Despite being a Chartered Mechanical Engineer and having huge amounts of experience, Katherine was finding it increasingly difficult to get the role the she wanted through standard recruitment channels where she was judged only on her CV, a portion of which had taken her outside of engineering. Recently looking to return from a career break, Katherine was unsure where next to take her career until she was approached with an opportunity to be judged on her capability. Following a successful STEM Returners programme, Katherine has just accepted a permanent position as a Senior Project Engineer with BAE Systems in Portsmouth. Read about how this has impacted her career.
Why did you approach STEM Returners?
I was actually approached on LinkedIn. I hadn’t heard of STEM Returners before but really liked the concept and felt that it was very much needed within engineering. It was refreshing to have the opportunity to be judged by what I could offer to an organisation. Although I had been consistently in work, much of this had been outside of engineering and I was soon to find that once you are out, it can be very difficult to get back in!
How did STEM Returners help?
The hardest thing to do is to get your CV in front of the right person. STEM Returners provided a much needed introduction that meant that my CV was less relevant and I could explain my experience in person and later demonstrate my capabilities on the job through the 12 week programme.
What was the end result?
After only 6 weeks of the 12 week programme, my skills were recognised and I was encouraged to interview for an internal permanent position as Senior Project Engineer that had become available within the area that I was working. I was delighted to be offered the job and now have an opportunity to work within an exciting engineering environment which is my true passion. I have also been supported and encouraged to re-gain my IMechE Chartership within the next 6 months which is great.
How has this changed your career?
It has put me back in to the UK engineering industry, and with a really exciting company where I can continue to develop and add lots of value.
Would you recommend the programme?
Absolutely and I already have to several people! It is so needed within engineering. People have different career routes and career breaks and need to be given an opportunity to be considered. Once they are given a chance they can do the rest to demonstrate their value.