From a CISCON in the military to Project Manager at JLL
Following a bumpy transition into the civilian world, Rob Douglass has found a supportive environment that utilises his specialised Defence knowledge at JLL.
Foundations established from his past career in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) form the basis of Rob’s approach to his corporate role at JLL.
“Accountability, work ethic and adaptability,” are a few of these transferrable skills he utilises as a Project Manager for the Defence Estate Works Program (EWP).
Currently located in Brisbane, Rob has now been with JLL for 6 years. It wasn’t a straightforward transition though, with Rob gaining other experience in the corporate world prior to starting his career with JLL. The majority of this was still centred around Defence, working in project management for the Capital Facilities and Infrastructure (CFI) branch and EWP.
“The transition from Defence to civilian life can be daunting,” says Rob, recalling his time leaving the ADF in 2000 after 15 years’ service in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
Having to tackle the process alone, Rob says the most valuable lesson in his journey was accepting that nothing runs the way it did in the military.
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“The ease and laid-back ways of the civilian world were very different from Defence,” he says. “Realising and accepting that took some time.”
In contrast, the skillset gained from his unique military career has been invaluable and is still referenced in his current role with JLL. His time in the military saw him engaged as a Supplier before he was remustered as a CISCON - Communications and Information Systems Controller, equipping Rob with specialist knowledge that facilitates his management and collaboration with Defence as a client.
His current role, which piqued his interest when he found it on LinkedIn, takes him on the road to Defence sites in Queensland for project work. Rob’s original motivation to pursue the role was for the exciting challenge the position promised – something he has since enjoyed alongside supportive management and training provided along the way.
During personal health scares, Rob reflects on the support offered by his manager to not only himself, but extended to his wife as well.
“The team environment at JLL is very inviting and welcoming, which has been great to be able to take on this challenge while feeling fully supported.”
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