From Aberdeen to Whitehall: A H4MoD Personal Journey

Guest blog by Andrea York Tuer, former H4MoD student and CMP Intern 2023/24

From the lecture halls of Aberdeen to the corridors of the MoD Main Building at Whitehall, my journey has been nothing short of exhilarating. As I reflect on my academic and professional path, in this blog, I share the pivotal moments that have shaped my aspirations and understanding of global dynamics.

Academic Foundations

I embarked on my academic journey at the University of Aberdeen, where I pursued a degree in Politics and International Relations. This foundation deepened my passion for understanding global dynamics, diplomacy, and the intricate workings of governments.

H4MoD Experience: A Game-Changer

My involvement with the Aberdeen University Officer Training Corps opened the door to the transformative H4MoD course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS). This course was not just an academic exercise; it was an immersion into the real-world challenges faced by the Ministry of Defence. Collaborating with soldiers, officers, and esteemed individuals from the Centre of Army Leadership, I gained invaluable insights and perspectives of the British Army.

During my H4MoD journey, my team and I had the occasion to visit various departments to understand our problem; for instance, members of the Royal Logistics Corps in Aldershot and our problem sponsor at the Army Headquarters (HQ) in Andover. Additionally, we had the opportunity to go to London with everyone on the course to visit JHub, Palantir Technologies, and Adarga. These visits were particularly enriching as they unveiled the potential of Innovation and Artificial Intelligence within the MoD and demystified various innovation processes.

One of the course's highlights was our visit to the MoD Main Building at Whitehall. Engaging in discussions on global issues with the Director of National Security was not only enlightening but also underscored the importance of high-level decision-making processes within large organisations.

Furthermore, the introduction to the Lean Start-up Methodology was a revelation. This asset has since proven invaluable, equipping me with tools and strategies that transcend the defence environment, finding relevance in diverse business and academic contexts.

Following the successful completion of my H4MoD course, I received interest from a major within the British Army who assumed the role of my industry mentor. He expressed a keen interest in the solutions we had developed through the course, and we engaged in a series of email exchanges as well as online meetings to discuss what’s next. These proposals are currently under review by Army personnel.

I am profoundly pleased to witness the tangible impact our findings have had on the British Army. This remarkable opportunity has been made possible through the education and training I received during the H4MoD course.

Current Endeavours and Aspirations

Post-H4MoD, my academic pursuits led me to King’s College London, where I'm currently specialising in Intelligence and International Security within the War Department. This academic year promises to be another enriching chapter, deepening my understanding of global security.

Simultaneously, I've embarked on an exciting internship with the Common Mission Project UK. Here, I'm leveraging my H4MoD knowledge to assist students in their courses, bridging the gap between academia and real-world defence challenges.

Having completed the H4MoD course at RMAS in 2023, I've since transitioned into an instrumental role at the Common Mission Project UK. My responsibilities encompass conducting interviews with students and gathering pivotal data. This experience is offering me a unique lens, understanding the challenges and opportunities that await the next generation of leaders in the defence sector.

What next for Andrea?

As I look ahead, I'm enthusiastic about completing my master’s at KCL, helping students during their H4MoD journey within my internship, and finally, developing my army career with the knowledge I have gained from H4MoD. The fusion of innovative education, hands-on experiences, and mission-driven goals continues to shape my journey, and I'm eager to see where it leads next.

My aspirations, enriched by the H4MoD experience, have been a testament to the power of innovative education. As I continue to navigate the complex world of global security and defence, I remain committed to driving positive impact, fostering collaboration, and championing mission-driven goals.

If you’re reading this and would like to be involved in H4MoD as either a sponsor, mentor, or educator, then please get in touch with us.