinely enjoyed.

Tell us something about you that nobody knows?

 If I told you then it wouldn’t be something nobody would know about me!

Can you think of three things you learnt at Mount Kelly which have been useful to you in your career?
I learnt a love of all things military through the CCF, and the discipline tied along with swimming competitively whilst juggling school work.

Sum up your business/job?
I am currently a Staff Officer in 7th Light Mechanised Brigade Combat Team Head Quarters (aka The Desert Rats), and primarily find and generate equipment and vehicles for military activity, operations and exercises.


How did get into your industry in the first place?
I have always had an affinity to joining the Army, so joining the Defence Sixth Form College was a natural stepping stone for me to join the Army and subsequently the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
 

What is the most important decision you have had to make in your career and how did you come to it?
The most important decision was probably where in the Army I wanted to serve. Ultimately it came down to do I like the people I am surrounded by in this particular Regiment, I think I chose right.
 

Name one thing most people in your industry should be doing but aren't.
Looking after themselves as we look after our soldiers. It is very easy to out yourself second in our industry to allow soldiers the opportunity to better themselves. Sometimes, you just have to put yourself first.
 

Name a business or a brand that you really admire and why?

I really admire Creative Assembly, the games developer behind the Total War Franchise. They are a global games developer with millions of concurrent players, and their HQ sits in a small town in West Sussex. The way they have revolutionised the games industry and carved a niche out that other brands try to tweak and compete against is inspiring from such humble beginnings.

Would you be able to offer internships/work experience to OMKs looking to get a job in your industry?
The Army routinely do work experience and visits for those interested in joining. I had a university student, who has subsequently commissioned, who shadowed me for a couple of weeks.

Any Top Tips for finding your Top Job: 

Do your research and know roughly where you want to join. Are you interested in a particular trade, lead soldiers, or fly a helicopter? These questions will help you focus where you want to be and help the Army shape your career. Definitely do an insight day/visit and see if its something you want to explore further. The forces is definitely a way of life, rather than a day job.

Anything else you’d like to add:

I’m happy to field interest or questions and give some perspective of a current Army Officer. I’ve had a varied career to date with overseas deployments and a wide range of roles. For those interested in the Navy/RAF/Marines, I have worked with all 3 services, and completed the All Arms Commando Course held at Lympstone, so I can offer limited advice to those services also.

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