Rob Buchanan: From the Battlefield to the Boardroom, Navigating Leadership and Risk in Finance and Beyond
Rob Buchanan is an Executive Director at J.P. Morgan with over nine years of experience, having worked in roles in risk management and large scale cross line of business change management. Rob currently leads a team in Finance and Business Management within the Markets business.
Before joining J.P. Morgan, Rob served as a Captain in the British Army’s Rifles regiment, where he completed two tours of Afghanistan, where he was awarded Mentioned in Despatches for outstanding leadership and personal courage, and several other overseas deployments. During a varied seven-year military career, Rob held a variety of leadership roles, including Platoon Commander and Company Second in Command.
A graduate of The University of Edinburgh with an MA (Hons) in Geography, Rob is also an alumnus of Sedbergh School, where he was actively involved in the breadth of sporting and cultural pursuits which the school offers.
See Rob’s profile on LinkedIn
Today, I’d like to share a bit about myself, my career choices, and some tips as you think about your own paths. I’ve had two careers so far, and may well have more in the future. I’ll walk through the thinking behind each career shift and wrap up with interview tips based on my experiences in the Army and my current role at J.P. Morgan.
Background & Early Experiences
My academic background was solid but not extraordinary. I was active in sports, music, and other extracurriculars like the Duke of Edinburgh Award, which gave me a balanced set of experiences. University was the expected route for me, and I chose to study geography as it was a subject which I enjoyed. But before that, I took a gap year working with an environmental NGO in Brazil. I saved up over summer and holiday breaks to afford the trip, and during my time there, I worked in the Amazon basin, learned Portuguese, and got a new perspective on the world.
At university, I joined the University Air Squadron, which introduced me to the armed forces. I got paid to learn to fly and had access to all of the adventure training and sporting opportunities offered by the Armed Forces. At university I also worked part-time in various roles—bar and event work —to gain early work experience and meet new people.”
Choosing the Armed Forces
Toward the end of university, I started considering my career options seriously. My time in the Air Squadron convinced me that a career in the armed forces could be fulfilling. It would challenge me and help me develop leadership and management skills that would serve me well wherever I went next. The camaraderie and sense of teamwork in the forces were also big draws.
After training at Sandhurst, I was deployed to Afghanistan in 2009, leading a group of 15-20 people on patrol daily. The role was intense and challenging, but the experience gave me a deep sense of purpose and service. If you’re interested in the Army, it’s worth considering whether you want to join as an officer or a soldier. Each role offers a distinct path but similar experiences overall. There are also options like gap-year internships, which allow you to try the military before fully committing.”
Transitioning to Finance
After seven years in the Army, I started craving more control over my life and wanted to settle down closer to friends and family. Finance appealed to me for several reasons: it has a global impact, provided opportunity to learn new skills, and, valued the experiences and perspectives I brought from my military career. J.P. Morgan offered a military internship program, which allowed me to test the waters before fully committing to a full time role. This internship has since expanded to include ex-athletes too.
Working in London gave me more control over my location and allowed me to pursue a new lifestyle. Roles within Financial Services are challenging but can also be lucrative, providing both a good wage and career progression.”
Tips for Interviews & Career Choices
If you’re applying to the Army—or any job, really—remember they look at your values as much as your qualifications. Think about what motivates you. Is it a sense of duty, a desire for challenge, or the lifestyle? Being clear on these reasons will help you articulate your reasons for applying during interviews.
If you’re unsure about the armed forces, consider joining university-based programs like the Officer Training Corps or the reserves, which offer training and a taste of military life while pursuing other career options.
Lastly, as you consider any career, look for alignment between your values and those of the organisation. The right fit can make all the difference as you progress in your chosen path.”
Exploring Apprenticeships and Graduate Paths
If finance interests you, there are two main entry routes to consider. First, apprenticeships are a great way to enter the field straight after school, especially as university costs rise. These are competitive, but within reach for people in this room. Apprenticeships typically last three to four years, combining hands-on work experience with a degree, so you’ll graduate with both a degree and valuable practical knowledge in finance.
The other route is joining as a graduate. Typically, this requires a 2:1 degree or higher from a reputable university, along with internships completed during summer breaks. Early work experience shows commitment and gives firms a chance to see if you’re a good fit.
Gaining Early Experience
Financial services are competitive, so aim to gain experience early. Consider summer work placements while still in school or internships once at university. Apply early—some application windows close within a day due to high demand. Identify firms of interest, mark their application dates, and stay organised.
Preparation is key: learn from others who’ve gone through this process. Talk to alumni, friends, or colleagues for insights on CV prep, interview tips, and the steps needed for success. Showing attention to detail and practicing will set you apart.
Roles in Finance
In finance, you can find roles that suit different skills. Some are client-facing, requiring interpersonal skills and potentially knowledge of multiple languages. For instance, if you speak French or Spanish, you could be valuable in roles that involve travel and relationship-building with international clients.
Beyond traditional banking jobs, the sector is increasingly tech-driven. Roles in software development, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence are now core parts of finance. Consider these areas if you have an interest in tech.
Networking and Self-Discovery
Use the Sedbergh network and other connections to gain insights into the industry. Reach out to people with experience; they can help you understand what the job entails and if it’s right for you. Leverage this network through school, university, and beyond to stay informed and prepared.
Interview Tips and Finding Your Fit
When preparing for interviews, show that you’re genuinely interested in the role. Research the company’s values and decide if they align with yours. What drives you? What kind of environment will help you thrive? This self-reflection will help you present a compelling story to interviewers.
It’s obvious to interviewers if a candidate hasn’t prepared, so put in the effort. Look up the company’s mission, recent projects, or even specific team accomplishments to stand out.
Stand Out by Being Interesting
Differentiate yourself by embracing new experiences. Join diverse societies at university, consider travel, or even take a gap year. Employers value unique experiences and people who can bring fresh perspectives to the table. Try mock interviews with friends, and practice sharing your story so you’re ready to make an impression.
Show Potential and Take Initiative
Employers want candidates who’ve shown potential by seizing opportunities. A-levels are important, but are you taking advantage of the sporting, arts, or leadership roles available to you at Sedbergh? At university, don’t just participate—aim to lead. Become a team captain, club president, or event organiser. Demonstrating initiative during your studies signals to interviewers that you’ll make the most of opportunities in their organisation.
Final Reflections
No one has a perfect career path from the beginning. Many of us change jobs, locations, and even fields over time. As you embark on your journey, remember these keys: be interested, be engaged, and show potential. Rely on your network for support, and celebrate your milestones together.
Key pathway information: Army
What education and qualifications are generally needed for your career:
https://jobs.army.mod.uk/how-to-join/can-i-apply/ Various minimum standards to meet (health, fitness, academic, age, nationality etc)
https://jobs.army.mod.uk/how-to-join/can-i-apply/qualifications/ Higher academic requirement for Officers. A University degree is not required to join as an Officer or Soldier.
https://jobs.army.mod.uk/regular-army/what-you-get/bursaries-scholarships/ Scholarships and Bursaries are available during sixth-form and university.
What are the top 3 skills required and why:
The Army is a challenging and rewarding career. The Army selects on potential and will teach the required skills to the Officer / Soldier based upon their role. Selfless Commitment, Respect for Others, Loyalty, Integrity, Discipline and Courage are the traits that the selection process will assess as part of the job application process.
Note: My final role in the Army was conducting candidate assessments for Officer Selection at AOSB i.e. the job interview. I am happy to chat with anybody who is thinking of applying.
Salaries and Benefits:
https://jobs.army.mod.uk/regular-army/what-you-get/pay-benefits/
N.B. Note different salary structures for Officer vs Soldier.
Other benefits include: Travel, Adventure Training and Sport; Paid Leave; Free Healthcare; Role specific training; Public Sector Pension.
Key pathway information: Finance
What education and qualifications are generally needed for your career:
Minimum of a 2:1 in any degree.
Apprenticeship programs require a minimum of three B grades at A-level (or equivalent), including one STEM subject. Minimum of 4-5 in GCSE English and 5-6 in GCSE Maths.
What are the top 3 skills required and why:
Analytical – qualitative and quantitative
Problem Solving
Attention to detail and accuracy
Salaries and Benefits:
Starting salaries for graduates: £35k – £55k (could be higher depending upon role). Some roles offer additional incentive compensation dependent upon performance.
Starting salaries for apprentices: £25k – £35k.
Other benefits could include: Paid Leave; Private Healthcare; Opportunity to work abroad; Role specific training.