With a MSc in Mechanical Engineering, Cynthia found it difficult to return to industry after moving to the UK. Cynthia joined a STEM Returners programme with Wates Group in November 2022 as an Assistant Estimator.
What is your working background? If you like tell us about your career break.
I am Cynthia from Hong Kong. I graduated in Bachelor of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2020 and completed the MSc Programme in Mechanical Engineering at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in 2021.
I worked as mechanical engineer in semiconductor industry for a year in Hong Kong. I moved to and started my new life in UK in the summer last year.
What barriers have you faced when applying for roles?
It was difficult for me to find a new job in UK in the very beginning because I have less working experience. I tried to go back to semiconductor industry but didn’t succeed. I found the ad of STEM Returners during job search in LinkedIn.
How did STEM Returners help?
This programme provided the opportunity for me to continue my career without viewing how many years working experience I have, but focused on my abilities and skills. STEM Returners helped me a lot when I applied the job in Wates. They provided training on interview which is super helpful for me to know what I should or should not do during interview.
How has this changed your career?
Thanks all the help from STEM Returners and I started my work in Wates and changed to permanent position after 12 weeks STEM Returners programme. My career was changed from semiconductor industry to construction industry which is the huge challenge for me to learn everything new and adapt the new working environment and culture.