Supporting Service: A Conversation with André Williams on Life as an ADF Reservist

As part of Parbery’s commitment to supporting employees who serve in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Reserves, we spoke with André Williams about his experience balancing Reserve service with a full-time career. André shares what motivated him to continue serving, how Parbery has supported his commitments, and the skills he brings back to the workplace.

What inspired you to join the ADF Reserves, and what role do you serve in?

My pathway is a little different because I was full-time in Defence for six years before joining the Reserves. When I was leaving Defence, I still loved the job and everything about it, and I couldn’t quite say a full goodbye. Joining the Reserves allowed me to stay connected to Defence and continue doing work I’m passionate about.

My role is as a Signals Wireless Operator, which involves planning and managing communications systems and radio networks. It’s a role I’ve always enjoyed, and the sense of pride that comes with serving is still very much there.

What does a typical commitment to the Reserves look like, and what are the biggest challenges of balancing that with a full-time career?

It varies from person to person depending on their role and circumstances. For me, I generally commit about one week each month, which fits well with both my lifestyle and my role at Parbery.

The biggest challenge is shifting between two very different environments. My day-to-day life is now in a corporate setting, so transitioning back into the military environment each month requires a mental adjustment. It takes a little time to get back into that way of working, but it’s something I’ve become accustomed to.

How has Parbery supported you throughout your time in the Reserves?

Parbery has been incredibly supportive from the beginning. When I first discussed my Reserve commitments, the team took the time to sit down with me and work through what would be needed to make it successful.

The support has been built on open communication and flexibility. It’s very much a two-way conversation, and my team has always been willing to accommodate my commitments while ensuring we continue to deliver for our clients.

How do you manage your workload while undertaking Reserve service?

It comes down to communication and planning. My leaders and I work together to make sure everyone knows when I’ll be away and what work needs to be managed during that time.

There haven’t really been any significant challenges. Occasionally there may be time-sensitive work that requires some extra planning, but overall it has worked very smoothly because everyone stays informed and involved.

How do the values of Defence align with the work you do at Parbery?

One of the strongest connections is collaboration. In Defence, we work with a wide range of teams to achieve a common objective, and that same mindset applies at Parbery.

Another area is community. During my time in Defence, I supported Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic by working in quarantine hotels alongside nurses and other frontline workers. Experiences like that reinforce the importance of supporting communities and working together to achieve positive outcomes, which is something I also see reflected at Parbery.

Are there skills or perspectives from your service that you’ve been able to bring back into your work at Parbery?

Definitely. Teamwork is probably the biggest one. Defence teaches you how to work effectively within a team while also taking ownership of your own responsibilities.

Adaptability is another key skill. In Defence, situations can change quickly, and you often need to adjust your approach depending on the environment or challenge in front of you. That ability to move between different situations, work with different people and respond to changing circumstances is something I bring into my role at Parbery every day.

What has your experience been like balancing Reserve service and your civilian career?

It’s been a really positive experience. I’ve been in the Reserves for nearly a year now, and while I’ve recently moved into a new position that requires a greater time commitment, I’ve found the balance very manageable.

Having the support of my team and the flexibility Parbery provides has made it possible to continue serving while also developing my civilian career. It’s something I’m proud to be part of, and I appreciate working for an organisation that values and supports Reserve service.