After deciding to increase his educational studies by a further 4 years and pursue a PhD, he was struggling to find employment where he could put his newly earned certification to use. Despite the many challenges of entering the job market, the STEM Returners programme at The Ministry of Defence provided him with the necessary resources and confidence to secure a position as a Theoretical Physicist.
Discover this returners inspiring story here:
Tell us a little bit about you.
I am from Lincolnshire and I studied theoretical physics at the University of York. I was interested in a role as a physicist or data scientist for my career, as I enjoy utilising the mathematical skills I have spent so long developing.
What is your working background? If you like tell us about your career break.
I decided to do a PhD at the university, extending my formal education by four year’s. This meant that by the age of 26, my only work experience had been at bars, kitchens and a warehouse along with an internship at the University one summer.
What barriers have you faced when applying for roles?
Plenty of jobs did not have much value for the PhD, so I was mostly looking for graduate schemes initially. This was a shame, as it felt as if I had wasted the last four years, which had functioned like any other 9-5 job.
Why did you approach STEM Returners?
Since employers often didn’t value the PhD as if it was gaining experience, I approached STEM Returners to help me find a role. It was as if I was out of work for the past four years.
How did STEM Returners help?
STEM Returners helped me find job postings that wanted scientists who had not been working in science recently. These employers often did recognise and appreciate that the PhD was still scientific development and that I have plenty of skills I didn’t have before I started.
What was the end result?
Not very long after joining STEM Returners I got myself a handful of different interviews to pursue and very quickly accepted a role as a theoretical physicist with the MOD!
How has this changed your career?
In my case, it has kick started my career. It has also allowed me to jump ahead of the graduate schemes to the level that I am able to perform at, which was one of my biggest worries. It is a career I actually enjoy and hope to spend my life in!
What would you say about the programme overall?
The team are very attentive, firstly listening to my unique situation, and what I actually want out of a career if I can choose. They then helped support me through the whole process, offering some advice on the interviews, and regularly checking in with me. This then continued after I had started the job, to check I was enjoying it and that my probation period was going well. Incredible support and deserves every praise.
Do you have any advice for returners like yourself?
Keep at it! STEM Returners are incredibly supportive and will listen to what YOU want, helping finding a career that suits what you want and need.
If you would like to register your interest in joining a STEM Returners programme, please visit Returner Registration – STEM Returners or view our current programme opportunities here.