A key reason why many STEM workers fail to land their dream role in engineering can often come down to a very simple ‘lack of experience.’
Companies can’t afford to take a gamble unless they know what you can do, which is exactly what held Dorota back… until she decided to embark on a STEM Returners programme with BAE.
An engineering graduate with a Masters degree, Dorota had struggled to find her first STEM role in the UK after moving from Poland to join her partner.
“I was struggling to find my first position in the industry because of a lack of relevant experience.
“I was working and volunteering but not in the engineering field. Whilst volunteering I was constantly looking for opportunities within my profession, and when I found out about STEM Returners, I decided to try and get into engineering with their help.”
Dorota took the step to contact STEM Returners and was placed on the BAE Systems programme in Portsmouth – Something that changed not only her career but also her life.
“My dream came true!
“The programme helped me find a role where I could prove my abilities and develop my skills.
“I was rejected a number of times through the traditional recruitment process but STEM’s programme gives a different point of view for recruiters and allows them to notice what is not recognised normally.”
The 13-week programme allowed global defence and security giants BAE to trial a number of returners who had the ability but lacked experience – the result, Dorota was given a permanent role as a Design Engineer.
“I became part of a great supportive team. It also gave me a chance to work for a prestigious company who produce a world-class product.
“My skills were recognised and I finally started my career in engineering. I can now continue to develop and at the same time add value to the company.”
Talking of the programme, Dorota would fully recommend it to other engineers struggling to find a position within the industry.
“I truly recommend the programme. It has changed my life for better and I am sure it has changed other people’s lives as well.”
People often are not recognised and rejected through the standard recruitment process because of a different background. The STEM Returners Programme gives an opportunity to show recruiters how various backgrounds can be valuable.
Despite being a chartered mechanical engineer Katherine was finding it increasingly difficult to #return to a rewarding career where she would be judged on her capability and not just her CV. Now a Senior Project Engineer at BAE Systems, find here story here.