We recently spoke with Nichola Diment, our Defence Business Development Lead, to talk about her journey from Royal Air Force (RAF) Intelligence Analyst to the civilian tech sector.
The Backstory
Every military journey has a unique beginning.
For Nichola, it started at 25.
"Genuinely, as a 25-year-old girl, I had my heart broken and weighed up my future options," Nichola shares. "Joining the RAF seemed like an exciting adventure, despite my friends and family thinking I had gone crazy!"
She stepped into the vital role of Intelligence Analyst, a position demanding sharp analytical skills, precision, and an unwavering focus on security, traits she still carries today.
The Highlight Reel: Marching to Nirvana
When asked about her proudest or most memorable military experience, Nichola recalls a powerful moment of unity during her early days of service.
"I joined the first-ever all-female flight of 100 women. When we were practicing for our pass-out parade, I remember them blasting Nirvana’s 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' over the parade square on massive speakers.
Turns out that one of my favourite songs is perfect for marching as well as dancing! This was a very happy and proud moment for me, realising that I was now part of something bigger than myself."
The transition to tech
Having held civilian jobs prior to her military service, the "culture shock" of moving to the private sector didn't phase Nichola.
However, entering the tech industry brought its own unique landscape. What drew her to Naimuri was the opportunity to merge her military roots with cutting-edge digital innovation.
"Tech is a different beast," she notes, "but ultimately, working with Naimuri and our customers makes me proud to be still contributing to the mission of keeping the UK safe."
For Nichola, her service background provides vital context and an intimate understanding of mission objectives in her day-to-day work.
The Military Superpower: Resilience
If there is one skill Nichola relies on most in her business development role, it’s the quiet strength forged during her service. "
Resilience from life in general while being in the military is something which hardens you and stays with you. You learn to just get on with things no matter what the situation is, to 'keep calm and carry on.”
What Armed Forces Day means to me
For Nichola, the day carries a weight that civilians might not fully grasp.
"I am glad that Naimuri is proud to celebrate this day. It is a special day celebrating those serving and those who have served. It hits differently when you understand what service personnel and their families have to endure—it runs deeper and it is truly personal. The camaraderie is out in full force, and it is all about the people who put the mission first."
Words of wisdom for transitioning veterans
For those currently preparing to leave the forces and looking at companies like Naimuri, Nichola offers some gold-standard advice:
- Own your experience: "Concentrate on the skills you have learned, whether through leadership, management, resilience, or understanding strengths and weaknesses and translate those first and foremost. You are not starting from scratch; you are starting with experience."
- Target the right employers: "There are many companies who actively seek veterans due to the translatable skills they have to offer. Look for companies who have pledged their support to the Armed Forces Covenant."
- Refine your tools: "Get that CV in check, and get a second pair of eyes on it before sending it out."
